At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people "I work for the County of Marin." Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website. Read on to find out more about this opportunity.

Marin County Community Development Agency: The Community Development Agency (CDA) has a long history of innovation and leadership. CDA is a multifunctional agency shaping many aspects of environment and communities, organized into five mission-oriented divisions: Planning, Building and Safety, Environmental Health Services, Housing and Federal Grants, and Sustainability. CDA's mission is to promote, protect, and advance healthy, safe, and equitable communities.

The Current Planning team works with a variety of community members and stakeholders including, developers, designers, engineers and other public agencies to provide project guidance and review for planning permits, design review, variance, use permits and more.

The Planner in this role will manage the review of project applications for conformance with applicable policies and regulations, conduct environmental reviews, make recommendations to appropriate decision makers, issue decisions, and create and deliver presentations to the community, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. The Planner will conduct planning studies to inform planning policies and regulations. In addition, the Planner will review building permits for conformance with zoning requirements and staff the public services counter. 

Our Highly Qualified Candidate: 

Our highly qualified candidate has at least one year of professional experience managing planning applications for a public agency in California. The candidate is a critical thinker who possesses excellent presentation skills and experience making presentations before Boards, Planning Commissions, public agencies and/or community groups. In addition, they have strong written communication skills and possess experience with drafting reports for planning projects. They have a strong foundation in the principles of land use and zoning in California, and some familiarity with the Subdivision Map Act and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The highly qualified candidate possesses enthusiasm and a strong commitment to customers and community service.

Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable. 

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles, practices and trends in urban and regional planning, including physical, social and economic factors.
• Principles and practices of county planning.
• Current trends in planning, and their relationship to federal, regional, state and local planning.
• Zoning and planning administration.
• Research and statistical methods as applied to the collection, tabulation and analysis of data essential to planning studies.
• Principles and practices concerning basic statistical and analytical research and report writing.
• Organization of local government and concepts of public administration.
• Codes, ordinances and laws related to community and current planning, zoning, environmental resource protection, and subdivisions.

ABILITY TO

• Collect, tabulate and evaluate data utilizing computer software programs.
• Prepare and present studies, reports, and graphics.
• Understand and develop current knowledge in special areas such as environment, transportation, population growth, agriculture, and coastal resource management.
• Understand and develop current knowledge of the principles, practices and trends in urban and regional planning.
• Prepare and interpret a wide variety of maps, detailed drawings and legal descriptions.
• Critically evaluate plans and policies.
• Critically evaluate planning and environmental issues from multiple perspectives.
• Work collaboratively with Community Development Agency divisions to assure the provision of comprehensive and coordinated planning services.
• Act as a liaison to advise or resolve differences with individuals, groups, and management.
• Act as an Agency liaison to community advisory groups.
• Make presentations as required at public hearings and meetings before the Deputy Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and community groups.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in written form, including effective use of interviewing and presentation techniques.
• Work effectively with the public and other constituents in helping to resolve conflicts.

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge and skills listed. Typically, graduation from college with a major in planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture or closely related field and possession of the knowledge and ability requirements in addition to a minimum of one year of professional land use related planning experience.

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view these emails.

Bilingual Testing/Certification:  To be eligible for the bilingual differential, the successful candidate must demonstrate proficiency in both Spanish and English prior to appointment.  A bilingual proficiency exam will be administered to ensure the candidates possess the appropriate skill level to meet the requirements. 

Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on the eligible list.  The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future vacancies for open, fixed-term, full-time or part-time positions which may occur while the list remains active. 

Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095.  If you have questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Stephen Schoengarth, Human Resources Analyst, at 415-473-6946.