Planner Associate

Planning for the Future of Solano County

The Department of Resource Management responsibilities include assisting the Board of Supervisors in providing for the well being of Solano County's present and future residents and the public at-large through administration and enforcement of Federal, State, and Local laws and policies pertaining to environmental health, building construction, and land use planning, which have been adopted to preserve and protect the individual, the public, and the environment, and further the economic stability of the County. 

Under the general direction of the Resource Management Director,  the Planning Division works to enhance the quality of life by protecting agriculture and the natural and built environment while: ensuring orderly growth, balancing conservation and development, involving the public in decision-making, and providing exceptional customer service.

To learn more about the Planning Division, please visit http://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rm/planning/default.asp  

Planner Associates perform a variety of professional planning duties to develop and maintain elements of the County's general plan and implement the County's Zoning Regulations.  Planner Associates play a vital role in preparing the key elements of the General Plan and zoning regulations which includes making presentations to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and the public.  Planners work independently in processing and presenting actions to policy bodies and may serve as chairperson of committees and/or be responsible for the administration of a specific Environmental Management program.

To review the full class description which includes examples of duties, please visit http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=15829

Although the current vacancy is for a Limited -Term position thru June 30, 2016, the eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Experience: Two (2) years professional planning experience, which included the full range of professional planning duties at the local, regional or state level.

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree is required, or completion of a continuing education certificate program from an accredited college or university, in City or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Economics, or Geography or a related field. 

Solano County offers a comprehensive benefit package to full and part-time employees which includes a cafeteria-style medical package with health benefits offered through CalPERS. The County contributes 75% of the Kaiser family rate for the Bay area for coverage that begins the first of the month following date of hire. The County offers a cash back provision for those who choose employee-only medical coverage or those who waive medical insurance coverage. Dental and vision insurances for the employee and eligible dependents are paid 100% by the County.

Solano County participates in CalPERS retirement, and contributes to Social Security. Vacation is accrued at approximately 10 days per year for the first 78 full time pay periods (approximately 3 years). Sick leave accrues at approximately 12 days per year. Additionally, the County observes 12 fixed, paid holidays per year.

To review complete benefits information, please visit: http://www.solanocounty.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=16512

• 05/09/2014 Deadline to submit all required documents
• 05/13/2014 Tentative date for Qualifications Review
• 05/19/2014 Tentative date for Oral Board

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a written and/or practical exam, an oral interview, or any combination listed. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees.

All potential new hires and employees considered for promotion to management, confidential positions or unrepresented positions will be subject to a background and reference check after contingent job offer is accepted. These provisions are subject to change.

Please visit the County of Solano website,www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply. All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with a document cover sheet, available on the County's employment website: http://www.jobaps.com/Solano/sup/doccover.pdf or at the of Human Resources’ office, and are due by the final filing date.  

Previously submitted application materials for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.   

Questions can be directed to the Human Resources Department at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

All applicants must submit a copy of their college diploma (verifying the degree, date earned and area of specialization) or official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed) by the final filing date. Candidates who fail to submit their diploma or transcripts (if required) by the final filing date will be disqualified from the recruitment.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service. The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment. Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents in-person or by mail at Solano County Department of Human Resources 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA  94533, or by fax to (707) 784-3424 or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (e.g., Planner Associate) and the recruitment number (e.g., 14-353010-01). 

This Supplemental Questionnaire will be used to help determine your qualifications for this position and whether you continue in the recruitment process.  Be sure to answer all questions thoroughly and completely.  Omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.  If you have no experience is a specific area, then state "no experience in this area."

1. Describe your experience, education and training as it qualifies you for the position of Planner Associate.  
2. Describe your experience in preparing Initial Studies, Negative Declarations and/or Environmental Impact Reports for a local California Planning agency.    
3. Describe your public agency experience in preparing and presenting staff reports on development applications to planning commissions and city councils or boards of supervisors for a city or county please include the size/population.
4. Most of the land area in Solano County is devoted to agriculture, which is recognized as having great economic importance to the region and the State. What methods can you suggest that Solano County might consider to control growth and preserve agricultural lands? 
5. ___ Yes, I understand that the complete job description that details the duties and responsibilities for this position can be found on the Solano County Human Resources website.  I have reviewed the job description in preparation for applying for this position.

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions. A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE FINAL FILING DATE.

Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons. Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined grade. Disabled veterans shall have 10 points added to their combined grade. Veteran scores will only be added to passing scores.

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form. This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment. Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

Located 45 miles northeast of San Francisco and 45 miles southwest of Sacramento, Solano County is home to rolling hills, waterfronts and fertile farmland.

Solano offers a blend of agriculture, corporate business, cultural venues, festivals and events, and provides residents with many recreation and entertainment choices. The County is also home to Travis Air Force Base.

With its strategic location, affordable housing, natural resources, responsible land use planning, and attractive quality of life, Solano County is a great place to live, learn, work and play.

County Population (January 2012): 413,786

SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOLYER