About the Position

The Planning & Building is actively recruiting for a Sr. Planner -Long Range Planning

The Planning and Building Department is seeking a highly motivated and self-directed Senior Planner to join its Long Range Planning team. With support and direction from the Long Range Planning Division Manager and Supervising Planner, the Senior Planner will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop land use policies, community plans, general plan amendments, and specific plans. The Senior Planner is a leadership role on the Long Range Planning team and would help to supervise, mentor, and train junior staff. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, a working knowledge of California planning laws and principles, and a collaborative attitude.

Click Here to view full job description for Sr. Planner

The Ideal Candidate

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• General land use, environmental, airport and park planning principles

• Engineering principles and practices pertinent to land use planning and environmental impact determination

• Federal state and local laws and regulations related to the environmental and land use planning with special emphasis on Subdivision Map Act, Zoning and Planning Law (Government Code) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

• Physical and life sciences

• Basic drafting and drawing techniques

• Principles of technical report writing

• Statistical computation and mathematics

• Computer applications and techniques such as Geographic Information Systems

• Planning and Building Department or General Services Agency office organization, procedures and standards as well as strategic direction and goals

• Office procedures and policies

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

In addition, Planner II:

• Principles, practices and regulations that are pertinent to land use planning, environmental review, airport planning, and park planning or

• Principles of land use modeling, air quality modeling, transportation modeling and acoustical modeling

In addition, Planner III:

• Contract management to monitor completion of work specified and expenditures

• Precedent setting court cases relating to land use and environmental law

• Effective conflict resolution techniques

In addition, Senior Planner:

• Basic supervisory techniques

• Project budgeting principles

Ability to:

• Compile, organize and summarize information accurately in graphic and written form

• Learn, interpret, apply and explain departmental policies and procedures, rules, laws and regulations

• Use sound judgment in researching, interpreting, applying, and explaining appropriate laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines

• Follow oral and written instructions

• Administer land use policies and regulations with good judgment, firmness and impartiality

• Assist in the review of project proposals against predetermined standards

• Work effectively in an environment that includes pressure to meet time sensitive deadlines and critical review of work product.

• Support and follow department policies, goals, guiding principles, and Mission-Vision-Values Statement

• Foster a spirit of teamwork and support when interacting with staff and others

• Work effectively and tactfully with other staff, public agencies, the general public and advisory committees

• Operate standard office equipment including a computer and assigned software.

• Maintain a safe and orderly work area

In addition, Planner II:

• Read and understand site plans, architectural drawings and topographical maps

• Review and evaluate project proposals against predetermined definitive standards and general performance objectives

• Implement departmental policies and procedures in all program areas

• Prepare concise and accurate staff reports and presentation at public meetings

• Develop, prepare and present comprehensive reports that deal with land use planning, airport planning, park planning and environmental issues

• Use organizational acuityacumen when dealing with the public, media, and various committees and boards

In addition, Planner III:

• Use software and other automation related techniques for personal and mainframe computers to maximize staff efficiency

• Make concise and professional formal and informal presentations of technical material

• Complete the processing of large or moderately complex projects

• Orient and train staff

• Act as a leadworker; plan own work and work of others for successful results

In addition, Senior Planner:

• Manage the most controversial development and policy projects

• Effectively conduct and facilitate public meetings

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff

Education and Experience

All levels: Graduation from an accredited institution with either a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, natural resources management, environmental, physical or life science, or a closely related field. (Para-professional or higher level job related experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

In addition:

Planner I: No additional experience required.

Planner II: One year of professional level experience in urban and regional planning or environmental review and analysis.

Planner III: Two years of professional level experience in urban and regional planning or environmental review and analysis.

Senior Planner: Four years of professional level experience in urban and regional planning and environmental review/analysis or environmental impact assessment work which requires a state approved specialized professional license or certification.

Licenses and Certificates

Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Other Specifications

Special Subclass Recruitment:
Recruitment for the positions in this series may be conducted according to the special requirements for each position. Requirements may be broadened to include experience more specific to the particular vacancy.

This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the
position(s) within this class. The duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential duties of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process. This information will also be made available for review at the time of any recruitment for that position and at such other times as reasonably required.

How to Apply

Supplemental Information

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).

Some benefits include:

• Medical (PPO, EPO), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
• Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
• Free visits to the employee health clinic
• Mental Health resources/benefits
• Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
• A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
• Optional deferred compensation Plan with up to $500 per year match
• Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Paid personal, sick and vacation days
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Wellness Allowance
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Family Friendly workplace policies
• Flexible work schedule options
• Rideshare commuter benefits

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.


Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the “Assist-to-Own” program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.