PLANNER I

THE TOWN:
The award-winning Town of Windsor is located in Sonoma County and offers the highly acclaimed wine country experience, along with economic opportunity, temperate weather, safe and well-maintained streets and parks, and a beautiful location.  The Town has a population of 28,565 and is situated 60 miles north of San Francisco, 20 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, and 8 miles northwest of the County Seat in Santa Rosa. Incorporated as a common law city in July 1992, Windsor provides a modern, relaxed lifestyle with a growing retail and industrial center for the North County.  The Town is currently on a 4/10 work schedule from Monday through Thursday, and is closed on Friday, allowing employees more time to enjoy a work-life balance.

PLANNER I/II
 
DEFINITION
Under direct and general supervision, performs technical and professional planning work in the office and in the field related to current and advance planning, housing and affordable housing, economic development, environmental review and code enforcement, and related work as required.

PLANNER III

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs technical and professional planning work in the office and in the field related to current and advance planning, housing and affordable housing, economic development, environmental review, code enforcement, and related work as required.  Serves as lead planner for, or participates in, advanced highly complex and/or high-profile professional planning activities and projects.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
 
Planner I/II/III is a flexibly-staffed class series in the Planning Series. Advancement from the Planner I level to the II level, or the Planner II level to the III level is at the discretion of the appointment authority, provided that the following criteria are met: (1) the minimum qualifications and time-in-grade requirements, (2) demonstration of the ability to independently perform the full scope of the assigned duties. The Planner I classification is differentiated form the Community Development Technician classification in that the latter does not require the equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in planning or a related field and does not perform professional planning level work. The Planner II classification is differentiated from the Planner III classification in that the former does not generally provide supervision for professional, administrative and/or technical staff.
 
Planner I is the entry level class in the professional planning series. Work activities involve research, data collection and development, technical assignments, and assignments in current or advance planning or environmental analysis, which require the application of fundamental planning principles. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher level employees. Planner I positions are normally considered to be entry-level positions. As assigned responsibilities and breadth of knowledge increase with experience, incumbents are expected to be performing at a journey level and may be eligible to advance to the next higher classification of Planner II.
 
Planner II is the journey level class in the professional planning series. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Planner I, or when filled from the outside, require two years of prior professional planning work experience. Work involves responsibility for the application of professional knowledge and skills to various planning problems and projects. Responsibilities include the preparation of specific reports and plans with opportunity for independent judgment in planning work details and making technical determinations. Work in this class is distinguished from that of the Planner I class by the greater complexity of the assignments received and by the greater independence with which the incumbent is expected to operate, and the responsibility of managing consultant contracts.

Planner III is the advanced professional level class in the professional planning series and is categorized as a management position. The Planner III position has a broad range of independence within policy and procedural limitations. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Planner II, or, when filled from the outside, require a minimum five years of professional level planning experience. The Planner III is expected to possess the full range of knowledge, abilities and experience required to perform the more difficult and complex work involving the application of professional planning principles and theory to various municipal planning and zoning issues. Individuals assigned to this classification are expected to work independently, complete complex and difficult projects, and perform higher level assignments, many of which have high public visibility. The Planner III does not directly supervise, but may provide technical direction to staff and serve in a lead capacity or as a technical expert in a particular area. Incumbents may also serve as staff liaison to boards and commissions, and represent the Town through direct participation in local or regional committees or forums. Planner III is differentiated from the Planning Manager classification in that the latter has responsibility for day-to-day management of the department's planning division and assisting with the development and implementation of departmental goals, strategies, practices and work programs.
 
Planner I/II
Salary Range: $32.95-47.54/Hour

PLANNER III
Salary Range: $7,655.92 - $9,561.19/Month

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. For Planner I, duties are performed at the entry/training level; for Planner II, duties are performed at the journey level. 
 

• Research, collect, record, analyze, interpret, and summarize statistical and demographic information; prepare spreadsheets and establish and maintain databases.
• Assist the public at the front counter, on the phone and by email, answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, development standards, approved development proposals, and the Town's entitlement process.
• Conduct research studies and prepare reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, economic development, and community service needs.
• Make oral and graphic presentations or prepare material for presentation to elected/appointed bodies and community groups.
• Prepare a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, memorandums and correspondence.
• Assist with the review and modification of the General Plan, Specific Plans, Zoning Ordinance, special studies or plans, and other projects.
• Review and make recommendations on zoning and permit applications, site plans, and architectural designs, including the processing of current and advanced planning projects from submittal through environmental review, public hearing, plan check and final inspection.
• Prepare reports for decision-making bodies, including formulation of recommendations, preparation of well-organized technical reports that incorporate graphic products (maps, diagrams, drawings, etc.) and findings, and conditions of approval, and make presentations.
• Serve as project manager on planning and development projects, which includes application and plan review, coordination with project applicants and other Town departments, preparation of legal notices, background research, environmental review, preparation of staff reports, scheduling meetings and hearings, and monitoring of project implementation to verify substantial conformance with approved plans, conditions, and mitigation measures.
• Prepare or assist in preparing and reviewing environmental documents required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including: initial studies, negative declarations and environmental impact reports; mitigation monitoring and reporting plans; response to comments; and filing of required notices.
• Assist with the development and implementation of Town-wide economic development programs including efforts focused on retail attraction, promotional outreach efforts to bring in specific targeted businesses to the City, and identification of economic development priorities.
• Assist with the development and implementation of immediate and long-term housing strategies, plans, and programs for the City's housing programs including the General Plan Housing Element and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
• Receive and respond to complaints of zoning code violations, including performing field inspections to document reported violations, identifying and communicating corrective actions to be taken by property owner; and coordinating compliance actions with other departments and outside agencies if/as necessary.
• Perform various duties related to alcoholic beverages control (ABC) license referrals, home occupation permits, and other types of business licenses.
• Review and sign off on plans submitted for building permit plan check review for conformance with Town land use regulations, development standards and/or project conditions of approval.

Planner III
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following. Planner III duties are performed at the advance level:
 

• Assign, indirectly supervise and/or review the work of subordinates, and manage and review the work of consultants, to ensure the overall quality of professional planning work and appropriate application of Town policies and regulations; train staff.
• Participate in pre-application meetings; provide guidance to professional and technical staff members to assist the public and other Town staff to efficiently apply applicable regulations, resolve problems, and expedite the development process; staff and/or effectively represent the Community Development Department at Town Council, Planning Commission and other public meetings.
• Draft requests for proposals and agreements with consultants; administer contracts with consultants involved in major projects or studies; oversee the quality and technical application of Town policies and regulations in draft reports.
• Lead Staff Review Committee meetings and other inter-departmental meetings as requested.
•  Attend and effectively represent the Community Development Department at county-wide or regional committee meetings and/or workshops related to planning, housing and economic development.
• Research, collect, record, analyze, interpret, and summarize statistical and demographic information; prepare spreadsheets and establish and maintain databases.
• Assist the public at the front counter, on the phone and by email, answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, development standards, approved development proposals, and the Town's entitlement process.
• Conduct research studies and prepare reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, economic development, and community service needs.
• Make oral and graphic presentations or prepare material for presentation to elected/appointed bodies and community groups.
• Prepare a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, memorandums and correspondence.
• Assist with the review and modification of the General Plan, Specific Plans, Zoning Ordinance, special studies or plans, and other projects.
• Review and make recommendations on zoning and permit applications, site plans, and architectural designs, including the processing of current and advanced planning projects from submittal through environmental review, public hearing, plan check and final inspection.
• Prepare reports for decision-making bodies, including formulation of recommendations, preparation of well-organized technical reports that incorporate graphic products (maps, diagrams, drawings, etc.) and findings, and conditions of approval, and make presentations.
• Serve as project manager on planning and development projects, which includes application and plan review, coordination with project applicants and other Town departments, preparation of legal notices, background research, environmental review, preparation of staff reports, scheduling meetings and hearings, and monitoring of project implementation to verify substantial conformance with approved plans, conditions, and mitigation measures.
• Prepare or assist in preparing and reviewing environmental documents required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including: initial studies, negative declarations and environmental impact reports; mitigation monitoring and reporting plans; response to comments; and filing of required notices.
• Assist with the development and implementation of Town-wide economic development programs including efforts focused on retail attraction, promotional outreach efforts to bring in specific targeted businesses to the City, and identification of economic development priorities.
• Assist with the development and implementation of immediate and long-term housing strategies, plans, and programs for the City's housing programs including the General Plan Housing Element and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.
• Receive and respond to complaints of zoning code violations, including performing field inspections to document reported violations, identifying and communicating corrective actions to be taken by property owner; and coordinating compliance actions with other departments and outside agencies if/as necessary.
• Perform various duties related to alcoholic beverages control (ABC) license referrals, home occupation permits, and other types of business licenses.
• Review and sign off on plans submitted for building permit plan check review for conformance with Town land use regulations, development standards and/or project conditions of approval.

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles, practices, techniques and laws related to urban planning, of California planning, zoning and development laws, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State Subdivision Map Act, environmental sustainability and climate change, economic development, housing and community development.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• 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 community development administration.
• Site planning and architectural design.
• California housing laws and policies.
• Building codes, including CalGreen.
• Principles and techniques of providing effective customer service.
• Code enforcement.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures and computer equipment.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Town staff.

 Planner II, in addition to the above knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of planning, housing, economic development and/or environmental law.

Planner III, in addition to the above knowledge:

• General principles of employee training and supervision.
• Current trends in municipal planning, general principles of effective organization and administration.

Ability to: 

• Determine program compliance with Federal, State and local rules, laws, ordinances and regulations.
• Interpret and apply pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
• Understand laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Understand and apply applicable environmental laws and regulations, and methods of assessment.
• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Analyze and compile statistical and technical information, including recommendations regarding the use of property.
• Prepare a variety of planning reports.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, sometimes in adversarial situations.
• Research, prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports.
• Read, analyze and evaluate architectural and site plans, technical statements and correspondence related to development projects.
• Learn and utilize new technology.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively represent the department and the Town in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals. Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Prepare and present clear, concise and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized files, record keeping, and project management systems.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Planner II, in addition to the above abilities:

•  Perform professional planning work with a minimum of supervision.

Planner III, in addition to the above abilities:

• Ability to effectively lead staff members and/or consultants.
• Indirectly supervise and provide guidance on the work of subordinates and consultants.

Education and Experience: 
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: 
Planner I:
Possession of a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited educational institution with a major in urban or regional planning, economic development or other closely-related field.  Relevant work experience with a government agency may substitute for the educational requirement.
Planner II:
Same requirements as a Planner I and, either: two years of work experience as a Planner I with the Town of Windsor; or, three years of experience in professional planning work in development review, long-range planning, economic development or housing with a government agency or private consulting firm.
Planner III:
Same requirements as a Planner II and, either:  three years of work experience as a Planner II with the Town of Windsor, or five years of experience in professional planning work in development review, long-range planning, economic development or housing with a government agency or private consulting firm. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

•  Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect Town development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various Town and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.   Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
 Search Schedule: 
Job Open: June 1, 2022
First Review of Applications: June 16, 2022
Oral Board Interviews: June 29, 2022
Second Round Interviews: July 6, 2022

These dates have been confirmed and it is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly. 

A completed Town of Windsor application and supplemental questionnaire are required. Applications can be submitted through our website www.townofwindsor.com. Resumes will not be accepted without an application.   

THE SELECTION PROCESS
 Applications will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for a practical exam, an oral interview or both.  Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion in the selection process. Once the recruitment has closed, please check your e-mail for any updates on your status in the interview process.
 
 The Town of Windsor Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified disabled applicants.  Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Division in writing by the final filing date.
 
 
 EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
 Employment offers are normally made following reference and background checks and are always contingent upon fingerprint clearance and successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination given by a Town-designated physician.
 
 Employment is contingent upon verification of identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). Information contained in this announcement does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.  These provisions are subject to change.  All appointments are subject to the Town Manager's approval.
 
The Town of Windsor is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary : $68,536 - $114,733