EXPANDED SCOPE

 

FOR

 

ASSISTANT TOWN PLANNING DIRECTOR OC & PR                                                                                                          1,2,3,4,5,6

CHIEF PLANNER OC & PR                                                                                                                                                         1,2,3,4,5,7

PLANNER OC & PR                                                                                                                                                                       1,3,8,9,10

            PRINCIPAL PLANNER OC & PR                                                                                                                                                1,2,3,4,5,6

            SENIOR PLANNER OC & PR                                                                                                                                                       1,3,8,9,10

 

1.      PREPARING WRITTEN MATERIAL- These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately, and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly. For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information. You must then choose the best version. For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order. You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.

 

2.      COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL LAND USE PLANNING, INCLUDING ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS- These questions test for knowledge of the concepts and accepted practices involved in community and large-area development planning, the laws and regulations governing site and subdivision planning, and typical project development and zoning issues, including related legal terminology.

 

3.      COLLECTION, ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION OF DATA, INCLUDING BASIC STATISTICS- These questions test for knowledge of the proper procedures and methods used to gather, evaluate, organize, and utilize various types of technical data and information, and the fundamental concepts, terminology, and computations involved in statistical analysis.

 

4.      COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PLANNING, INCLUDING RELATED FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS AND PROGRAMS- These questions test for a comprehensive knowledge of the municipal and regional planning process, and familiarity with the various federal and New York State programs related to community development and the legislative regulations that authorize and fund them.

 

5.      ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISION- These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices involved in directing the activities of a large subordinate staff, including subordinate supervisors. Questions relate to the personal interactions between an upper level supervisor and their subordinate supervisors in the accomplishment of objectives. These questions cover such areas as assigning work to and coordinating the activities of several units, establishing and guiding staff development programs, evaluating the performance of subordinate supervisors, and maintaining relationships with other organizational sections.

 

6.      ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES- These questions test for a knowledge of management techniques and practices used in directing or assisting in directing a program component or an organizational segment. Questions cover such areas as interpreting policies, making decisions based on the context of the position in the organization, coordinating programs or projects, communicating with employees or the public, planning employee training, and researching and evaluating areas of concern.

 

7.      EDUCATING AND INTERACTING WITH THE PUBLIC- These questions test for knowledge of techniques used to interact effectively with individuals and/or community groups, to educate or inform them about topics of concern, to publicize or clarify agency programs or policies, to negotiate conflicts or resolve complaints, and to represent one's agency or program in a manner in keeping with good public relations practices. Questions may also cover interacting with others in cooperative efforts of public outreach or service.

 

8.      SOCIOLOGICAL, ECONOMIC, DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INVOLVED IN LAND USE PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT- These questions test for knowledge of the fundamental concepts, design issues, terminology and practices utilized in the land use planning field, including how to best benefit the social, economic and environmental welfare of a community using appropriate planning principles.

 

9.      UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING MAPS, CHARTS AND GRAPHS- These questions test for the ability to read and analyze visual and numerical information presented in maps, plans, and various types of graphic and tabular material, and to perform related basic computations. All the information needed to answer the questions will be provided in the maps, plans, charts, graphs, tables, or related written material.

 

10.  SUPERVISION- These questions test for knowledge of the principles and practices employed in planning, organizing, and controlling the activities of a work unit toward predetermined objectives. The concepts covered, usually in a situational question format, include such topics as assigning and reviewing work; evaluating performance; maintaining work standards; motivating and developing subordinates; implementing procedural change; increasing efficiency; and dealing with problems of absenteeism, morale, and discipline.

 

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available online at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

 

USE OF CALCULATORS IS RECOMMENDED