Principal Planner

Class Title: Principal Planner

Class Code: PRINCIPAL PLANNER

Hourly: $42.64 - $59.14 | Monthly: $7390.27 - $10250.74 | Annually: $88683.25 - $123008.83

Benefits: Full-time

OVERVIEW:

This classification performs advanced-level professional planning and supervisory work; is responsible for managing/supervising other professional planners. Performs work on current and long-range planning objectives, development and implementation of the district’s Comprehensive, Strategic, and Trails plans, manages a variety of park, trail and recreation facility planning projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the supervision of the Planning and Development Director.  Follows standards and procedures without supervision but confirms changes to standard practices and significant decisions in advance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Direct supervision is exercised over planning employees and volunteers, including hiring, training, managing and evaluating performance, developing goals, discipline providing, responding to grievances, and effectively recommending termination. Also supervises work of consultants and contractors working on district projects.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The information provided below encompasses the typical duties and capabilities linked with this classification.  Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manages park and trail planning projects (e.g. Comp Plan, Strategic Plan, Trails Plan, etc.) including supervising work of subordinate staff and consultants ensuring projects meet scope and budget specifications. Coordinates capital projects with development staff.
• Coordinates and conducts research and prepares reports on specialized topics related to planning and park and recreation issues.
• Identifies trail right of way or parkland needs and negotiates property acquisitions with developers and property owners.
• Provides input on land use and transportation analysis, site assessment and analysis, property acquisition and predevelopment cost analysis. Reviews City of Bend and Deschutes County development applications and related land use actions, evaluates potential impacts on existing and planned parks, trails and recreation facilities, and provides comments and/or testimony on behalf of the district.
• Conducts public outreach for planning and development projects. Coordinates meetings, prepares materials, and facilitates process.  Manages and ensure citizen engagement and participation in the planning processes.  Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquires and complaints.
• Analyzes and interprets public policy, planning documents, development codes, and land use legislation and regulations to determine relevance and impact on district planning and development efforts.
• Represents the district to the public, to other organizations or entities, and in other situations as required. Makes presentations and provides comment and testimony to elected and appointment Boards, Commission, and councils. Serves as a liaison to other agencies, community and neighborhood groups.  Attends various public meetings that concern parks, trails and recreation facilities.
• Works closely with the Park Services and Recreation Departments to facilitate inter-departmental collaboration for district planning and projects.
• Oversees the districts grants policy, works with planning and finance staff to secure and monitor various granting opportunities.
• Participates in and contributes to the preparation of the Capitol Improvement Plan and the Planning and Development budget with the department director and staff.
• Directs, coordinates, supervises and evaluates the planning staff; works with staff to establish individual work plans to meet broader district goals and objectives.
• Contributes to the Planning and Development Division’s GIS database and products including preparation of the annual population forecast and level of service calculation.
• Acts as a Mandatory Reporter; reports incidents of child abuse/neglect.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

The individual in this classification is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills and abilities.

Strong Knowledge of: 

• Urban planning and development, local government policies and procedures
• Specialized planning area’s such as park and recreation planning, land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, or environmental planning
• Research methods and statistical principles related to planning and development
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
• Budgeting procedures and techniques
• Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to planning and administration.
• Local government procedures and practices
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes
• Web management concepts, tools and software including GIS.

Skill and ability to:

• Provide effective supervision and staff management
• Independently manage and coordinate planning projects, studies and activities;
• Facilitate meetings and input processes from outside contributors, including the public, other organizations, and volunteer groups;
• Communicate effectively and persuasively in both verbal and written form, including public speaking;
• Exercise good judgment, demonstrate initiative, meet deadlines, and make good decisions;
• Excellent interpersonal, creative problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills;
• Excellent planning and organization skills;
• Proficiently operate computers and software relevant to word processing, presentations, and spreadsheet applications;
• Ability to plan, organize, and work with others to accomplish overall goals and objective to address the park and planning needs;
• Evaluate services and make necessary adjustments;
• Use independent judgment and initiative;
• Work cooperatively and successfully with other departments, community groups, and regional and state organizations;
• Work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment; and
• Create and maintain a positive, constructive, and respectful relationship with staff and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The following are minimum qualifications for this classification.

Education, Experience, and Training:

1. Bachelor’s Degree required, preferred in Planning, Park Resource Management, or related field; AND
2. Five (5) years progressively responsible work experience in planning;
3. Three (3) years of supervisory experience; OR
4. Any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training.

License:

Some positions may require possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The following are working conditions, including environmental and physical demands, required for this classification.

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment and requires the ability to work and maintain focus in a work environment with moderate noise (i.e., working around others making periodic phone calls or having conversations) and with frequent interruptions.
• Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods of time, move about the office occasionally.
• Ability to maintain sustained concentration on computer screens; use keyboards and a variety of peripherals.
• Ability to have clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to others.
• Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and making fine discriminations in sound.
• May be required to travel to locations in, around, or outside the greater Bend area.
• The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time.
• Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers, while operating computer keyboards, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• Physical exertion includes walking, traversing uneven terrain, and the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds unassisted, pushing, and pulling, grasping, reaching, bending, crouching and kneeling in the course of conducting site inspections.
• Occasional dealing with distraught or difficult individuals.
• Requires working some long hours, including attending evening meetings and may be required to attend weekend events.
• Duties are periodically performed outdoors in varied weather conditions and uneven terrain.

STATUS:

Exempt

Full-Time

Benefits: Full-time

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