The Planning and Building Department is currently seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Planner I/II/III in its Current Planning Division .

Planners research and analyze planning data, conduct planning studies, review development applications for compliance with adopted plans and regulations, prepare staff reports and environmental documents, and assist in land use and zoning administration for current and future community projects in the Planning and Building Department. Planners work on projects spanning a wide range of urbanized, suburban, rural, and coastal settings throughout the unincorporated county.

Planner I ( $72,092.80 - $90,168.00 Annually) is the entry level in the Planner series. Under immediate supervision, incumbents learn how to apply their professional training to a work production environment and how to perform the simplest and least complex planning review activities. This class is flexibly staffed with Planner II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency in the work.

Planner II ($85,488.00 - $106,849.60 Annually) is the fully experienced journey level. Under general supervision, incumbents perform a full range of planning activities and exercise substantial independence and initiative in carrying out their assignments. Planners II conduct research studies and prepare reports on land use and development, agriculture and resource preservation, community design, environmental analysis and mitigation measures, transportation, zoning ordinance revisions, and other essential land use topics; provide staff support to land use advisory committees, process planning permits, review development plans for compliance with general plan policies and zoning regulations, assist clients with land use/zoning questions at the public information counter, act as liaison with other agencies, departments, developers, and the public; and make presentations to the Zoning Hearing Officer, Planning Commission, public agencies, and community organizations.

Planner III ( $97,884.80 - $122,304.00 Annually) is the is the advanced journey level. Under direction, Planners III carry out the major and more complex land use projects in all sections of the Division. In addition to the duties listed for the Planner II, Planners III provide direction to other professional staff on projects and operate with independence within the parameters of legislative and divisional policy.

Appointments to these positions may be made at the level corresponding to the experience and qualifications of the successful candidates.

NOTE: This is a hybrid position—Current Planners work part of the week in the Department’s offices in Redwood City, and part of the week from home.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 
  Gather, compile, and analyze statistical data, and study trends in land use, demographics, and environmental impacts.
• Conduct studies, compile data and information, and prepare reports on land use, population, environmental impacts, transportation, ordinance amendments, and other planning subjects.
• Make field surveys and investigate related planning and zoning projects and inquiries.
• Maintain automated historical records.
• Prepare reports on data collected to support recommendations on zoning, transportation, and other land use projects.
• Prepare recommendations and assist in presentations to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and public agencies.
• Prepare or assist in revising maps, charts, graphs, and other visual aids including departmental brochures and publications on land use and policies.
• Act as liaison and consultant with the public, other agencies, department, and/or sections of the Planning and Building Department.
• Attend public hearings, task forces, and other land use related meetings.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

Knowledge of:
Organization of local government and concepts of public administration; principles, practices, and trends in urban and regional planning, including physical, social, and economic factors; codes, ordinances, and laws related to planning, zoning, environmental resource protection, and subdivisions; basic computer operations; research and statistical methods and sources of data; mathematical principles, tools and practices used in determining density and structural floor area; symbols, language, and techniques used in planning, drafting, and mapping.

Skill/Ability to:
Work cooperatively and effectively with the public and co-workers and work well individually and as a member of a professional and technical team; recognize the key importance of customers, their unique situation and the department's relationship with the customer in problem resolution and information giving situations; produce comprehensive, clear and concise reports, memos, letters, staff reports and major studies which are accurately researched, focused on essential information, reflect an appropriate level of analysis, and demonstrate objectivity; make concise and understandable presentations, manage related discussions, facilitate decision-making, formulate alternatives, and summarize and respond to comments effectively; make valid conclusions and appropriate alternative recommendations; explain policy and procedures to the public and staff; facilitate problem resolution; operate and retrieve information using a computer; adapt to changing situations even under pressure; conduct research including gathering, interpreting and presenting data; reach conclusions, develop defensible recommendations and formulate feasible policy and regulations; interpret and explain maps, charts and tables; coordinate the preparation of a wide range of visual aids which clearly illustrate issues, concepts, and programs.

Application/Examination

Anyone may apply. Open and Promotional. Current San Mateo County and San Mateo County Superior Court employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date will receive five (5) points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview which may include a pre-interview exercise (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule
Application Deadline: Monday, December 19, 2022, 11:59 PM PST
Screening: Week of December 19, 2022
Panel Interviews: January 4th and/or 5th 2023

The County of San Mateo may require that all employees provide proof of COVID-19 vaccine or comply with weekly COVID-19 testing. Employees hired into specified health care facilities and other high-risk settings where there is potential for frequent COVID-19 exposure to staff and highly vulnerable patients are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. For more specific information, please refer to the County's COVID-19 Vaccine and Testing Policy.

Analyst: Sedrick Dixon (112822) (Planner I/II/III - R060/R050/R040)