Planner I - Time-Limited



Planner I - Time-Limited

Salary

$62,321.40 - $75,762.46 Annually

Location

Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

22/05-1201-OTL

Department

Permit Sonoma (PRD)

Opening Date

05/12/2022

Closing Date

6/1/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

05

Position Information


Start your career as a Planner with the County of Sonoma!
 
Starting salary up to $36.30/hour ($75,762/year), a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*

Permit Sonoma is currently recruiting to fill a Planner position at either the I, II, or III level. If you are interested in applying at the other levels of this opportunity, you must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitments being conducted for those levels. If you are an experienced Planner, please refer to the II and III level recruitments that we are currently conducting.

As a Planner I, you will learn to process planning applications and research, prepare, and assist in the creation of planning projects, studies, and reports regarding economic development, environmental compliance and protection, solid waste, and related land use topics. Planner Is also learn to assist their colleagues, and County residents, by explaining State and Federal statutes and County rules, ordinances, plans, policies, and regulations relevant to urban and regional land use and development.

As our ideal candidate, you bring to Permit Sonoma your:
 
  • Experience accurately creating, reviewing, and maintaining records and reports
  • Ability to interpret title reports; and review legal documents, market data, blueprints, and maps
  • Experience creating technical guidance documents, and employing data visualization techniques
  • Ability to provide effective customer service support, skillfully communicate, and work well with others
  • Sound judgment, and strong analytical and organizational skills
What We Offer

When you join Permit Sonoma, you become part of a challenging and rewarding work environment where you gain the satisfaction of knowing that you are working to better your community. You can also look forward to a competitive total compensation package, 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
  • With time and good performance, the opportunity for advancement to Planner II ($35.22 - $42.81/hour)
  • An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of 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 paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
  • 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
Permit Sonoma is currently recruiting to fill a Planner position at either the I, II, or III level that is currently funded through June 30, 2024. The employment list established from this recruitment may 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 recruitment. The Civil Service title of this position is Planner I.

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits directory.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Any combination of education and/or training that would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, education equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban, regional or environmental planning, solid waste planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, economics, environmental studies, or a related field. Full time work experience equivalent to that of a County Planning Technician or Permit Specialist may substitute for two years of the required education.

Experience: None required.

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: the principles, methods, theories, practices, and techniques of urban and regional land-use and environmental planning and development; social, environmental and economic principles, and of their application to urban and rural development; research methodology including methods of gathering, compiling and analyzing data required for planning studies, and of standard statistical methods and procedures as they apply to the use of socio-economic and environmental data; the principles, practices and techniques of drafting and other graphic arts; electronic information systems.

Ability to: plan, organize and carry through research projects effectively; select proper research methodology and apply it to planning problems; read and interpret maps and legal property descriptions; learn to problem solve and understand, interpret, and explain a wide variety of laws, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations relating to land use issues; present the results of research effectively in oral, written or in graphic form; advise citizen groups and various boards orally and in writing concerning specific planning projects and programs; prepare clear and concise written reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with county employees, other public agencies and the general public; reason logically and speak effectively; utilize electronic information systems and analyze and interpret such information.

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 a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that 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 the 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 is 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 online 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: CG
HR Technician: KC

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
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
02
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
  • American Planning Association (APA)
  • American Planning Association – California Chapter North
  • Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
  • Association of Women in Water, Energy and Environment
  • California State Association of Counties (CSAC)
  • CalJobs
  • CareerBuilder
  • Careers in Government
  • College or University
  • Craigslist
  • Craigslist Mendocino
  • DiversityJobs
  • Employee of Sonoma County
  • Facebook
  • Glassdoor
  • 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
  • Monster
  • North Coast Builder's Exchange
  • Press Democrat
  • sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
  • Sonoma County Human Resources Office
  • Sonoma County Job Line
  • StartHere!
  • Twitter
  • Veterans Services Office
  • Women's Organization or Group
  • Workplace Diversity
  • ZipRecruiter
  • Other Internet Site
  • Other Publication
03
For this question and all subsequent questions provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.

Please describe your relevant education, training, and professional planning experience which meets or exceeds the minimum qualifications of this position.
  • List your relevant certifications, coursework, and/or degree(s) in urban, regional or environmental planning, solid waste planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, economics, environmental studies, or a related field
  • For each relevant position you list, include job title(s), employer's name, dates of employment (mm/yy - mm/yy), and a description of your primary responsibilities/the types of projects you worked on
04
Please describe your experience collecting and analyzing data to develop reports. Provide an example of a report you developed and describe the content of the document, your intended audience, and the impact of your report.
05
Please describe your experience managing multiple projects and deadlines. Provide an example that best demonstrates your level of expertise and briefly describe the projects you were assigned, your role, the challenges you faced in prioritizing or managing the projects, and the methods you used to stay on track.
06
Please provide an example of your experience explaining processes and/or services to the public. Specify who you spoke with, their issue, how you addressed the inquiry, and the outcome of the experience.
07
Please submit one relevant writing sample, of a reasonable length (no more than 10 pages), that you personally drafted and showcases your writing capabilities. The writing sample can be from a school assignment, document prepared for an internship, or other employment. This writing sample can be electronically uploaded and attached to your application.

I understand that I am required to submit one writing sample on or before the final filing date. I certify that the work I submit is my own product.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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

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