Principal Planner

Posting number: 2611050142

Department: Development Services Department

Job classification: Principal Planner

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development, Management

Summary

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.

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FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

Under direction, administers highly complex professional current and advance planning activities; serves as project manager on  highly complex development applications and special projects; conducts planning studies and develops reports and plans; performs essential planning practices to achieve growth and public service goals for Butte County; interprets and enforces complicated zoning regulations of the County; provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, zoning, and permits; coordinates the work of other Planners to manage large and complex planning projects; and performs related duties as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises direct and general supervision over assigned Planning staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the top-level classification within the Planner series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series and serving as a subject matter expert within the Planning Division. Incumbents are responsible for the full vertical management of complex projects, and coordinates department issues with other agencies. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement.  Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties.  Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services. This class is distinguished from the Planning Division Manager in that the latter has full management responsibility for the Planning Division with responsibility to develop and administer division policies, procedures, and services.

Examples of duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Provides leadership, project management, and complex operational support to assigned planning projects, recommends solutions, and serves as a liaison between the Planning Division, planning staff, stakeholders and government agencies.
• Serves as lead project manager for multiple complex current or long-range planning projects and special planning studies, including in-depth application and plan review.
• Protects and ensures the health, safety, and welfare of the public by providing sensible and logical land development, adequate public services, and compatible land use; institutes effective planning practices to achieve consistent and controlled growth.
• Guides and assists other Planners; provides coaching, counseling and professional assistance on technical skills and professional responsibilities; assists staff in project management strategy, legal issues and other related matters; identifies training needs and provides training for staff; provides Planning Manager with feedback on professional staff evaluations.
• Reviews complex planning projects and determines potential impact on environment; ensures avoidance of negative impacts or reduction to the greatest extent feasible; analyzes plans and information and recommends approval or modifications.
• Analyzes boundaries and public services provided by government agencies; develops growth management mechanisms and strategies and presents recommendations.
• Coordinates, reviews, and processes complex and political discretionary land use applications for various land development activities to include special land permits and mining permits; performs site visits and assesses property and surrounding areas.
• Interacts and communicates with a variety of individuals and groups at the public service counter, in the field, over the telephone, through email, at public hearings, and in discussion forums, including other County departments and public agencies, elected and appointed County officials, developers, consultants, architects, engineers, property owners, and the general public for the purpose of