Job Description

Planner I/II

This position encompasses the full range of professional planning duties within Lake Countys Community Planning & Development Department. The role is flexibly staffed at either the entry-level (Planner I) or intermediate level (Planner II) based on experience and qualifications. At the Planner I level, the role provides support for land use, zoning, and code enforcement activities under supervision, ideal for those building their planning career and developing technical and community engagement skills. At the Planner II level, the role performs planning duties more independently, applying professional judgment and initiative on complex projects involving land use, zoning, building codes, and development regulations. Planner II positions typically require prior related experience or promotion from Planner I.

This position involves both office work and occasional field visits, with responsibilities including application processing, code enforcement assistance, regulatory interpretation, planning studies, community and board presentations, and interagency coordination.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions:

• Review, process, and manage a variety of land use and development applications including subdivisions, rezonings, lot consolidations, boundary line adjustments, conditional use permits, variances, site plans, temporary use permits, and sign permits.
• Prepare and present clear, concise staff reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission, Board of County Commissioners, Board of Adjustment, and advisory committees.
• Respond to public and developer inquiries regarding land use regulations, zoning, permitting processes, and building code issues.
• Assist with code enforcement cases by coordinating with property owners and businesses.
• Apply and interpret the Lake County Land Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, and relevant local, state, and federal regulations.
• Contribute to the drafting or revision of land use codes, planning policies, and procedures.
• Support the development and implementation of master plans and long-range planning strategies.
• Conduct planning studies and data analysis on housing, growth management, resource protection, and community development topics.
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies, utility providers, and local jurisdictions on planning-related matters.
• Prepare legal notices and coordinate public hearings.
• Assist in grant writing and monitoring for planning-related projects, as needed.
• Train and support administrative staff or planning technicians.

Other Duties:

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. May supervise administrative or support staff depending on experience and department structure.

Requirements

Compensation will be determined by the applicants full skillset with consideration of the following:

• Planner I: Bachelors degree in urban planning, environmental planning, public or business administration, or related field or equivalent relevant experience.
• Planner II: Bachelors degree as above, plus at least three years of progressively responsible planning experience, including at least two years comparable to Planner I level. Additional specialized training may be required.

Knowledge & Skills

Principles and practices of urban planning, land use, zoning, and development regulations.
Lake County Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and related policies.
Ability to interpret and apply local, state, and federal planning laws and regulations.
Experience preparing detailed written reports and delivering presentations.
Familiarity with GIS, Microsoft Office Suite, and modern office procedures.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; bilingual Spanish preferred.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Hazard Notice

Work is primarily conducted in a standard office environment, with occasional site visits to undeveloped, construction, or remote areas that may involve exposure to uneven terrain, inclement weather, dust, and construction-related hazards. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety vests, hard hats, or boots may be required during field visits. Interaction with irate or emotionally charged individuals may occur when addressing code enforcement or controversial development projects. Occasional travel and evening meetings may be required.

Physical Activity & Work Environment:

• Frequently sitting at a desk and extensive computer use throughout the workday.
• Regular standing and walking, particularly during field inspections or site visits.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb short ladders or step stools to access files and storage areas.
• Occasionally lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 30 pounds, such as equipment, documents, or supplies.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read printed and electronic documents, maps, and plans, including the ability to distinguish colors and small details.
• Auditory ability to participate in conversations, telephone calls, and public presentations, including distinguishing various auditory tones in office equipment.

Exposure to indoor office conditions includes noise from office machines and human activity.
Periodic exposure to outdoor conditions such as heat, cold, rain, dust, and uneven surfaces during fieldwork or inspections.
Possible exposure to construction site hazards, requiring adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment as applicable.

The role may require flexibility to work beyond typical office hours when attending evening board meetings or responding to urgent planning matters. Employees must be able to safely navigate both office and field environments independently and collaboratively with team members.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Notice of Work Authorization Requirement: Applicants must be authorized to lawfully work for any employer in the United States. Lake County is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities: All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners. To be prepared for this role, all employees and emergency service function (ESF) leads will attend emergency management trainings and exercises as requested by the Director of Emergency Management. With advanced notification from OEM, employees will make reasonable efforts to attend training events in coordination with other employees and supervisors.

Other Duties: Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Expected Duration of the Application Process: Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately two (2) to four (4) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process.

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