Salary : $89,870.99 - $132,633.78 Annually
Location : Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County and neighboring counties, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 1189RMA-24AA (DS)
Department: Resource Management Agency
Opening Date: 11/19/2024
Closing Date: 12/18/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
WHAT WE OFFER
The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package.

• General Salary Increase - 3.5% effective December 22, 2024.
• New Hire/Retention/Referral Incentive - New hires may be eligible for a one-time New Hire incentive up to 10% of the current annual base wage. SEIU 721 MOA 2022-2025, Article 38 (Secs. 3801 - 3803).
• Merit Increases - New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) provided performance meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.
• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate's degree.
• Bilingual Incentive - Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual Incentive depending upon operational needs and certification skills.
• Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule - We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for most positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.
• Sick Leave - Full-time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.
• Vacation Accrual - New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.
• Annual Leave Redemption - After 14,560 hours of continuous County service (equivalent to seven (7) years) an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Plans - Full time regular employees are afforded a flexible credit allowance for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans: Tier one for employee only is $502 per pay period, tier two for employee plus one is $730 per pay period and tier three for employee plus family is $905 per pay period.
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined benefit plan.
• Holidays -12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
• Additional Benefits -Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

VENTURA COUNTY
The County's 1,873 square miles include 1,846 square miles of land with 42 miles of coastline which is home to the following cities and points of interest: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest, Channel Islands National Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Ventura County is a "general law" county, governed by a five-member, elected-by-district Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors appoint a County Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the County budget, day-to-day operations, and to advise, assist, and act as an agent for the Board of Supervisors in all matters under the Board's jurisdiction.
THE AGENCY
The primary goal of the Resource Management Agency (RMA) is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public through administration and enforcement of County ordinances, Board policy, and state and federal laws regarding land use, and commercial and environmental regulation. The agency includes five divisions: Environmental Health, Building & Safety, Code Compliance, Operations, and Planning. RMA also plays an important role in economic development by assisting County residents and businesses in obtaining permits needed to construct new or reconfigured buildings, start new businesses such as home occupations, restaurants and food service establishments, and agricultural enterprises.
RMA recognizes the value of having a diverse and inclusive workforce at all levels of our Agency to best serve our clients and be representative of the community we serve and is committed to being an active participant in removing barriers to ensure equitable access and opportunities for success. The Agency is dedicated to attracting, hiring, developing, retaining, and valuing quality employees fully empowered to protect everyone's health, safety, and the environment, and committed to providing excellent customer service through the efficient, accurate, and consistent application of laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies.
THE DIVISION
The chief responsibility of the Planning Division is to regulate the use of land and structures within unincorporated areas of the county. Using these regulations and others, the Planning Division issues permits for uses and structures and enforces both permit conditions and maintains consistency with the County's Zoning Ordinances and General Plan. The Division is comprised of seven interdisciplinary teams that work collaboratively to meet the mission of the organization: Planning Programs, General Plan Implementation, Area Plans & Resources, Housing & State Mandates, Commercial/Industrial Permits, Residential Permits, and Permit Administration. A GIS Story map with more information about the Planning Division for potential job candidates can be viewed:
THE POSITION
The current vacancies are within the Planning Division Residential Permits Team and the Planning Division General Plan Implementation Team. Senior Planners on the Residential Permits Team process privately initiated discretionary land-use projects, reviewing them for compliance with federal, state, and local ordinances and policies, including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinances, California Coastal Act, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and County Area Plans. In processing projects, Senior Planners engage with the public, project applicants, and consultants and they may give presentations to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and municipal advisory councils.
Senior Planners on the General Plan Implementation Team play a vital role in maintaining and implementing adopted General Plan goals, policies and programs. They function as project managers, developing policy recommendations, writing policy updates and collaborating with other County agency staff to implement the programs of the County of Ventura 2040 General Plan. General Plan projects may be complex and controversial due to the broad impact to county residents and other stakeholders. Senior Planners on this team engage with the public and community stakeholders, through public outreach activities, and deliver presentations to appointed and elected officials, including the Board of Supervisors.
Ideal candidate/Distinguishing Characteristics
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field and have extensive progressively complex work experience in land-use planning. The ideal candidate will have project management, critical thinking, and independent decision-making skills. Additionally, the ideal candidate must be able to prepare written staff reports with thoughtful analysis and recommendations, have exposure to California environmental regulations, and be able to present to boards and commissions effectively. The ideal candidate will have the ability to navigate applicants and stakeholders through land-use regulations to arrive at a positive outcome using a solution-oriented approach. The candidate will possess a strong work ethic, possess the ability to prioritize work on a wide range of planning projects with competing deadlines, and will be adaptable and open to new situations, ideas, and challenges. Finally, the ideal candidate will be an effective problem solver who combines technical expertise with excellent communication skills.
APPROXIMATE SALARY
Planner IV - $89,870.99 - $132,633.78 Annually
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Opening Date: November 19, 2024
Closing Date: December 18, 2024
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Researches, compiles, synthesizes, analyzes, and interprets information and data necessary to meet planning objectives.
• Prepares written reports and makes recommendations for completion of planning projects.
• Coordinates and/or negotiates with other individuals, developers, applicants, consultants, and other departments and agencies on technical or legal aspects of planning projects, some of which may be controversial or politically sensitive.
• Coordinates projects, defines problems and alternative solutions, and sets objectives as part of the ongoing planning process.
• Conducts field investigations of proposed project sites in order to have direct knowledge of the location or project under study.
• Provides general information to the public in response to questions about projects, planning programs, applicable ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews and interprets Planning ordinances, regulations, and land use policies.
• May act as project team leaders and program coordinators.
• May act as first line supervisor.
• Makes oral presentations to public groups and governmental bodies to explain and clarify planning reports and recommendations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE
Extensive experience in land use planning which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The required knowledge, skills, and abilities can be obtained by completion of a bachelor's degree in urban planning or a related field and four (4) or more years of progressively responsible land-use planning or related experience.
Substitution: Additional experience or non-related degrees may be substituted for the required education and experience on a year for year basis.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES
Comprehensive knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of urban and regional planning.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to planning, land use and environmental protection (e.g. CEQA).

