Job Descriptions

Under general supervision to perform advanced level professional planning and technical assignments supporting the development review, long-range and special projects programs of the city; and to provide responsible staff assistance to the Development Services Director.

This position is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association Bargaining Unit for labor relation purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

This is the advanced journey level class within the professional planning series. Level of responsibility, complexity of assignments and level of supervision exercised distinguishes this class from the Associate Planner. The Senior Planner position requires the ability to apply professional knowledge and skills to various municipal planning problems and projects. Responsibilities include the preparation of specific reports and plans that require independent judgement in making recommendations and technical determinations. Employees at this level are expected to be very knowledgeable about the city’s ordinances and policies and to work effectively with only minimal instruction and direction. Employees at this level are expected to supervise the work of subordinate positions, as may be necessary from time to time depending on tasks assigned.

This classification is part of the professional planning series, but not part of the flexible-staffing program. Promotional opportunities will be based upon workload needs as determined by the Development Services Director.

• Provides information to the public via telephone, front counter and/or Internet.
• Gathers and evaluates data for various planning studies (e.g. land use, transportation, zoning, economic development, redevelopment, and housing, etc.).
• Prepares comprehensive reports and develops solutions and/or recommendations.
• Reviews development proposals for compliance with the city’s policies and ordinances.
• Conducts and chairs meetings with developers, property owners, developer representatives and other interested parties.
• Prepares and presents reports to the Planning Commission, City Council and other bodies.
• Participates in public hearings and public meetings relative to planning applications and/or policy decisions.
• Confers with the public, other city employees, other agency employees and governmental officials regarding planning related issues and projects.
• Works with and coordinates the work of consultants, including the preparation of requests for proposals and contract management.
• Reviews existing laws and regulations as required.
• Prepares drafts of policies and regulations as directed.
• May train, plan, assign and supervise the work of subordinate personnel.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Ability to:

• Review, collect, and analyze and interpret data pertaining to planning.
• Understand the organizational structure of the city and current policy issues affecting the city.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive verbal and written reports.
• Complete work assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work on several complex planning projects simultaneously and successfully coordinate these activities.
• Review and understand current legislation affecting planning practices and policies.
• Plan, assign and supervise the work of other subordinate employees.
• Maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public.
• Work independently with minimum supervision.
• Use personal computers generally and word processing programs (MS Word) specifically.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices applying to city planning.
• California Planning and Zoning Law, and California Environmental Quality Act.
• Current trends in local, state and federal planning.
• Basic statistical measurements and methods of analysis.
• Engineering/architectural drawings and site plans.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Social Science, Geography or a related field.

Completion of an accredited certificate program in land use planning approved by the City of Turlock may be substituted for the Bachelor’s Degree requirement. A Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or a related field may be substituted for some work experience.

Experience:

Three (3) years of full-time, professional level work in planning, public administration or a related field that includes one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in a lead or supervisory capacity, preferably in a municipal setting.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Applicants must possess (or be able to obtain, if currently residing out of state) and maintain a valid California Drivers License as a condition of continued employment.

Bilingual (Spanish).

A.I.C.P. Certificate.

Master’s Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or a related field

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Vision adequate to operate vehicles and office equipment, read instructions and follow directions; hearing adequate to converse on the telephone and in person; body mobility adequate to drive and perform required office duties including reaching and bending for files and related office items; use of hands and fingers adequate for operating vehicles, writing, typing, computer, copier, and fax machine and related functions; ability to lift office files, binders and small office equipment, as needed.