Planner I

The Position

Why join the Contra Costa Department of Conservation and Development?
The Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) is seeking to fill four (4) vacancies in the classification of Planner I. Under the direction of a Deputy Director or Assistant Deputy Director, Planner I's in DCD performs less complex professional planning duties involving data collection and analysis, public contact, and report preparation.

DCD is headed by a Director, and within DCD there are five (5) divisions under a Deputy Director or Assistant Deputy Director: 1) Current Planning; 2) Policy Planning 3) Building Inspection Services; 4) Business and Information Services, and 5) Housing and Community Improvement. DCD’s main office is located in Martinez. DCD has a total staffing of approximately 165 positions serving the entire County of Contra Costa.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Detail oriented. You will create reports and general plans which contain data and facts which must be accurate
• Interested in learning more about planning. There are many planning fields to gain experience and expertise
• Great at interpreting laws and ordinances. You will review permit applications and must be able to interpret and apply law and ordinances appropriately

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Conducting studies for written reports
• Working on general plans, specific plans and related projects
• Preparing staff reports on matters related to the different Planning Fields
• Advising the public on procedural requirements related to application requests
• Reviewing applications for permits and variances
• Preparing correspondence on routine planning matters

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Flexibility! Many employees work a 9/80 schedule
• You may be able to work from home two days a week
• There is room for staff to offer recommendations and ideas
• You will work with a group of outstanding and caring colleagues
• You will have the ability to learn about multiple fields in planning
• You will work in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere

A few challenges you might face in this job :

• You will be expected to handle a high volume of projects
• You will need to exhibit tact when dealing with the public
• You will need to navigate California's regulatory environment

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data : Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Professional & Technical Expertise : Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Industry Monitoring : Grasping the external political, economic, competitive, and social factors affecting the industry
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation : Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Building & Maintaining Relationships : Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Professional Integrity & Ethics : Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability : Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Thinking & Acting Systematically : Formulating objectives and priorities, and implementing plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment
• Writing : Communicating effectively in writing
• Oral Communication : Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Presentation Skill : Formally delivering information to groups