Planner III

THE POSITION 
Under direction, the Planner III performs progressively complex professional planning work involving data collection and analysis, report preparation and public contact; assists in zoning and/or planning programs; and performs related duties as required.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly organized planning professional with strong writing, problem-solving, and analytical skills. They have a proven ability to provide excellent customer service, manage time effectively, and deliver clear oral presentations to decision-making bodies. With at least five years of progressively complex experience in land-use planning, they are skilled in preparing staff reports, making recommendations, and applying the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This role requires a confident, motivated individual capable of managing moderately complex projects or contributing significantly to highly complex ones as part of a team.

PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES:
Planner III:   $40.03 – $56.25 per hour

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
OPENING DATE: 03/24/25
CLOSING DATE: 04/11/25

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

• Reviews and interprets Planning ordinances, State regulations including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), land use policies, and prepares written reports, making recommendations for completion of planning projects.
• Researches, compiles, synthesizes, analyzes and interprets information and data necessary to meet planning objectives.
• Coordinates and/or negotiates with other individuals, groups, sections, divisions, departments, and agencies on various technical or legal aspects of programs, 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.
• Provides general information to the public in response to questions about projects, planning programs, applicable ordinances, policies and procedures.
• Makes oral presentations to public groups and governmental bodies to explain and clarify planning reports and recommendations.
• Conducts field investigations of proposed project sites in order to have direct knowledge of the location or project under study.
• May act as a project team leader and a program coordinator.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 Typical Qualifications
These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE 
Considerable 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 three or more years of progressively responsible planning experience.

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

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid California driver license.

DESIRED 

• Experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Experience preparing written staff reports and recommendations.
• Experience giving oral presentations before decision making bodies.
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field.
• 5 years of progressively complex work experience in land-use planning.

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 (such as CEQA).

Working knowledge of:

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

Working ability to:

• Collect, analyze and interpret data to formulate recommendations.
• Solve problems at increasingly complex levels as experience level increases.
• Speak and write effectively.
• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment, but regular on-site inspections are required, sometimes involving hazardous terrain.  Also requires occasional climbing, crouching, kneeling, balancing and keyboard entry.

Recruitment Process
FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025.

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site 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 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another “merit” or “civil service” public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a “merit” or “civil service” style examination, then appointment by “Lateral Transfer” may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader) for additional information.

Note to Applicants:  It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant’s qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.