Park Planning Technician



Park Planning Technician

Salary

$53,534.63 - $65,055.53 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

22/08-1200-ORPK

Department

Regional Parks Department (RPK)

Opening Date

08/01/2022

Closing Date

8/23/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

05

Position Information

Build your career in Planning with Sonoma County Regional Parks 
and apply to become a Park Planning Technician!
  

Starting salary $25.65/hour ($53,534/year), plus a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*   

County of Sonoma's Regional Parks include more than 50 parks, trails, and beaches from Petaluma to Gualala and Sonoma to Bodega Bay. Many offer wild landscapes while others feature sports fields, playgrounds, campgrounds, boat launches, and an environmental education center. Regional Parks also offers a range of recreation, education, and natural resource programs that enhance the quality of life and well-being of individuals, families and communities. Please visit http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov to learn more about the various programs and resources offered by the Regional Parks Department.  

As a Park Planning Technician, you will:
  • Assist in park planning studies and the design of parks and park facilities, including assisting with conceptual plans, feasibility studies, design details, grading, and drainage
  • Inspect park and trail construction and work closely with contractors and permitting agencies
  • Conduct park planning research and field investigations
  • Gather data and present analysis in written or graphic formats
  • Respond to public inquiries and attend public meetings and other parks planning events
The ideal candidate will possess:
  • Some experience in landscape architecture and planning, which included preparing construction cost estimates and public construction bidding documentation
  • Proficiency or significant experience in AutoCAD, Geographic Information System, Microsoft Word suite, Adobe products, and other software
  • Some knowledge of codes, zoning, and permitting regulations impacting public construction initiatives and programs
  • The ability to coordinate multiple assignments, timelines, and meet tight deadlines
  • A desire to join an interactive team of self-motivated individuals
  • A passion for improving the use of our natural parks and recreation areas

What We Offer

When you join the County of Sonoma, you become part of a challenging and rewarding work environment where you gain the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better your community. You can also look forward to excellent benefits* including:

  • Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
  • County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
  • Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
  • County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
  • Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
  • May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU)

The Sonoma County Regional Park's Department is currently recruiting for a Park Planning Technician position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified county employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitmentThe Civil Service title for this position is Planning Technician. 

 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
   

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Any combination of education and training which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, academic course work in land use planning, economics, geography, landscape architecture or architecture, environmental studies, and/or closed related courses, would provide this opportunity.

Experience: Any combination of work experience and training which clearly demonstrates possession of the required knowledge and abilities. Normally, some experience in a public or private agency performing activities related to land use planning or park planning, would provide this opportunity.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: the principles and practices concerning basic statistical and analytical research and report writing; the operations and functions of county government; zoning and subdivision ordinances, environmental review requirements and procedures, application procedures and requirements to complete related forms; park planning principles, techniques and terminology; written and oral communications, including language mechanics, syntax and English composition; the use of electronic information equipment and systems and programs related to land use and park development.

Ability to: plan, organize and carry through research projects effectively; perform research and basic analysis of various land use planning; utilize electronic information systems and analyze and interpret such information; analyze and interpret a wide variety of data; understand, interpret and apply rules, regulations and ordinances, including federal and state and legislation; follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, co-workers and the general public; understand elementary map drafting and aerial photographs and maps.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

  • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
  • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application and should be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
  • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
  • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit Getting-a-Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
 
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
 
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses which state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer are contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted on-line at: www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
 
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.  
 
HR Analyst: JT
HR Technician: RR 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: GENERAL*

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
 
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
 
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County contribution toward the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit. For specific details, please refer to the applicable MOU). A County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement is available for some bargaining units.

Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.

Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired.
 
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
 
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution. For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • California Park & Recreation Society
  • CalJobs
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Conservation Job Board
  • Craigslist
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • Google Jobs
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
  • Indeed
  • Instagram
  • Job Fair
  • La Voz
  • Latino Service Providers
  • LinkedIn
  • Los Cien
  • Minority Organization or Group
  • National Association of Counties (NACo)
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • Start Here!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • ZipRecruiter
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
  • I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
  • I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
  • I am only interested in full-time positions
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
  • Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
  • No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
04
For this question, and all subsequent questions, please provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers. Please list your academic coursework or training in land use planning, economics, geography, landscape architecture or architecture, environmental studies, and/or closed related courses. Include the names of related courses and number of units/hours.
05
Please describe your work experience related to land use planning, park planning and/or landscape architecture. For each relevant position, include the:
  • job title(s)
  • employers name(s)
  • employment dates
  • description of your primary duties
    06
    Please describe your experience and/or training related to conducting construction site inspections.
    07
    Please describe your experience with AutoCAD, GIS, or other data gathering, planning, and design software. Provide an example of a project you worked on using these applications.

    Required Question

    Agency
    County of Sonoma (CA)
    Address
    575 Administration Drive, Suite 116B

    Santa Rosa, California, 95403
    Phone
    (707) 565-2331