Senior Planner

THE AGENCY

The primary goal of the Resource Management Agency (RMA) is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public through administration and enforcement of County ordinances, Board policy, and state and federal laws regarding land use, and commercial and environmental regulation. The agency includes five divisions: Environmental Health, Building& Safety, Code Compliance, Operations, and Planning. RMA also plays an important role in economic development by assisting County residents and businesses in obtaining permits needed to construct new or reconfigured buildings, start new businesses such as home occupations, restaurants and food service establishments, and agricultural enterprises.

THE DIVISION

The chief responsibility of the Planning Division is to regulate the use of land and structures within unincorporated areas of the county. Using these regulations and others, the Planning Division issues permits for uses and structures and enforces both permit conditions and maintains consistency with the County’s Zoning Ordinances and General Plan. A GIS Story map with more information about the Planning Division for potential job candidates can be viewed: HERE

THE POSITION

The current vacancies are within the Planning Division Residential Permits Team and the Planning Division General Plan Implementation Team.

Ideal candidate/Distinguishing Characteristics

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field and have extensive progressively complex work experience in land-use planning. Have project management, critical thinking, and independent decision-making skills. Must be able to prepare written staff reports with thoughtful analysis and recommendations, have exposure to California environmental regulations, and be able to present to boards and commissions effectively. Have the ability to navigate applicants and stakeholders through land-use regulations to arrive at a positive outcome using a solution-oriented approach. The candidate will possess a strong work ethic, possess the ability to prioritize work on a wide range of planning projects with competing deadlines, and will be adaptable and open to new situations, ideas, and challenges. Finally, the ideal candidate will be an effective problem solver who combines technical expertise with excellent communication skills.

Example of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Researches, compiles, synthesizes, analyzes, and interprets information and data necessary to meet planning objectives.
• Prepares written reports and makes recommendations for completion of planning projects.
• Coordinates and/or negotiates with other individuals, developers, applicants, consultants, and other departments and agencies on technical or legal aspects of planning projects, some of which may be controversial or politically sensitive.
• Coordinates projects, defines problems and alternative solutions, and sets objectives as part of the ongoing planning process.
• Conducts field investigations of proposed project sites in order to have direct knowledge of the location or project under study.
• Provides general information to the public in response to questions about projects, planning programs, applicable ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews and interprets Planning ordinances, regulations, and land use policies.
• May act as project team leaders and program coordinators.
• May act as first line supervisor.
• Makes oral presentations to public groups and governmental bodies to explain and clarify planning reports and recommendations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

Extensive experience in land use planning which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The required knowledge, skills, and abilities can be obtained by completion of a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a related field and four (4) or more years of progressively responsible land-use planning or related experience.

Substitution: Additional experience or non-related degrees may be substituted for the required education and experience on a year for year basis.

Necessary Special Requirements:  Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Comprehensive Knowledge of :

• Principles, practices, and techniques of urban and regional planning.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to planning, land use and environmental protection (e.g.CEQA).

Working knowledge of:

• Research and statistical methods.
• Interagency relationships.
• Map and plan reading.

Working ability to:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to formulate recommendations.
• Solve problems at complex levels.
• Speak and write effectively to communicate with colleagues, customers, and the public.
• Prepare technical reports on complex projects.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other agencies to provide information and coordinate planning efforts.
• Function as a project leader and program coordinator.
• Function as a first line supervisor.

Opening Date: November 19, 2024

Final Filing Date: Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

To apply online, please refer to our website at www.ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura CA 93009