8949 - Planner III (Development Services)

Jackson County Oregon; Medford (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson County is seeking a Planner III in the Development Services Department, Current Planning Division, in Oregon. The role involves coordinating planning activities, reviewing proposals, assisting the public, preparing reports, and presenting findings.

Strong communication, analytical skills and teamwork are essential. Ideal applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in planning or related field and 3 years of professional planning experience, with a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in planning or related field with 3 years of professional planning experience, or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates current planning activities and monitors division staff.
• Reviews development proposals for compliance with codes and regulations.
• Assists the public with planning inquiries and simple to complex permits.
• Prepares reports, maps and graphics describing department research and recommendations.
• Provides training and public education programs as requested.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Team oriented

Planning knowledge

ArcGIS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Three years of professional planning experience

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Jackson County Employment Opportunity.

Jackson County is seeking a Planner III in the team-oriented Development Services Department for the Current Planning Division. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of both rural and urban land use planning, preferably in the Oregon context. Strong communication and presentation skills, analytical abilities and problem-solving aptitude are essential. Candidates should have the ability to work well with planning commission(s), local elected officials, the public, citizen committees, developers and other interest groups. This position will be processing planning applications, working with the general public at the front counter, preparing reports and documentation, as well as making presentations as assigned.

Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees!

• Current Planning experience preferred.
• Customer service experience and skills preferred.
• Public speaking experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills required.
• Team oriented attitude is essential.
• Experience with ArcGIS is a plus.
• Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
• Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire.

• Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana.

• This position is represented by union group SEIU.

I. Position Summary

Coordinates current and comprehensive planning activities; reviews and approves complex development proposals and planning projects consistent with local and state regulations; interprets and implements ordinances for conformance with state and county planning goals and regulations; compiles and prepares final reports descriptive of department projects and recommendations; and, provides general assistance to the public on land use issues and regulations. Performs specialized work, exercises independence with only occasional instruction or assistance and provides technical supervision in project management.

II. Examples of Essential Position Duties

(The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)

• Coordinates current planning activities; schedules and monitors the work of division personnel as assigned by Program Manager and Director.
• Reviews major and minor development proposals, commercial site plans, comprehensive plans, map amendments and other documents for completeness, feasibility and compliance with applicable codes, regulations and ordinances; facilitates plan review for developers.
• Assists the public reviewing, analyzing and approving simple to complex over-the-counter permits.
• Manages a case load containing higher order cases; facilitates the processing of planning applications; coordinates with other divisions and departments; communicates with customers on a regular basis; assists other technical staff with case management.
• Prepares reports, maps and other graphic display materials descriptive of department research and recommendations; prepares plans and ordinances as part of the county's planning program; collects, maintains and updates complex data and inventories.
• Receives and responds to public inquiries regarding planning projects and goals, codes and land use matters; provides statistical information in response to inquiries from the general public and other agencies.
• Assists Planning Commission, Hearings Officer, Board of Commissioners, committees, community organizations, etc. as required; attends and/or conducts related meetings and makes presentations as requested and assigned.
• Provides training and public education programs to various groups, department staff and commissions as requested.
• Prepares orders and ordinances for approval.
• Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
• Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
• Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.

III. Minimum Requirements

(Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or related field, supplemented by three years of professional planning experience; OR
• Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.

License, Certificate or Other

Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

IV. Other Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Position requires extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, design, development and administration; general knowledge of landscape design, architecture, geography, sociology and economics; extensive knowledge of applicable codes, regulations and laws; and knowledge of the procedures for public hearings. May require knowledge of historic preservation planning procedures and regulations for the protection of resources. Position requires ability to understand and interpret mapping information; ; ability to make independent decisions; ability to negotiate effectively; understand and use practical and advanced levels of mathematics to measure, interpret, analyze and determine relationships and proportions of land uses and features; interpret and implement zoning ordinances and other development ordinances; exercise initiative and professional judgement when carrying out duties; plan and coordinate the work of others; provide technical supervision on individual projects; understand and carry out oral and written directions; operate office equipment including a computer and peripheral equipment, calculator, camera, engineering and architect's scales and drafting instruments; prepare clear and concise recommendations and reports related to planning activities; read and understand ordinances, maps, architectural plans, and technical and statistical reports; communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing; prepare and make effective public presentations; establish and maintain cooperative, professional and courteous working relationships with staff members and those contacted in the course of work; interpret and explain department policies and procedures and land use codes and regulations as necessary.

Physical Demands

(Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands)

Requires the ability to exert some physical effort, as in standing, walking and light lifting; requires sufficient hand-eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, filing, data entry and/or use of calculators, ten-key adding machine or other office equipment or supplies. Tasks require visual and color perception and discrimination as well as oral communications ability. Requires driving and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Working Conditions

(Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions)

Work is generally performed in an office environment and may include exposure to disruptive people.

V. Additional Information

This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management’s decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification. The County shall schedule employees and determine FTE consistent with its determination as to efficiency of operations, financial advantages to the County, and/or effective service to the public.

ADA and Equal Opportunity Employer

In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its amendments, Jackson County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. A person who requires an accommodation for any part of the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Office, Attn. ADA Coordinator, at [phone] or by TTY/TDD 711 or [phone] as far in advance as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled need.

Jackson County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. For a copy of Jackson County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, visit our web site at www.jacksoncountyor.gov or call 541-774-6036.

Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the County must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.