CHIEF PLANNER 1515

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for formulating and supervising specialized research field studies, planning projects and preparation of reports for the Suffolk County Planning Department. The incumbent coordinates planning activities with other agencies as well as coordinates and supervises the preparation of federal and state grants. The incumbent is expected to utilize a high degree of technical knowledge, initiative, resourcefulness and judgment in carrying assignment to completion. Supervision is exercised over professional, technical and clerical personnel. Work is reviewed throughout its progress and upon its conclusion by an administrative supervisor. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Plans, organizes and directs the activities of the County’s professional, technical and clerical personnel engaged in compiling, analyzing and evaluating data related to planning;

Supervises specific planning projects and studies pertaining to potential land use, populations characteristics, traffic and transportation and housing;

Prepares technical reports and sketches pertaining to surveys, studies and projects of major importance and requiring a high degree of professional knowledge and responsibility;

Organizes, supervises and participates in special planning studies and submits appropriate statistical reports and sketches;

Supervises the preparation of federal and state grants in aid, coordinating all aspects;

Reviews and clears building and demolition permits;

Supervises the preparation of consultant contracts and reviews consultants' progress;

Supervises and coordinates the preparation of material for public hearings.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of planning; thorough knowledge of those phases of civil engineering, economics, public finance, sociology and architecture which apply to planning; thorough knowledge of current literature, recent developments and sources of information in public planning; good knowledge of statistical concepts and methods; ability to plan, supervise and review the work of professional and technical planning personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with civic leaders, public officials and the general public; ability to make difficult planning studies and prepare positive analyses, recommendations and revisions; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Political Science, Economics, Geography, Environmental Studies, Civil Engineering, or a related field, and six (6) years of experience in the field of community or regional planning, two (2) years of which must have been in a responsible supervisory capacity; or,

b) Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, and seven (7) years experience in community or regional planning, two (2) years of which must have been in a responsible supervisory capacity.

NOTE: Additional relevant graduate level education from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis up to two (2) years of the above non-supervisory experience.

PROMOTIONAL

Three (3) years of permanent competitive status as a Senior Planner; or,

One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Principal Planner.

R11/03/08

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive