Principal Planner

The City of Turlock is accepting applications for the Principal Planner position. Under general supervision from the Deputy Director of Development Services (Planning), performs the difficult and complex planning duties related to urban planning and the coordination of planning and development projects to ensure compliance with Federal, State and local regulations governing planning and the environment; to coordinate activities with citizens, applicants, community groups, other agencies and other divisions/service areas of the City of Turlock; to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Deputy Director of Development Services (Planning). The incumbent may serve as team leader for special projects and supervise subordinate staff as assigned.

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

This position is currently under the supervision of the Planning Manager.

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All employees serve a one (1) year probationary period.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Receives general direction from the Deputy Director of Development Services (Planning).  The incumbent in this classification is expected to work with minimal direct supervision, exercising independent judgment and initiative in a number of complex, responsible and sensitive duties.

Exercises direct supervision of professional, technical and clerical staff within the Planning Division as assigned by the Deputy Director of Development Services

Essential Functions:

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Prepares and submits reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council on planning, zoning and subdivision issues in the form of staff reports, surveys, studies, resolutions and ordinances.

• Prepares complex and sensitive reports for State and Federal regulatory agencies; analyzes and develops recommendations on complex planning, zoning and development proposals.

• Assists with activities relating to public assistance and code compliance for miscellaneous land use permits including business licenses, administrative permits and home occupation permits.
• Coordinates the evaluation of development applications and issues with other city service areas to ensure input is included in the processing of projects which impact their operations.
• Confers with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning and zoning matters; provides information regarding the City’s development policies, procedures and requirements.
• Directs the development, maintenance and enforcement of the City’s General Plan, zoning, subdivision and environmental ordinances.
• Participates in the formulation and recommendation of policies and procedures.
• Supervises, trains and evaluates Planning Division personnel as assigned.
• Manages the activities of consultants in regards to division and department activities including selection, evaluation and contract administration.
• Attends and participates in meetings of legislative and advisory bodies, City and non-City, as required.
• Coordinates activities of the Planning Division with other Department work projects including redevelopment, annexation, building & safety, development engineering, housing programs and other special studies.
• Performs other professional/administrative duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles, practices and theories of urban planning, land use environmental review and zoning.
• State Planning Law, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Local Agency Formation Commission’s annexation.
• California State laws affecting the planning, development, subdivision and zoning processes.
• Research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to municipal planning administration.

Ability to:

• Interpret complex laws, rules and regulations as they pertain to the field of urban planning, land use, environment and community organization.
• Analyze policy issues and develop sound recommendations regarding land use planning, environmental and operational organizational issues.
• Represent City goals and objectives effectively in meetings with governmental agencies, the public, staff and public officials.
• Set priorities and organize work as necessary to meet deadlines and achieve Division and City goals as established by policy makers.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse groups including large public audiences and small developmental teams.
• Supervise, train, evaluate and empower personnel to work efficiently and effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Education:

Experience:

Four years of full-time, professional level work in planning, public administration or a related field that includes two years of progressively responsible experience in a lead or supervisory capacity, preferably in a municipal setting. A Masters Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or a related field may be substituted for two years of work experience and one year of lead/supervisory experience.

Education:

A Bachelor’s Degree in City or Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Urban Studies, Social Science, Geography or a related field. Four years of experience in urban, land use, or regional planning, OR completion of an accredited certificate program in land use planning approved by the City of Turlock may be substituted for this requirement.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position may be required at the time of appointment.  Maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance is a condition of continued employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Bilingual (Spanish).

A.I.C.P. Certificate.

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.

SELECTION PROCESS:

1.   All applicants must complete a standard City of Turlock application for employment form, supplemental questionnaire and submit the following documentation:

• Verification of education must be attached or uploaded to your application (submit a copy of college transcripts or copy of degree).

Applications will be rejected if they are incomplete or required documentation is not attached.
2.   You may submit your required Documentation using the following options:

• Attach a scanned copy in the “Add Attachment” option (of the Neo Gov online application) or
• Fax a copy to (209) 668-5529 or
• Email a copy to agodinez@turlock.ca.us or
• Hand deliver copies of your attachment to 156 S. Broadway, Suite 235, Turlock, CA 

3.  Applications will be reviewed for possession of the minimum qualifications. In the event that a large number of applicants possess the minimum qualifications, applicants who appear to be the most qualified based on their breadth and recency of experience will be invited to compete in the testing process.

4.  Candidates invited to compete in the testing process may be required to take a written examination, which is graded on a pass/fail basis.  Only those applicants who pass the written examination will advance to the oral examination.

5. Candidates who are invited to participate in the oral examination and receive a score of 70% or more will be placed on an eligibility list. Ranking on the eligibility list will be based solely on the results from the oral exam.

6. Completion of a practical exercise may be conducted in order to further evaluate skills relating to essential job functions.

7. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be referred to the Development Services Director for final appointment consideration.

8. Final appointment will be contingent upon passing the following: reference review, medical examination which includes a drug/alcohol screening, hearing exam and vision exam.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE SYSTEM:

The City of Turlock has adopted a veteran's preference system (effective January 1, 2002). The percentage score achieved through an entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict, up to a maximum of five (5) points, and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict, regardless of length of service. To receive preference points, applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable discharge. In no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form. A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Turlock is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are sincerely interested in receiving applications from qualified minorities, women and the disabled. Qualified applicants receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, political affiliation or belief except where indicated by requirements of the job. The City of Turlock will make every effort to accommodate applicants that have disabilities that would not allow them to compete in the announced process. Applicants are asked to indicate their request for accommodation in the application form.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND DRUG/ALCOHOL SCREENING:

The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

CUSTOMER SERVICE POLICY:

The City of Turlock is committed to quality service to our customers. Our goal is to create a positive, productive and courteous atmosphere for our employees and customers. Employees are evaluated on the quality of customer service they provide.

BENEFITS

Holidays:  Eleven (11) paid holidays and three (3) floating holidays.
Vacation:  Paid vacation that increases with years of service.
Sick Leave:  Accrual of one day (eight (8) hours) for each month worked.
Retirement:  Qualified candidates who are currently a Cal PERS member or have been a Cal PERS member within the last six (6) months or are subject to reciprocity with another eligible retirement plan, may be a "classic member" and may be enrolled in the City's 2.7% @ 55 plan.  Employee pays employee contribution rate of 9% on a pre-tax basis. Cal PERS "final compensation" may be based on the highest twelve (12) continuous months of qualifying employment. Non-classic or "new members" will be enrolled in the 2% @ 62 plan and Cal PERS "final compensation" will be based on the highest thirty-six (36) continuous months of qualifying employment.
Deferred Compensation:  The City will match employee's contribution up to one half of one percent (0.5%) of the employee's base salary for each pay period in which employee contributes to the program.
Retiree Health Savings (RHS) Vantage Care:  Two (2) percent of the employee's base payroll will be deposited in each individual's RHS Vantage Care
account.
Health:  The City offers a generous health, prescription, vision, and dental insurance plans for employees and dependents.
Continuous Service Pay:
Beginning with the tenth (10th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
Beginning with the fifteenth (15th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary. 
Beginning with the twentieth (20th) year and every year thereafter, 1.5% of base salary.
Additional Benefits:
Associate/Bachelor/Master's Degree Incentive Pay (If not listed as a minimum qualification)*Educational Reimbursement Program* Computer Loan Program* *Upon completion of probation.

PLEASE NOTE:  

Information contained herein does not constitute an expressed or implied contract as it is subject to change.

WHERE TO APPLY
  City of Turlock

Human Relations Department

156 S. Broadway, Suite 235

Turlock, CA 95380-5454

(209) 668-5150

or

Visit our website at www.cityofturlock.org to apply.

Applications are being accepted on a continuous basis.

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627

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