Planner II – Sustainability

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The Napa Valley, internationally known for its fine wines, exciting restaurants and world-class resorts, is home to 140,000 residents who share a strong sense of community and a legacy of preserving and protecting our rich agricultural heritage.

Located in the heart of California's preeminent wine region, the Napa Valley is also part of the dynamic San Francisco Bay Metropolitan Area. With its sunny Mediterranean climate and proximity to the mountains and ocean, the Valley offers residents easy access to virtually unlimited shopping, dining, cultural and recreational opportunities.

The Napa Valley's strategic location, natural and cultural resources, history of responsible land use planning and attractive quality of life provide the ideal mix of small town living and big city amenities.    

The County of Napa is a highly respected employer within the local community as well as throughout the region. We offer rewarding and challenging work, flexible hours, competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package and tremendous opportunities for career growth. At the County of Napa we truly value our employees and are committed to diversity in our family-oriented environment. This is why we are the Employer of Choice for more than 1,400 employees.

As an organization, the County is dedicated to improving the lives of our citizens and reflecting the best of the community's values: Respect, Accountability, Dedication, Integrity and Innovation.   

To perform a variety of responsible professional duties in the field of current and advance land use planning, groundwater planning, and sustainability planning; to prepare, process and present environmental analysis reports, research findings and agenda items; disseminate information to the public and provide assistance to the public and developers on complex  matters; and, as assigned, perform business process analysis and oversee interdepartmental permitting coordination and ensure efficiency of the Department's permit information tracking systems.

The Planner is a flexibly staffed job series performing a full range of professional activities within the Planning, Building and Environmental Services Department. Planners may be assigned to the Planning, Code Compliance, Water Resources and Sustainability Divisions or disciplines within the Department. The difference in Planner levels depends on the complexity of the assignments and degree of independent judgment and responsibility required.

The Planner II is the journey level of the series and works under general supervision, while performing difficult, varied and complex professional planning assignments. As experience, knowledge, skills and abilities are acquired, and increased proficiency consistently demonstrated, an incumbent may be promoted to a Planner III when there is an associated need.

The Planner III is the advanced journey level class in the professional planning series. This class is distinguished from the Planner II level by the successful completion, on a regular and continuing basis, of the more complex planning assignments. This position is expected to perform the full range of planning duties with a significant degree of independent judgment and responsibility. Positions assigned to this class may also apply specialized and advanced level knowledge, skills and abilities in the area to which they are assigned and may serve as a lead worker to lower level planning staff.

Recruitment Process:

 

• Job Category:  Planning and Development
• Department:  Planning, Building & Environmental Services
• Location: County Administration - 1195 Third Street, Napa

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Prepares and presents agenda items for various boards and commissions such as:  the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Watershed Information and Conservation Council, Wildlife Conservation Commission, Climate Action Committee, Groundwater Sustainability Agency, Groundwater Technical Work Group and other task forces, advisory committees and public agencies, including development of agenda items.
• Prepares reports and recommendations on a variety of topics such as: planning and land use applications, zoning changes, use permits, vineyard development/erosion control plans, parcel maps, tentative subdivision maps, general and specific plan amendments, groundwater, water resources and sustainability.
• Assists other staff in completing complex assignments, either individually or as member of a team.
• Assists in public meeting coordination and facilitation related to specific projects as well as countywide issues and community policy development.
• Provides technical information to other agency staff, the public, developers, builders and property owners.
• Prepares comprehensive reports, letters and other written materials.
• Provides information related to planning, developing and monitoring budgets.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

A Planner II assigned to the Planning Division may perform the following duties: 

• Provides technical information to the public, developers, builders and property owners regarding permit processing, environmental review and zoning requirements.
• Investigates issues involving planning problems/opportunities, legal and public relation concerns and prepares detailed presentations of findings and recommendations.
• Conducts field investigations to verify compliance with County regulations and planning related citizen complaints.
• Conducts comparative studies of land use, population characteristics and economic activity.
• Issues citations for code and zoning violations.
• Coordinates with legal counsel staff to prepare for enforcement hearings, litigation proceedings or other means of violation resolution.
• Maintains Parcel Map Books and updates zoning changes authorized through adopted ordinances and resolutions.
• Utilizes GIS software to identify the geography and natural resources associated with proposed development areas.
• Prepares maps for general public and other County Departments/Agencies to visualize potential impacts of proposed individual and small developments.
• Oversees the County's street name and house numbering system.

A Planner II assigned to Sustainability may perform the following duties: 

• Plans and facilitates informational workshops for residents, property owners, business owners and managers, municipal staff, real estate professionals, and other stakeholders both online and in person.
• Provides outreach and technical information to the public, contractors, elected officials and staff.
• Develops content for a wide range of communication platforms including reports, social media, websites, videos, business letters, brochures, fliers, and other outreach tools.
• Monitors and evaluates comprehensive outreach activities, including websites, surveys, public education, training, and media activities.
• Assists in the preparation of reports and recommendations on opportunities within BayREN (for example: electrification vs energy efficiency for moderate income residents).
• Serves as a representative of the County on boards, committees and community groups.
• Assists with research and preparation of work plans and grant applications including budget estimates and timeframes. 
• Assists with the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of BayREN, Green Business and sustainability programs/projects.
• Develops relationships with community partners such as community-based organizations, real estate professionals, home contractors, and others to expand opportunities for collaboration.
• Participates in regional committees to develop and execute strategies for implementing the Bay Area Regional Energy Network’s (BayREN) single-family, multi-family, commercial, codes & standards, municipal zero net energy, and green labeling programs.

A Planner II assigned to Water Resources may perform the following duties:

• Conduct and participate in water resources-related programs and projects.
• Organize, analyze, summarize and interpret technical information, including maps, charts, and graphs for studies and reports.
• Make recommendations on groundwater and natural resource projects and program needs. 
• Conduct field inspections and investigations and collects water resource and groundwater data.  
• Assist with monitoring and evaluation of performance of contractors and consultants.  Assists with oversight and contract management for technical consulting staff to ensure the overall quality of work products.
• Coordinate activities and meets with water and resource agencies, municipalities, and other organizations, including members of the public.  
• Assist with the identification of relevant grant opportunities and assists with the preparation, submittal and administration of grant applications including development of budgets and schedules, monitoring of grant funds, and development of invoices and reports to granting agencies as required. 
• Assist with the submittal of required data and annual reports to the State and public. 
• Assist with the preparation of a variety of technical reports, written communications, analytical reports and correspondence for both internal use and outside agencies.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge Of:

• Principles and practices of project management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and practices of management and public administration.
• Principles and practices of budgeting and grant writing.
• English grammar, composition, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation. 
• Standards and practices for workplace safety.
• Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, search tools, social media services and database applications. 

Planner II – Current Planning

• Principles, practices and trends in one or more fields of planning, such as current or advanced planning, environmental programs, or sustainability.
• Principles, practices and theories of land use planning. 
• General Plan development and implementation.
• Environmental laws and policies.
• State planning, map and zoning laws and their application.
• California Subdivision Map Act.
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• California Planning Act and other state or federal legal requirements related to general land use planning.
• State and local zoning ordinances and regulation guidelines.

Planner II - Sustainability

• Knowledge and experience in one or more of these topic areas: energy efficiency, decarbonization, energy auditing, building performance and related sustainability issues.
• Principles, practices, and theories of energy efficiency.
• California Climate policy, especially as it relates to energy efficiency.
• Pertinent federal and state laws.

Planner II – Water Resources

• Principles and practices of water resources, groundwater and natural resources conservation, management, planning and related environmental policies.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations related to water and natural resources conservation, management and planning including the California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and SB 552.

SKILL TO:

• Prepare written materials such as narratives, project summaries, and/or Board reports.
• Compile and analyze technical and statistical information and data.
• Collect, analyze, interpret and apply data summary information to assigned projects.
• Prepare and maintain clear, concise and complete records and reports.
• Carry out assigned tasks and meet specific deadlines.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Make effective presentations to Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Climate Action Committee, Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA), stakeholder groups, and other public and private agency meetings.
• Serve as representative for various committees and community groups.

Planner II - Planning

• Apply applicable State and County laws and regulations to land use permit requests and planning projects.
• Analyze planning and land use situations accurately, make recommendations and take effective action to resolve potential conflict.
• Investigate multiple inquires and complaints and conduct multiple field inspections.
• Utilize mapping software to produce visual representation of various GIS data layers to get a precise picture of the geography of identified land use projects.
• Prepare reports for use in determining potential environmental impacts of proposed development projects.
• Analyze environmental impacts; prepare necessary documents, studies, findings and recommendations for various development projects including minor zoning amendments and related planning documents.
• Collect, analyze, tabulate and present land use, economic and other data summaries necessary to complete required work assignments.
• Prepare amendments to the General Plan and specific plans as needed.
• Independently perform routine investigations and inspections regarding possible or known code violations.
• Prepare evidence and files for enforcement cases including testimony in court as necessary.
• Use analytical software (GIS and others) to provide accurate projections of selected areas to identify sensitive resources, potential erosion, soil characteristics and slope stability to ensure proposed developments are planned for accordingly.

Planner II Sustainability

• Develop public outreach materials, including mailings and social media, and delivering targeted presentations to a wide variety of audiences and stakeholders.
• Speak effectively and make public presentations, conduct outreach, and provide training and/or public education as necessary.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals at all levels including those from government, business, private and non-profit agencies, community groups, and the public.

Planner II - Water Resources

• Assist with the management of a natural resources and groundwater conservation and management program.
• Track appropriate annual and five year milestones in the Groundwater Sustainability Plan to achieve and maintain groundwater sustainability.

ABILITY TO:

• Work cooperatively with the public, other departments and outside agencies.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others on staff.
• Work primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to different sites and locations.
• Work extended hours including evenings and weekends.
• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight.
• Use repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including using a computer keyboard.
• Verbally communicate to exchange information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience:

• Two years professional experience in the planning, natural resources, water resources or sustainability/energy field.  

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in city, regional, land use or environmental planning, environmental policy, environmental science, hydrogeology or related field.  

License or Certificate*

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

*Any license, certification, or registration required for this position shall be maintained (i.e. active and in good standing) at all times during employment with Napa County. For continued employment with Napa County, you must maintain such license, certification, or registration to meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

TO APPLY

• For more information and to apply, please click "Apply on Company Website" below to visit our website at http://www.napacountycareers.com/.
• Applications are due by 5PM on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.

ADA ACCOMMODATION

Applicants requiring accommodation during the application and/or selection process pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact County of Napa Human Resources at (707) 253-4303.

Napa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.