Director of Planning

The Director of Planning will find diverse engaged communities that are very interested and participatory in the planning process.  Calaveras’ geographical setting and historical significance provides unique planning challenges such as preserving the historical heritage of the County, supporting agriculture, at the same time facilitating and promoting economic growth and sustaining an overall quality of life.  This position works closely with representatives of the County’s Building, Public Works and Environment Management agencies as well as the Calaveras Council of Governments and local special districts to implement applicable land use policies.   Combined, these responsibilities make this assignment a highly visible position that will regularly make presentations to the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors, and a variety of community groups and organizations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in General Plan law, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Subdivision Map Act and Planning and Zoning laws, along with knowledge of affordable housing and grant programs.   Excellent presentation and public speaking skills, a strong sense of diplomacy, and an open, receptive interpersonal style are also key attributes for this assignment.  A minimum of five years of professional level, public agency planning experience, which includes at least two of those years in a supervisory capacity, is required. Equivalency to a Bachelor’s degree in land use planning or a related field is also a requirement.  County planning experience and An AICP certification is preferred.

Education, Training and Experience:
 
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in land use planning or a related field AND five years of planning experience in a public agency, with at least three (3) years at a supervisory level.
 
Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred but not required.

Knowledge of:
Functions and responsibilities of a public planning agency; principles, methods and techniques of land use and environmental planning and zoning; principles of public administration, organization and management; organizational and functional structure of the County; affordable housing; grant programs; socio-economic and environmental principles and their application to urban and rural development; research and statistical methodology as it applies to socio-economic and environmental data; the State Planning and Zoning Law, Subdivision Map Act, Redevelopment Law, pertinent County Ordinances and other State and County laws or regulations which affect planning; current trends in Federal, State, and local planning; principles of budget preparation and expenditure control; personnel management practices including staff development, supervision, selection, training and discipline; public and business administration;, supervision, training, and work evaluation; and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and environmental impact assessment.

Skill and Ability to:
Direct, plan, organize, manage and coordinate the functions and programs of the Planning Department; exhibit strong administrative, organizational and managerial aptitude; select, motivate and evaluate staff and provide for their training and professional development; develop departmental budget and control expenditures; review the work of department staff and resolve problems; recognize operational problems and implement effective solutions; oversee the development, maintenance, and preparation of planning statistics, records, and reports; effectively represent the Planning Department in contacts with the public, community organizations, and other government agencies; make presentations to the Board of Supervisors, other agencies and the public;  organize and conduct major research studies;   prepare and supervise the preparation of difficult, complex, and specialized planning projects; determine the appropriate level of environmental review for various projects and assess mitigation measures for effectiveness; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships at all organizational levels as well as with other agencies and the public; display and maintain the highest degree of maturity, integrity, loyalty, accountability and good judgment; and maintain the County’s commitment to provide excellent customer service.