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Senior Planner

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Apply by Wednesday, February 7, 2024, for first consideration

The City of San Rafael is recruiting for a Senior Planner in our Community Development Department. This position is responsible for the program, administration, and the performance of a comprehensive planning/economic development division and performs professional current and/or advanced planning work.   

The employee in this position exercises supervision over other professional, technical and/or office support staff.  At this advanced level the incumbent is expected to utilize highly technical, analytical skills which are necessary in order to function with the degree of independence required in completing assignments. 

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture.  San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.  San Rafael (population 61,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $120 million.  The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.  The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.”  City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge.  We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members.  The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees.  This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.  

This position performs the following essential job duties:

• Supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in City planning activities.
• Establishes priorities and defining processing requirements.
• Responds to questions and issues raised by the City staff, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, and the general public; interpret the General Plan, zoning code and related ordinances or City regulations.
• Conducts research and special studies.
• Coordinates projects and activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Manages consulting contracts for planning projects.
• Makes presentations before community groups, Boards, Commissions and/or the City Council.
• Performs related duties as required.

To be eligible for this position you must have knowledge of/ability to:

• Principles and practices of planning and the methods used in the implementation of such plans.
• Current trends in federal, state and local planning.
• Socioeconomic and physical resource aspects related to assigned programs.
• Effective supervisory methods and techniques. 

• Prepare and analyze various professional studies.
• Prepare written reports.
• Make presentations to committees, community groups, the Planning Commission & City Council.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Provide leadership to staff.  

LANGUAGE/MATHEMATICAL/REASONING SKILLS:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field, AND
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience.
• A Master’s degree in Planning may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
• Public agency experience desirable.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS:

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display.  The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

City of San Rafael application is required.  Resumes do not substitute for the City application. Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application since this information will be used to determine who will be invited to participate in the next phase of the examination process.  The examination process may include any or all of the following: application appraisal, written examination, oral board interview examination and/or performance examination. Note:  Prior to appointment, the candidate must pass a pre-placement physical examination, drug screen, in depth background check, and fingerprinting. 

To file an application online, go to www.calopps.org.  Select “Member Agencies”.  Select “San Rafael”.  Or, follow this link to submit your application:  https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20462443.  

First Round Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of February 19, 2024.

Reasonable Accommodation:  The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the exam process to accommodate disabled applicants.  If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the oral board date.

Salary/Pay Rate: $103,944 - $145,316
Type: Full Time

The City of Lafayette is seeking two professionals in urban planning.  We are looking for urban planners who have a track record for providing high level analysis and excellent customer service, who have an interest in community development and a passion for working with residents to make their City vibrant, safe and attractive.

Located just 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco via BART, Lafayette prides itself on its charming downtown, beautiful tree-studded hillsides, and great schools. Residents expect personalized service and the ability to deliver customized solutions to the community’s unique planning guidelines.  This position will be part of the team that ensures that Lafayette can retains its semi-rural character while still accommodating smart growth strategies.

This is a challenging job in a great city!  The new planners will be joining a staff of dedicated, energetic, and fun professionals.

The Position

Senior planners will perform the following major duties:

• Process permit applications and assist in plan checking of permit requests.
• Confer with applicants to clarify information relative to zoning, general plan compliance, signage and other issues.
• Review routine to complex development proposals, applications, permits and plans for completeness and compliance.
• Prepare and review environmental impact reports, written initial studies, negative declarations, and staff reports.
• Assist the public as well as advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers on matters relating to land use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues related to the City’s entitlement process.
• Supervise lower-level planners and/or interns.

The City of Livermore is excited to announce the recruitment to fill our Plan Check Engineer vacancy.  Apply online at www.livermoreca.gov/jobs.  Apply early as recruitment may close at any time.  First review of applications will begin on 1/29/24.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, the Plan Check Engineer performs independent building and plan examinations for construction or alteration of industrial, commercial, and residential structures; determines compliance with applicable codes, laws, and regulations; and performs other duties as assigned.

Examples of duties include:

• Checks plans, specifications, and calculations on building plans submitted by architects, engineers, contractors, and owners for compliance with structural design, zoning, grading, soil reports, energy standards, disabled access, and general conformity to applicable ordinances, laws and State building codes.

• Advises building inspectors on structural and other building related problems arising in the field during construction.

• Assists customers in person and over the phone answering questions and providing instructions to architects, engineers, contractors, homeowners, other customers, and staff regarding building requirements, structural application of various codes, and requirements to achieve compliance standards.

