8949 - Planner III (Development Services)

Jackson County•Medford, OR

About The Position

Jackson County is seeking a Planner III for the Current Planning Division of its Development Services Department. The position coordinates current and comprehensive planning activities, reviews and approves complex development proposals and planning projects for compliance with local and state regulations, interprets and implements ordinances, prepares reports and recommendations, and assists the public with land-use issues and regulations. The role performs specialized work independently, with only occasional instruction or assistance, and provides technical supervision in project management. The Planner III processes planning applications and higher-order cases; reviews development proposals, site plans, comprehensive plans, map amendments, and related documents; and works with developers, the public, county divisions and departments, planning commissions, hearings officers, elected officials, committees, and community organizations. The position also prepares reports, maps, plans, ordinances, and other materials; answers public inquiries; attends or conducts meetings; makes presentations; and may provide training and public education. Work is generally performed in an office environment and may involve exposure to disruptive people. The position requires driving and may require overtime.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or a related field, supplemented by three years of professional planning experience; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required skills, knowledge, and ability.
Possess a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Extensive knowledge of planning principles and practices, design, development, and administration; applicable codes, regulations, and laws; and public-hearing procedures.
General knowledge of landscape design, architecture, geography, sociology, and economics.
Ability to understand and interpret mapping information; make independent decisions; negotiate effectively; use mathematics to analyze land uses and features; and interpret and implement zoning and development ordinances.
Ability to exercise initiative and professional judgment, plan and coordinate others’ work, and provide technical supervision on projects.
Ability to follow oral and written directions and operate office equipment and peripherals, calculators, cameras, engineering and architect’s scales, and drafting instruments.
Ability to prepare clear and concise planning recommendations and reports; read and understand ordinances, maps, architectural plans, and technical and statistical reports; and communicate effectively and persuasively in writing and orally.
Ability to prepare and deliver effective public presentations and maintain cooperative, professional, and courteous working relationships.
Ability to interpret and explain department policies, procedures, land-use codes, and regulations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and a team-oriented attitude.
Pass a criminal background check before hire.
Submit an acceptable DMV-certified court print before hire.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for marijuana.
Able to meet the physical demands of standing, walking, light lifting, repetitive hand-eye-coordinated office tasks, visual and color perception, oral communication, and driving.

Nice To Haves

Current Planning experience.
Customer service experience and skills.
Public speaking experience.
Experience with ArcGIS.
Knowledge of historic preservation planning procedures and regulations for protecting resources.

Responsibilities

Coordinate current planning activities and schedule and monitor division personnel work as assigned by the Program Manager and Director.
Review major and minor development proposals, commercial site plans, comprehensive plans, map amendments, and other documents for completeness, feasibility, and compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and ordinances.
Facilitate plan review for developers and assist the public with reviewing, analyzing, and approving over-the-counter permits.
Manage a caseload of higher-order cases, facilitate planning applications, coordinate with other divisions and departments, communicate regularly with customers, and assist technical staff with case management.
Prepare reports, maps, and graphic materials describing department research and recommendations; prepare plans and ordinances; and collect, maintain, and update complex data and inventories.
Respond to public inquiries about planning projects, goals, codes, and land-use matters, and provide statistical information to the public and other agencies.
Assist planning commissions, hearings officers, the Board of Commissioners, committees, and community organizations; attend or conduct meetings and make presentations as assigned.
Provide training and public education programs to groups, department staff, and commissions as requested.
Prepare orders and ordinances for approval.
Follow regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required training, and safe work practices.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally, and maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Drive and operate a motor vehicle as required.