*PLANNING DIRECTOR
Salary Range GC30

INTRODUCTION

This classification serves as chief administrator of Douglas County's land use planning program and serves as planning specialist to provide expert and technical advise to the Board of Commissioners. The planning administrator serves as department head of the planning department and plans, organizes and directs all activities related to the management of the department.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Provide technical support to and serve as liaison to the Board of Commissioners related to land use policy and guidance matters, recommendations, troubleshooting and governing body relations.

2. Participate in statewide program involving planning issues, management and development of new laws related to County government and following and participating in the legislative process to ensure program conformity with state and local laws and regulations.

3. Develop, manage, coordinate and evaluate department operations and activities. Develop procedures, policies and other support systems for efficient operations to meet current and long-range goals. Establish and/or approve departmental policy and procedure; approve project or legislative proposals to ensure overall quality control.

4. Supervise support staff through management team in the areas of departmental goals, identification and scheduling of projects and progress review; offer assistance as needed and determine best solution when problems arise. Train staff and ensure compliance with standards. Final approval of all selection, promotion and termination of employees. Assume responsibility for work performed within museum. Establish and interpret policy and procedure.

5. Represent the department activities and programs to the community, planning commission, regulatory agencies, consultants, committees. Respond to, and effectively resolve, inquiries, complaints or problems affecting services. Interpret policy and procedure to the public.

6. Prepare and administer annual budget; present to budget committee; monitor fiscal expenditures and revenues.

7. Advise, assist and participate in committee activities and related special projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Extensive knowledge of planning concepts, principles, techniques and practices; thorough knowledge of laws, codes, rules, regulations and ordinances applied to land use planning, thorough knowledge of those phases of geography, civil engineering, economics, sociology and architecture which apply to planning, thorough knowledge of principles, methods and techniques of effective administration including public relations, personnel management and fiscal management to develop, implement and evaluate programs. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; formulate and implement operational and administrative policies; plan, develop and evaluate funding requirements; prepare and justify budget requests; perform short and long-range financial planning; analyze and evaluate operations and develop and implement corrective action to resolve problems; establish and maintain record keeping systems and reports; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; supervise, motivate and lead support staff; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; courteously meet and deal effectively with employees, Board of Commissioners, County department heads, planning commission, committees, federal and state regulatory agencies, community groups, media and the public.

Education, experience and education: Bachelor's Degree in Planning or a related field and six years experience in planning or a related field which include two years management or supervisory experience OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training. Must possess valid Oregon Driver's License at the time of appointment.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

This classification is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners.

This classification provides direct supervision to the management team and indirect supervision to all other staff members and has final responsibility for work performed by the Planning Department.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within budget, political policy, Land Use and Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, Oregon Revised Statutes, Oregon Administrative Rules, County and departmental policy and procedure; incumbent must remain current on guidelines and uses extensive judgment in interpreting and usage of appropriate guideline. As Department Head can implement or revise departmental policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in a office environment. Occasional field work is required and attendance at meetings requires driving.