The County of Yuba is currently recruiting for the position of Deputy County Counsel II/III in the Office of County Counsel. Under the direction of the County Counsel and Chief Deputy County Counsel, attorneys in this series perform professional legal work by preparing and trying civil cases and providing legal counsel and assistance to the County, it’s officers, associated boards and commissions, as well as outside agencies; assist departments in interpreting regulations on a wide range of topics; represent officers and employees in litigation; and perform duties as assigned.  The Deputy County Counsel I/II/III classification is flexibly staffed and depending on background and experience, may be filled directly at the Deputy County Counsel II or III level. Involvement in formal litigation and discretionary authority increases as the incumbent progresses through the various levels.

Examples of Duties Level I:

• Researches, interprets and applies laws, court decision, statutes, ordinances and other legal authorities for use in the preparation of legal opinions, briefs, pleadings, notes, and memoranda; prepares legal reports, opinions, briefs and appeals of average difficulty under general supervision.  
• Represents, confers with and advises County officials, employees and district representatives on legal questions pertaining to their respective powers, duties, functions and obligations; may attend meetings of boards and commissions in order to provide legal advice and counsel.  
• Represents, confers with, and advises clients of the Office of the County Counsel with respect to all aspects of civil law, including litigation in the area of probate, police powers, zoning, planning, social services, health care, child welfare, disciplinary appeals and grievances, real and personal property, assessment and taxation, and other civil areas of public law.  
• Researches and prepares formal written ordinances, resolutions, contracts, agreements, leases, conveyances and other legal documents.

Examples of Duties Level II (in addition to the above):

• Prepares pleadings and other papers in connection with trials, hearings and other legal proceedings; performs research, investigation and detailed legal preparation for the trial or defense of the County in cases involving condemnation, damage or other civil suits.  
• Makes recommendations to the County Counsel concerning the advisability to prosecute, compromise or dismiss civil litigation.
• Drafts proposed legislation, analyzes pending legislation and recommends County position on legislation.

Examples of Duties Level III (in addition to the above):

• Prepares difficult legal reports, opinions, briefs and appeals using independent judgment and discretion.  
• Attends meetings of boards and commissions in order to provide legal advice and counsel. 

The Watershed Planning Project Manager (Class: Project Analyst II or Project Analyst III) will manage projects related to urban river restoration, public access, and open space conservation, master planning, and park development, including design and construction of new park amenities, creation of parkland in urban neighborhoods, renovation of infrastructure and buildings, acquisition of land, and planning in a watershed context. Capital projects include renovation of existing facilities, new construction by contractors and force account, and fee acquisition of land interests.

This is professional and technical work pursuant to the terms of grants, contracts, and applicable regulations, involving frequent communication with others, for a flexible person at an intermediate level. Project managers must also build community and political support, seek funding opportunities, actively cooperate with other government agencies and non-profit organizations, and keep abreast of related planning processes. The work performed will support MRCA’s capital Workprogram for improvements, land acquisition, and major maintenance projects in nature parks within greater Los Angeles, and other MRCA efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development. 

Ability to speak Spanish is required.

Para ver la versión de PDF en español, por favor desplácese hacia abajo.

Type

This is a full-time, non-exempt, at-will position.

Supervision

This position may report to the Chief of Watershed Planning, Chief of Park Development, or other Executive-level staff depending on MRCA's needs. Assorted tasks may be supervised by Executive Staff and may include participation in multi-division teams. The position supervises no other staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Implement multiple projects simultaneously: The project manager is the central point of contact on all issues concerning assigned projects and will be responsible for project quality. Perform project tracking, scheduling, and budget management.
• Analyze various planning documents and processes for consistency and impacts on MRCA's watershed planning priorities. Write formal comment letters and informal memoranda.
• Participate in planning processes related to the Los Angeles River and other local watersheds, at both regional and individual project scales.
• Identify potential projects and assess feasibility.
• Write and coordinate grant proposals and research new funding opportunities for land acquisition, park development, and related planning efforts.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, manage contracts, coordinate project team and collaborate with coworkers to ensure that the project scope is completed according to grant agreements, schedules, and cost limits. Assist in selection of consultants/contractors.
• Determine project scope, options, and alternatives to overcome constraints. Revise as often as needed to address unexpected conditions.
• Perform day-to-day administration of grants, prepare required reports and ensure conformance with grant agreements.
• Cooperate with other team members to accomplish project goals.
• Produce written materials including staff reports, text for publication, proposals, progress reports, and a variety of other documents.
• Manage project budgets with funding from multiple sources, keeping abreast of status and expense eligibility requirements, identifying solutions to shortfalls, and keeping up to date as projects evolve.
• Prepare Requests for Proposals/Requests for Bids, and review bids. Select and manage contractors and consultants in conjunction with other staff. Ensure bidding process meets applicable regulations. Assist with estimating and selection of vendors for best value.
• Maintain files, including documentation and authorization for expenses, project progress, contracts and grant agreements, project budgets, contacts, board actions and all other items related to a project’s development.
• Provide support to coworkers on other projects.
• Analyze, verify and obtain payment approvals for invoices.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls, correspondence, and when communicating and providing customer service to citizens who seek assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner’s associations, and the public at large.
• Perform related duties as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and participate in group hikes, project site tours, and kayak trips with project stakeholders.
• Quantify and describe the greenhouse gas emissions benefits of potential projects based on latest accepted science, research, and generally accepted methodology.
• Represent the agency in public forums.

Depending on the MRCA's needs, park development may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Assist with coordination of construction. Achieve budget goals by monitoring vendor costs, change orders, and material and supply costs.
• Coordinate as needed with Construction Supervisors to monitor progress of in-house staff (force account).
• Manage the CEQA compliance process for potential projects.

Depending on the MRCA's needs, management of maintenance funding sources may be emphasized in the specific job duties, including:

• Analyze proposed expenses for eligibility and determine appropriate funding sources for expenses.
• Assist with budget development and monitoring for multiple locations and funds.
• Liaison frequently between operations and maintenance staff and finance staff to ensure smooth administrative processes.
• Distinguish between maintenance and capital expenses and providing documentation for full reimbursement.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, occasionally move about inside the office to access supplies and office machinery, frequently communicate and exchange information, review handwritten, electronic and facsimile documents, observe site conditions, and operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The employee must occasionally move items weighing up to 20 pounds inside the office.

Required Hours and Location

Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week with some scheduling flexibility. Occasional overtime work in evenings or weekends upon prior approval by supervisor. The position will work out of the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens but may be required to travel to various other locations. Offices at the River Center are spread among multiple buildings and floors. Remote working or a hybrid schedule may be allowed, subject to supervisor approval.

Public Contact

As public parklands, the majority of MRCA properties are open to the general public during operating hours. This position is likely to have physical contact with members of the public in public areas such as parking lots and shared public/office restrooms and during in-person public meetings. The MRCA is committed to protecting its staff by ensuring appropriate physical distancing and proper infection control while supporting equitable access to services. Our requirements are based on the current County of Los Angeles guidance, and are subject to change as the County updates their policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Education and Experience

• B.A. or B.S. degree or higher.  Relevant course studies include natural resources, engineering, planning, environmental science, geography, biology, hydrology, landscape architecture, environmental design, or related fields.
• Two (2) years of highly relevant experience performing project management duties that include: creative problem solving, working on an interdisciplinary team, coordinating consultants, technical writing, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Experience desired in: public speaking; community outreach/engagement; identifying and applying for project specific funding; and construction trade or construction management.
• Ability to speak Spanish is required.

• Must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record at the time of hire.
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to complete within 6 months).

• Developed understanding the watershed planning context, including in and around the Los Angeles River watershed.
• Intermediate proficiency with Office 365 and email, with particular emphasis on word-processing and spreadsheet programs. Basic understanding of native plants, animals, and ecosystems of Southern California.
• Basic understanding of California Environmental Quality Act requirements (or ability to learn within 6 months).
• Office practices and procedures.

• Prioritize varying tasks and projects, manage time, and make regular, consistent progress on multiple projects at once.
• Cooperate with coworkers and revise project approach as needed to accommodate concerns.
• Work independently, or as part of a team.
• Must be organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Revise work approach to address changed conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Quickly change tasks and focus.
• Consistently follow agency procedures.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.
• Prepare written and graphic materials for a variety of audiences.
• Communicate to a variety of audiences about Agency projects and objectives.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.
• Learn technical material and advanced technical writing proficiency.
• Innovate and improve processes.

• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English will be required.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public.

Other Requirements

Candidates must have a valid California driver’s license in good standing with a satisfactory driving record. Employees must be willing to participate in agency emergency response.

All appointment offers are contingent upon the following:

• Background check including submission of fingerprints to the Department of Justice and a record clean of violent crimes or felonies.
• Successful completion of a physical examination including a drug test and TB test.
• Verification of the right to work in the United States.

COMPENSATION

Wages

The range of hourly rates for a Project Analyst II is $27.27 to $33.15.

The range of hourly rates for a Project Analyst III is $30.57 to $37.15.

Classification Level

The selected candidate may be hired as a Project Analyst II or Project Analyst III, depending on experience. A Project Analyst II will perform the functions with a moderate level of supervision, making some judgments independently, and regular check-ins for guidance and task prioritization. A Project Analyst III will perform the functions with a low level of supervision and less frequent check-ins to verify tasks and decision support. A Project Analyst III shall have the ability to advance into a team leadership role and determine project direction.

This job announcement is not intended to, and does not, create an employment contract of any kind and does not create any express or implied contractual obligations. Employment at MRCA is at-will without exception. The employee and MRCA may terminate employment at any time with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

Deputy District Attorneys perform professional legal services in the prosecution of a variety of criminal and/or civil matters on behalf of the District Attorney and perform other related work as assigned.

Deputy District Attorney I-II-III:

• Level I – This level is assigned to attorneys who have no previous legal experience.  Attorneys at this level work under close supervision. Applicants who have taken the California State Bar Exam this year and are waiting for results are encouraged to apply.

• Level II – This level is assigned to attorneys with at least one year of experience in the practice of law, who have demonstrated sufficient professional knowledge, judgment and skill to begin handling cases under general supervision. 

• Level III – This level is assigned to attorneys with at least four years of experience in the practice of law, who have demonstrated sufficient professional knowledge, judgement and skill to handle the most difficult and complex cases under limited supervision.

Examples of Duties: 

• Reviews and evaluates law enforcement reports and associated information and makes decisions whether to prosecute, negotiate or dismiss.      
• Appears in Superior Court for all criminally related court matters, including, pre-hearing conferences, sentencing, preliminary hearings, motions, and court and jury trials.
• Interviews witnesses and victims of criminal, domestic violence, and other offenses; reviews and evaluates physical evidence, views crime scenes; discusses cases with law enforcement; evaluates cases for settlement purposes and creates strategies for trial.
• Performs legal research regarding a variety of anticipated legal issues; provides advice to law enforcement staff regarding applicable laws, court decisions and legal authorities.
• Prepares a variety of documentation, such as jury instruction packets, motions, sentencing statements, correspondence and other materials.
• Prepares witness lists; organizes and compiles court exhibits and other evidence in preparation for court and trial and provides for legal discovery of such work.
• Prepares and presents cases to the Yuba County Grand Jury.

Please click on the Job PDF to view the full job announcement.

We're looking for a Supervising Public Health Nurse to manage programs in our Public Health Division! Join us in our mission to achieve health equity and optimal health for all people in Berkeley through systems change, service provision, and collaboration with community members and partners.

As a Supervising Public Health Nurse, you will have the opportunity to direct the Family Support Services Unit or the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit. You will supervise nursing and support staff, develop program goals and policies, and perform professional nursing work within your program. You may also coordinate and supervise the operation of health-related services like Targeted Case Management and programs involving education, prevention, and coordination of resources.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is: Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university (accredited by the National League for Nursing) with major coursework in nursing and four (4) years of general public health nursing experience with involvement in project leadership or program planning, including one (1) year of lead-level experience. A master's degree in public health or public health nursing is desirable.

Other requirements include:

• Possession of a valid California Registered Nurse License
• Possession of a valid California State Public Health Nursing Certificate
• Willing to work evenings or weekends
• Ability to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, must maintain a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

In addition to the above, our ideal candidate can build and model a strengths-based, client-centered culture while maintaining oversight of nursing program planning, development, implementation, direction, supervision and evaluation.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs all phases of difficult, complex, professional, and technical planning and related works. Manages a variety of administrative tasks including grant compliance review, processing contracts, and verifying documentation.  Performs other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Planner is expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. Incumbents work independently in the research and analysis of planning issues, in the preparation of planning reports, studies and recommendations, and in the supervision and coordination of assigned planning functions and processes. Incumbents are responsible for coordinating grant activities.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the classification. Class specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Assists the City Manager and Contract Planner in performing and administering a variety of current and advanced planning projects.
• Receives, reviews, and prepares reports and recommendations on applications for zone changes, use permits, variances, planned developments, subdivisions, signs, boundary adjustment and other planning matters.
• Interprets, applies, and explains federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (C.E.Q.A.) and the National Environmental Protection Act (N.E.P.A.).
• Meets property owners, developers, architects, planners, and others concerning zoning and related codes, standards, and requirement.
• Conducts plan check of building permit-level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements; conducts over-the-counter plan check of less complex development proposals and land uses; approves minor development plans.
• Performs regular mapping functions with the use of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
• Reviews Business Licenses for compliance with Zoning and Municipal Code.
• Assists in the preparation and distribution of Planning Commission Agenda. Makes oral presentations before City Council, commissions, committees, community groups, and boards of other governmental agencies.  
• Evaluates environmental impact reports for accuracy and sufficiency and prepares reports and recommendation.
• Administers and implements the City’s grants including but not limited to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs.
• Conducts financial and program monitoring to ensure compliance.
• Prepares grant reports such as the Annual Action Plan and CAPER, and presents these documents to City Management or Council for approval.
• Works closely with granting agencies in preparing grant applications, budgets environmental reports, labor project monitoring, agreements with sub-grantees, the annual performance report, and other required reports.
• Explains program requirements to potential applicants and ensures their activity meets existing program guidelines.
• Assists with the preparation of the grant budgets for City Council Approval.
• Performs duties as assigned.