Working knowledge of:

• Research and statistical methods.
• Interagency relationships.
• Map and plan reading.

Working ability to:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to formulate recommendations.
• Solve problems at complex levels.
• Speak and write effectively to communicate with colleagues, customers, and the public.
• Prepare technical reports on complex projects.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and other agencies to provide information and coordinate planning efforts.
• Function as a project leader and program coordinator.
• Function as a first line supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (IF APPLICABLE)
Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment, but regular on-site inspections are required, sometimes involving hazardous terrain. Also requires occasional climbing, crouching, kneeling, balancing and keyboard entry.
Recruitment Process
FINAL FILING DATE Applications must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 .
To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at . If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.
NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader) for additional information.
Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the removal of the application from further consideration.
TRAINING & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.
NOTE: The selection process will likely consist of an Oral Exam, which may be preceded or replaced with the score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence.
ORAL EXAMINATION - 100% A job-related Oral Examination may be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.
NOTE: If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an oral exam will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.
Candidates successfully completing the exam process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year.
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary, Extra Help, Intermittent, and Fixed-Term) vacancies for this position and similar positions within the Resource Management Agency. There are currently two regular vacancies within the Planning Division .
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough post offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record is required for this position.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
For further information about this recruitment, please contact Daisy Silva by email at
YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE
Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)
(SEIU)
To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• or you may call (805) 654-2570.

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ, UPT, UWS
01
The qualifications for this position require a combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, environmental studies, public administration, engineering, or a closely related field. Please indicate your highest level of education completed below:

• Doctoral degree in Urban Planning or a related field
• Master's degree in Urban Planning or a related field
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field
• Associate degree in Urban Planning or a related field
• Some College
• High School Diploma/GED

02
For the degree completed and selected above, please specify your major area of study (e.g., urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, environmental studies, public administration, engineering, or a related field.) If this does not apply to you, please type with "N/A."
03
Do you possess, or can you obtain prior to appointment, and maintain a valid California driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04
Please describe your extensive progressively responsible land-use planning or related experience. In your response, please include your years of experience and whether this experience was obtained in public or private sector. If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."
05
Please select the areas below that accurately reflect areas of previous work experience:

• Discretionary/Development Review Applications (large scale)
• Discretionary/Development Review Applications (small scale)
• Long Range Plan preparation (General Plan or Community Plan)
• Zoning Code, Regulation, and Policy Development
• Transportation Planning
• Public Input Facilitation
• Design, including Streetscape, Neighborhood, and Community Plans
• Project Management
• Federal Environmental Laws and Regulations (including NEPA)
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• Develop and Implement Work Plans and Budgets
• Conduct Outreach to a Diverse Group of Stakeholders
• Contracts
• Discretionary and/or Ministerial Permit Processing
• Process Improvement Efforts
• Other
• None of the Above

06
Please describe why you are interested in the Senior Planner position and describe the work experience that has prepared you for this role. Please include examples of past leadership roles such as project manager, program coordinator and/or experience as the lead on a complex land-use project, including the employer where you gained this experience.
Required Question