ASSISTANT PLANNING DIRECTOR

Code: 00647 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Assists in directing and performing highly responsible technical planning work involved in preparing and conducting surveys, compiling data, conducting investigations, and analyses of data, drawing and drafting maps and charts, and interpreting and transposing statistical data into visual form; does other related duties

Examples of work

• Manages work operations and/or functional programs, and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Executes the policies of the planning board or other authority responsible for the planning agency.
• Reviews planning needs to develop immediate and long range plans to address needs.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other agencies and interested individuals.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of reports, agendas and correspondence.
• Oversees the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
• Meets with the Planning Board and members of the public to discuss plans and proposals.
• Oversees studies and surveys of comprehensive land use planning, and other planning projects.
• Oversees the coordination of activities of professional planning personnel.
• Reviews, interprets and transposes complex statistical and other data into useable form.
• Coordinates program and project reviews according to federal, state and other guidelines.
• Plans, organizes and administers comprehensive planning activities.
• Reviews and analyzes plans and proposals and provides recommendations for revisions.
• Provides guidance and advice on planning matters.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Five (5) years of experience in municipal, county, regional, or state planning, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

Applicants must possess a current, valid license as a Professional Planner issued by the NJ State Board of Professional Planners.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of theories, practices, and principles of state, municipal, and regional planning.
• Knowledge of the problems brought about by the growth of urban centers, movements of population, changing character of individual urban/suburban/rural areas, the location, relocation, development, and/or loss of industrial opportunities, traffic conditions, housing shortages, and other contemporary conditions affecting the social/economic status of the Sate.
• Knowledge of social, economic, industrial, and other conditions within the State of New Jersey, and of probable economic trends.
• Knowledge of the terrain and resources of the State.
• Knowledge of the varied factors to be considered in the planning process.
• Knowledge of management principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of the use of technology in the planning process.
• Knowledge of factors impacting the development, location, form, growth, or decline of cities.
• Knowledge of the impact of land use on community development.
• Knowledge of principles related to movement of people within/outside of urban areas and transportation as a factor in community growth and physical structure.
• Knowledge of the interrelationship of housing, utilities, shopping, recreation, education, health, and other facilities and their impact on the planning process.
• Ability to identify and analyze planning problems.
• Ability review and evaluate plans and proposals.
• Ability to organize and administer designated planning projects and studies.
• Ability to prepare plans for the development of economic, recreation, and other resources of state/local government.
• Ability to keep current with current trends of thought and significant developments in the field of planning.
• Ability to analyze, and interpret basic law and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to supervise the activities of professional and technical staff.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, interpret, land use information including statistical material.
• Ability to prepare and supervise preparation of maps, charts, graphs, and plans.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate the work of an organizational unit.
• Ability to provide professional advice and guidance on planning matters.
• Ability to analyze organizational and administrative work problems.
• Ability to speak with officials and groups and explain planning projects.
• Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative planning reports, studies, and surveys containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to oversee the maintenance of records, reports, maps, plans, and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

A Master's degree in Planning from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the nonsupervisory experience.