Planner I​/II​/III

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Participate in long-range planning policy formulation.
• Recommends land use and development policies and assists in developing or revising ordinances.
• May conduct inspection of sites to ensure compliance with the General Plan and Zoning Codes.
• Interprets the use permits in each zone according to zoning and related ordinances.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of maps and graphs.
• Answers inquiries from the public relating to planning and zoning.
• Provide staff support to and participates in the implementation of the general plan and other plans.
• Contact federal, state and local agencies to discuss the feasibility of acquiring financing for projects.
• Process application for the development projects.
• Participates in the environmental activities for decision-making bodies.
• May provide training and lead supervision to subordinate professional staff.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major work in Planning, Environmental Studies, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. (Experience comparable to that of a Planning Technician or Code Compliance Specialist with Merced County may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Experience: Two (2) years of professional public planning experience equivalent to a Planner I in Merced County. (A Master's degree in Planning may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.)

Education: Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major work in Planning or a closely related field. (Experience comparable to that of a Planning Technician or Code Compliance Specialist with Merced County may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Experience: Two (2) years of professional public planning experience equivalent to a Planner I in Merced County. (A Master's Degree in Planning may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.)

Education: Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major work in Planning or a closely related field. (Additional professional planning experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis).

Experience: Two (2) years of professional public planning experience equivalent to a Planner II in Merced County. (A Master's Degree in Planning may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.)

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

• Operate a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions and respond appropriately to situations.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives.
• Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception.
• Frequently lift, carry, reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects.
• Frequent use of hand-eye coordination; repetitive hand and arm motion.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.

• Principles, methods, and techniques of land use planning and zoning administration.
• Current trends in land use planning and community design; planning/zoning ordinances and regulations.
• Research and statistical methods; principles, practices and techniques of drafting.
• Land use relationships, socio-economic factors, site planning and environmental impact assessment.
• Laws, ordinances, and regulations governing planning in California and Merced County.
• The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and environmental impact assessments.

• Analyze socio-economic and environmental data as well as develop alternative solutions to problems.
• Communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in writing and orally and through graphic illustrations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff, public and other departments.
• Analyze project proposals and prepare staff reports for decision‑making bodies.
• Interpret planning laws and apply them to development proposals.
• Read and interpret maps, charts and illustrations used in planning activities.
• Assess citizen goals and formulate plans, objectives and policies to respond to these needs.
• Prepare planning ordinances needed to implement specific plans.
• Provide lead direction and guidance to staff and organize and conduct major research studies.