*PLANNER 2
Pay Range GC19

INTRODUCTION

The classifications within this five-level series perform professional planning duties including research, analysis, presentation of data; interpretation and enforcement of state and local land use regulations and development of plan or ordinance provision, coordination and comprehensive plan maintenance and updates.

This classification is intermediate-level within the professional planner series and is distinguished by performing journey-level professional planning duties using considerable judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines. Incumbents are responsible for independently carrying out the comprehensive plan and development ordinance provision and supporting the department in meeting administrative and long-range planning goals and objectives.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1. Interpret local ordinances for determination of appropriate land use actions. Conduct conferences with clients using the land use system. Write and monitor administrative land use decisions. Assist clients in the development permit process. Provide information and interpret ordinances.

2. Direct citizen involvement program. Manage the day-to-day functions of the program; provide professional advisory support to and oversee ten committees; conduct monthly meetings; develop and present informational workshops; prepare newsletter, prepare annual report.

3. Review applications for completeness, write legal descriptions, oversee notification, perform field check to determine compliance with comprehensive goals and policies, investigate provided written and oral comments.

4. Prepare for conferences by reviewing research material and determine appropriate application and alternate courses of action. On weekly basis, conduct pre-application conferences. Explain procedural matters, substantive requirements, opportunities, constraints, and otherwise provide professional assistance to clients. Process appropriate supportive material.

5. Administer land use and development ordinance provisions pertaining to ministerial and administrative land use decisions; provide staff level decisions delegated by director.

6. Research, analyze, and prepare studies, reports, recommendations and statistics on comprehensive land use planning and state-wide issues. Update and republish plan elements; interpret state amendment proposals and formulate county response.

7. Counsel the public, state agencies, special districts and cities in person or by phone with problems, questions and complaints regarding land use, land development and zoning and the statewide planning program; interpret local and state rules and regulations.

8. Prepare documents required to satisfy conditions of approval, ensure compliance with the condition of approval, review maps for completeness and format, and coordinate with the director for signature. Mediate resolutions of objections to application through utility coordination sessions and meetings between applicants and parties to applications.

9. Serve as expert staff responsible for clearance of complex development approval requests and in agency coordination issues.

10. Attend meetings and hearings with public groups and provide professional planning support.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Considerable knowledge of planning concepts, principles, theory and development techniques; considerable knowledge of state and local procedures, regulations and ordinances associated with land use planning; considerable knowledge of research methodology and statistical techniques; considerable knowledge of use maps, land use data and other professional planning materials; considerable knowledge of industrial, commercial, residential developments, subdivision design to review and evaluate proposals. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written form; conduct research and to compile and analyze data; establish and maintain recordkeeping systems and reports; make decisions independently in accordance with established policy and procedures, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; efficiently organize time and meet established deadlines; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, other agency representatives, commissions, committees, contractors, engineers and the public.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree in planning, geography, public administration or a related field and two years experience in city, county or regional planning OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training. At time of appointment, must possess valid Oregon driver's license.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the guidance of either a senior planner or planning manager. The employee works independently in administering a complex area of responsibility and confers with supervisor for professional advice. Discretion is required in applying general goal and policy statements, in development of recommendations, policies and procedures and in resolving program problems. Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with authority and responsibility in area of service. Periodic reviews of work performance are conducted in terms of expected results.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within department policy and procedures; federal, state, county and local statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; Douglas County Comprehensive Plan, Douglas County Land Use and Development Ordinance. Incumbent uses considerable judgment in interpreting guidelines and adapting to special situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment with occasional field investigation which may require bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 25 pounds, stooping, standing and walking. A reasonable amount of driving is required.