Principal Planner

Description

Join a team dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Douglas County. Responsible for protecting the public health, safety, and general welfare of residents and property owners by reviewing development proposals to ensure code compliance, the Planning Division of Douglas County Community Development plays a crucial role in achieving the objectives of the Douglas County Master Plan.

In addition to performing these duties and leading a team that provides assistance and information to the public in matters relating to planning, zoning, permit review, and County regulations, the Principal Planner role is also responsible for representing and speaking for the County at meetings as well as on regional boards, groups, and programs. This role requires someone with a strong foundation in professional planning, a critical thinker who understands the unique demands and challenges of zoning and land use within Douglas County, and someone capable of leading a successful and collaborative team in navigating the entitlement process of the County while balancing the needs of our community.

• In addition to completing the application, the department has requested that you attach a resume and a cover letter describing your experience in professional planning and illustrating the value that your experience will bring to the unique conditions of Douglas County.

Performs complex work under general direction of the Deputy Director of Community Development, responsible for supervising, coordinating and directing the County’s planning and zoning functions; serving as liaison to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), Towns, General Improvement Districts (GID), and other agencies in regard to development processes; performs related tasks as apparent or assigned.

Supervision is exercised over assigned department personnel.

• Supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff; coordinates, prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; tracks and reviews work progress and activities; assists with the recruitment and selection of staff; undertakes disciplinary action as required; conducts performance evaluations; ensures appropriate scheduling of staff to ensure proper operational coverage.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the division.
• Receives and processes various applications such as variances, rezoning, specific plan amendments, area plan amendments, master plan amendments, subdivision maps, annexations, special use permits, and regulation items.
• Develops and provides staff report and related materials for presentation on a proposed project to the County Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.
• Provides technical and professional planning services to achieve consistent and controlled growth in the County; assures project plans are in conformance to County goals, and in compliance with local, state and Federal codes and regulations.
• Reviews and evaluates project designs, plans, technical documents for compliance with County standards and regulatory requirements; reviews land development proposals and planning and zoning changes; meets with and advises developers regarding development applications and processes; explains purposes, regulations and procedures of accepted development practices; suggests alternatives for an improved design.
• Answers inquiries and assists the public and other agencies in matters relating to planning, zoning and permit review, and other County standards and regulations; provides information within scope of authority; represents and speaks for the County at meetings and on various regional boards, groups and programs, such as the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA); provides advice related to planning and development to the Board of Commissioners, the County Manager, County Planning Commission, and other County departments.
  
  Incumbent may sit as the County representative on the TRPA Advisory Planning Commission.
• Oversees the development review process, coordinating with team members from other divisions and departments; reviews and processes a variety of applications, permits and plans; reviews development plans with developers, builders, utility companies, and other County departments; provides reports and findings to the Deputy Director of Community Development; oversees the Genoa Historic District Commission; provides reports on planning, zoning and development matters for presentation to the County Planning Commission and County Board of Commissioners.
• Manages special projects as assigned; conducts research and analysis on permits, plans, rules and regulations; oversees the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
• Coordinates with various regional government organizations, community groups, and state and Federal agencies; attends public meetings and coordinates discussions on…