Senior Planner (novato)

APPLY ONLINE AT: Novatojobs.org

THE POSITION

This position will work closely with the Director and the Planning Manager to manage new development applications and develop regulations and policies to address recent and pending changes in housing law. The individual in this position will also likely develop and implement new or modified housing programs to meet community goals and objectives; lead efforts to develop strategies to accommodate new regional housing needs (RHNA) allocations, and work closely with community groups and organizations in public workshops and meetings. The position will also manage a broad range development entitlement applications and environmental review documentation.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Planning Division has two primary functions:

Assisting the community, and ultimately the City Council, plan for the City's future development.

Reviewing proposed development projects for conformance with the City's adopted policies and ordinances and environmental laws.

The Division is responsible for maintaining and implementing the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, which guide development decisions, and the City's Climate Change Action Plan which seeks to lower emissions of greenhouse gases and adapt to the effects of climate change.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional planning experience and will be knowledgeable in California land use and urban planning principles, laws and practices. A strong background in housing issues, legislation, policies, programs, and trends is highly desirable. Experience drafting policies, programs, and ordinances and managing environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act is extremely valued. Candidates must have the equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or community planning, geography, public administration, or a related field. A Master's degree (or comparable) is desired, but not essential.

Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to effectively interact with all City departments, Design Review Commission, Planning Commission, City Council, outside agencies, the public, and the media. The ideal candidate will be able to independently perform high level policy analysis, manage project schedules, budgets, and consultant contracts, maintain attention to detail, analyze a variety of data and develop logical and practical policy recommendations relating to land use and development.

Essential Functions:

Provide lead supervision and technical assistance to professional and technical planning staff; assist in conducting performance evaluations.

Develop and present recommendations on various development permits and applications; prepare appropriate reports.

Confer with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning and zoning matters; provide information regarding City development requirements.

Conduct and lead planning studies in the community to gather data for evaluating current and advanced planning projects.

Develop general plan elements and amendments; prepare long-term planning recommendation, precise plans or complex subdivisions; coordinate City staff requirements for the General Plan.

Perform extensive research and analysis on planning activities including policy implementation established by the general plan, zoning ordinance, downtown plan or other land use and development ordinances.

Provide information to the public regarding zoning, land use and the general plan; participate in public meetings as necessary.

Marginal Functions:

Provide staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees; make presentations on planning activities as required.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

Modern principles and practices of urban planning and development.

Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.

Research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.

Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.

Pertinent State, Federal and local rules, regulations, and ordinances.

Ability to:

-Interpret and apply pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

-Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements and correspondence.

-Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

-Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

-Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communications with others.

-Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following: Sitting for extended periods of time and operating assigned equipment.

-Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: Making observations, communicating with others, reading, and writing, and operating assigned equipment.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of responsible professional urban planning experience.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, regional planning, or a related field.