Extra Help Planning Technician I

County of Tulare; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Tulare County is seeking an Extra Help Planning Assistant to support the Resource Management Agency in Visalia. The role involves researching planning information, responding to public inquiries, and assisting CEQA procedures with data collection and reporting.

Responsibilities include compiling census data, checking permit-related applications for completeness, and drafting staff reports. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, with a valid California driver's license

Qualifications

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, preferably supplemented by college coursework in planning or a closely related field.
• Significant experience at a technical or clerical level in planning work or related field such as engineering or public administration in lieu of college coursework.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist planning staff in researching information, including literature and statute research; compiling data for reports and inquiries.
• Answer questions from the public, agencies, and other departments concerning the Tulare County General Plan and related ordinances.
• Review CEQA procedures to assist in the preparation of CEQA documents and environmental studies.
• Compile and interpret Census data to prepare the Census Data Book and respond to census requests.
• Check applications for completeness and compliance with planning ordinances.
• Make field investigations to collect or verify planning data.
• Prepare staff reports and assist in departmental projects.
• Provide instructions regarding map work to graphics and draft rough maps.
• Coordinate work with other departments and sections.
• Attend and present planning project findings to Site Plan Review Committee or Planning Director.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Reading/ordinances

Data collection

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with planning coursework

Experience in planning or related field in lieu of college coursework

Job description

Applications will be reviewed by Tulare County Human Resources & Development. As extra help positions become available, County departments with the job openings select the most qualified and appropriate applicant for the position available. The number of hours and duration of employment varies by each assignment. Extra help employees may work in a variety of County departments in locations throughout the geographic county area.

Extra help employees may not work more than 1,559 hours in any fiscal year from July to June. An extra help employee who mistakenly works in excess of 1,559 hours in a fiscal year does not become a probationary or regular employee. Applications will be active for six months. If you are hired for extra help and you complete a work assignment and then if you wish to be employed again, you must resubmit an Extra Help application online. There are no benefits associated with extra help positions.

Current vacancy is with the Resource Management Agency located in Visalia.

• Assist planning staff in researching information, including literature and statute research; performing written and oral consultations with various agencies; and compiling data for reports and inquiries.
• Answer questions and requests from the public, agencies, and other departments concerning the Tulare County General Plan and various ordinances related to planning.
• Review California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) procedures to assist planners in the preparation of CEQA documents and environmental studies.
• Compile and interpret U.S. Census Data to assist in the preparation of the Tulare County Census Data Book, and answer questions and requests for census information.
• Check applications such as building permits, parcel maps, lot splits, zone changes, environmental assessment and agricultural preserves for completeness and compliance/non-compliance with planning related ordinances.
• Make field investigations to collect or verify planning data.
• Compile data and information and prepare staff reports.
• Assist planners in completing departmental projects.
• Give instructions regarding map work to the graphics section on specific projects.
• Draft rough maps and plot land use information.
• Coordinate work with departmental sections and other departments.
• Make title searches.
• Assign house numbers according to a predetermined plan.
• Attend and present basic planning project findings to Site Plan Review Committee, Zoning Administrator, and/or Planning Director.
• Instruct graphics section on specific projects.
• Perform general office tasks such as filing, duplicating and collating materials, and delivering reports.
• Assist in maintaining alphabetical and numerical case files.
• Input and retrieve data from automated systems.
• Use computer software to create memos and reports and perform mathematical computations.

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, preferably supplemented by college coursework in planning or a closely related field
• Or Significant experience at a technical or clerical level in planning work or related field such as engineering, architecture, or public administration in lieu of college coursework.

Knowledge of:

• Basic math to compute averages and percentages.
• Alphabetical and numerical filing systems.

Skill/Ability to:

• Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers.
• Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment.
• Read and understand ordinances and regulations pertaining to planning.
• Obtain and file information alphabetically and numerically.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers.
• Convey ideas and information clearly and concisely in simple staff reports, letters, and memos using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
• Recall information.
• Proofread materials for accuracy and correct grammar.
• Follow oral and written instructions.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Skill/Ability to:

• Interpret and apply ordinances and regulations concerning planning.
• Understand maps and aerial photographs to obtain information such as land use, distances, and topography.
• Organize work and establish priorities.
• Define problems and formulate recommendations.
• Use measuring devices such as planimeters, footometers, engineering scales and architectural scales.

Prepare and present planning information at public meetings.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.

College Cost Reduction Access Act

This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER