PLANNER III (SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION - NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde .

EXAMINATION PROCESS : The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB DESCRIPTION:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES : Assumes responsibility for one or more park, trail and/or open space planning programs; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS : An employee in this class plans, organizes and directs a small staff of employees engaged in activities pertaining to the examination of and recommendations concerning park, trail and open space acquisition and development, proposed subdivisions, zoning changes, zoning appeals, site plans, social planning, long-range planning studies, etc.; compiling and analyzing research data and performing related activities. An employee in this class will oversee the coordination, development and implementation of the New Castle County Open Space Preservation Advisory Committee. An employee in this class works under the general supervision of a superior and exercises considerable judgment and independence in technical planning matters.

Job Requirements:

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative only)

• Provides technical assistance to Parks Division Staff; prepares and implements park, trail and natural resource management plans
• Manage trail and/or park acquisitions, design and development projects, prepares studies and designs, obtains necessary permits and approvals;
• Coordinate the activities of the New Castle County Land Preservation Committee;
• Write trail and open space grant proposals, give public presentations about parks, open spaces and trails;
• Prepares project budget estimates and schedules
• Develops request for proposals for professional and/or construction services; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; administers contracts after award; conducts field inspections to ensure compliance;
• Develops and maintains inventory of necessary capital improvement projects, open space preserve facilities, and infrastructure improvements.
• Prepares long-range and short-range plans for the County;
• Reviews and analyzes plans and specifications for compliance with County policy and sound planning principles;
• Designs land development plans within the subdivision regulations of New Castle County;
• Reviews field inspection reports for conformance with zoning and subdivision codes, and confers with development and licensing on zoning matters;
• Reviews and takes appropriate action on field reports related to planning;
• May assist or participate in the supervision of a division or section;
• Receives general work assignments, schedules their performance and makes general assignments to subordinates;
• Performs the more difficult planning work and reviews work prepared by subordinates;
• Reports on the progress of work, makes adjustments as necessary in the scheduling of work;
• Prepares or reviews plans and reports;
• Confers with the public and other organizations on matters concerning planning which occasionally requires speaking to organizations and in individual conferences;
• Chairs meetings of Land Preservation Advisory Committee;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a data processing terminal, personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning; thorough knowledge of laws and regulations related to planning and ability to enforce them with firmness and tact; knowledge of local flora and fauna, knowledge of park and trail planning and design, conservation and natural resources; ability to perform technical research work and to give reliable advice on difficult planning projects; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other agencies and the public; ability to supervise the work of professional and non-professional assistants; good judgment; ability to pass a Class III County physical examination.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: At least three years experience in planning, park and recreation management, natural resource conservation, landscape architectural work, or similar field civil engineering or architectural work, including at least one year experience at the level of Planner II and possession of a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in ecology, environmental science, conservation, and/or natural resource planning, city, regional, or social planning, civil engineering or related field; two years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a Master's Degree; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.