2021/07/13 City Council Resolution 2021-087 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-087
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT
PARK APPROVING THE POSITION TITLE, SALARY RANGE AND
ASSOCIATED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A SENIOR PLANNER IN THE
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed the needs of the Development Services Department and
is proposing a Senior Planner position in order to provide the required level of service to
applicants for planning entitlements; and
WHEREAS, staff has developed a job description for the Senior Planner position
(Exhibit A); and
WHEREAS, staff has reviewed classification and compensation structures in
comparable public agencies and determined that the Senior Planner position requires
knowledge, aptitude and training consistent with Rohnert Park Employees' Association Range
52RP; and
WHEREAS,the Fiscal Year 2020-21 and 2021-22 staffing plan and operational
budgets for the Development Services Department, includes a Planner III position(which is an
alternative title for Senior Planner) and can support this organization and salary structure based
on a combination of anticipated permit revenue and reduced consultant services.
WHEREAS, the position will be in the Rohnert Park Employees Association(RPEA)
and Human Resources advised RPEA of the proposed Senior Planner position by providing the
draft job description for review and RPEA had no objection to the job description; and
WHEREAS, in order to maintain internal equity while attracting qualified candidates,
staff recommends placing the Senior Planner in the existing salary range 52RP with an annual
salary range of$92,764 to $112,756, which is comparable to other similar positions in the
county and region; and
NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Rohnert Park that it does hereby authorize and approve the salary range, title, and job
description as shown in Exhibit A for a Senior Planner position within the Development
Services Department.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 13th dap. 2021.
CIT I F R►, R PARK
G' Attu ce, Mayor
ATTEST:
Elizabeth Macha o, Deputy City Clerk
Attachment:
Exhibit A—Senior Planner Job Description
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EXHIBIT A
SENIOR PLANNER
(Salary Range 52RP - $89,627.51 - $108,943.10)
DEFINITION
Under general direction, coordinates, organizes, manages and performs professional and technical support
related to planning programs and activities in the areas of land use, zoning, transportation, natural
resources, parks and open spaces; processes General Plan amendments, municipal code and zone changes,
conditional use permits, variances, and other discretionary permits; develops and reviews staff reports
related to planning activities, projects, and services; presents reports to and advises the City Council,
Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and other commissions, committees, and boards related to a
wide variety of planning and zoning matters; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work
related to assigned activities; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Planning Manager;
and performs related duties, as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Planning Manager. Exercises technical and functional direction over
and provides training to lower-level staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a professional classification responsible for coordinating, organizing, managing and performing
work related to current planning programs, projects, and activities of the Planning Division. Performance
of the work requires a comprehensive knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules,
regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures related to planning, as well as
principles, practices, and procedures related to city and regional planning, development, and zoning
administration. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual
situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different
positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential
functions of the job.
Coordinates, organizes, manages and participates in highly complex planning programs and activities
in the areas of land use, zoning, transportation, natural resources, parks and open spaces.
Processes applications for General Plan amendments, specific plans, planned developments, municipal
code changes, zoning code and map amendments, conditional use permits, variances, and other
discretionary cases.
Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Planning Manager; develops and reviews staff reports
related to planning activities, projects, and services; presents reports to and advises the City Council,
Planning Commission, Design Review Board (DRB), and other commissions, committees, and boards
related to a wide variety of planning and zoning matters; performs a variety of public relations and
outreach work related to assigned activities.
Reviews and makes recommendations on zoning and permit applications, site plans, and architectural
designs, including the processing of current and advanced planning projects from submittal through
environmental review, public hearing, plan check and final inspection.
Senior Planner
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Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the
division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends
and administers policies and procedures.
Participates in the development of and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of planning services, projects, and activities.
Participates in the development and administration of the division budget.
Participates in the selection and training of staff.
Prepares environmental documents consistent with California Environmental Quality Act.
Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding
land use applications and general municipal planning programs, projects, and functions; facilitates
community participation through a continual dialogue with residents on major projects.
Assists with the dissemination of planning and zoning information to the general public.
Assists the Planning Manager with special projects, as needed.
Prepares environmental impact reports; prepares written initial studies, negative declarations, and staff
reports related to development projects or City projects.
Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social,
economic, population, and land use data and trends; researches and reviews previous entitlements and
City records; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters and
the City’s General Plan; participates in the implementation and administration of the City’s General
Plan and development regulations.
Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public
regarding City development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to land
use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.
Researches and prepares ordinances for review.
Refers to and applies numerous documents including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California
Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, State Planning laws, Municipal Code, Specific
Plans, Redevelopment Guidelines, emergency operations manual, historical preservation guidelines,
County tax assessor’s maps and records, building and architecture plans, etc.
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in
professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning
and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
Provide technical direction and training to consultants, other planning and technical staff, as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:
• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrates care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Performs work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies
and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Principles, practices, and procedures related to city and regional planning, development, and zoning
administration.
Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning.
Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
Senior Planner
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Site planning and architectural design principles.
Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning
services, activities, and projects.
Methods, materials, and techniques used in the planning of projects, including land use, transportation,
natural resources, and parks.
Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
Practices of researching planning and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound
recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public,
vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules
of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task
coordination.
Computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
Ability to:
Administer complex, technical, and sensitive planning, development, and related programs in an
independent and cooperative manner.
Review and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an
effective manner.
Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare
effective technical staff reports.
Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and
standards relevant to work performed.
Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community
groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary
to assume assigned responsibilities.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a
variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and
syntax.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal
guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the
course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in land-use planning, urban
planning, public administration, business administration, community development, or a closely related field
and four (4) years of increasingly responsible administrative and/or project management experience in
urban or environmental planning.
Senior Planner
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Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment and a
satisfactory driving record.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners is
desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a
computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs,
and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and
meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to
communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office
classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is
needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard
office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull
drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry,
push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions,
and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally
be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards,
vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees
may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing
departmental policies and procedures.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employee Unit: Rohnert Park Employees’ Association (RPEA)
Approved By:
Date Approved: