PRINCIPAL PLANNER, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

 

DEFINITION


 Under direction of a Supervising Planner or other supervisory official
 in the Department of Environmental Protection, conducts and may assist
 in the supervision of the work involved in departmental planning
 programs, which may include one or more of the following: hazardous
 waste facility siting, waste management, air quality, outdoor
 recreation and open space planning, historic preservation, natural
 areas, capital improvements, water quality management, water supply,
 coastal zone management, shore protection, dredging or marine
 fisheries; does other related duties.

 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.

 
EXAMPLES OF WORK:


 Compiles, reviews and analyzes various types of data used for various
 environmental planning projects.

 Prepares and maintains plans for one or more of the following areas:
 coastal resources, recreation and open space, parks and forestry,
 water resources and quality, waste management, and air quality.

 Plans and participates in the conduct of contractual research,
 surveys, assessments and analytical and other studies.

 Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate and informative
 environmental planning and other related reports containing findings,
 conclusions and recommendations.

 May coordinate the use and expansion of information systems used as a
 planning tool and source of planning data.

 May supervise the review process for environmental impact statements
 or other assessments to comply with federal and State laws and
 regulations.

 Provides technical assistance and advice on environmental planning
 matters to other federal, State and local government agencies.

 May participate in the environmental review process for major
 construction and other projects.

 Plans, organizes and supervises special programs unique to the area of
 assignment.

 May review construction permit applications for coastal or other areas
 under the Department's jurisdiction; supervises the inspection of
 proposed construction sites and other activities associated with
 permit approval.

 May assist in the preparation of budget requests for planning
 expenditures.

 Oversees the preparation of proposals, contracts and other documents
 regarding Master Plans and revisions.

 May supervise the administration of applications for federal and State
 financial assistance for projects under review of the Department of
 Environmental Protection.

 May develop criteria for grant or loan programs administered by the
 Department.

 Maintains liaison and cooperative working relationships with other
 governmental agencies whose work impacts the planning activities of
 the unit.

 Provides guidance and instruction to planning and support staff.

 Plans, organizes and assigns the work of the organizational unit and
 evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective
 recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of
 employees.

 Prepares maps, charts and other graphic presentations.

 Prepares correspondence.

 Coordinates planning activities with other internal programs and
 external entities.

 Plans and oversees the development of environmental policies and
 guidelines for land and water use.

 Plans and oversees the maintenance of natural resource inventories.

 Prepares various planning and design documents.

 May supervise the evaluation of developmental projects under review of
 the Department.

 Establishes and maintains records and files.

 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.

 REQUIREMENTS:

      EDUCATION:

      Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree
 including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in
 professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use
 planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and
 planning law and administration.

       NOTE: Possession of a current and valid license as a
 Professional Planner in New Jersey issued by the New Jersey Board of
 Professional Planners may be substituted for the education
 requirement.

      EXPERIENCE:

      Three (3) years of experience involving environmental protection
 or conservation planning.

      NOTE: A Master's degree in Planning may be substituted for one
 (1) year of the above experience.

      LICENSE:

      A valid license as a Professional Planner issued by the New
 Jersey Board of Professional Planners is required for promotion or
 other appointment to the next higher level, Supervising Planner,
 Environmental Protection.

      Appointee 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 the essential duties of the
 position.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 Knowledge of the theories, practices and principles of environmental
 and natural resource planning.

 Knowledge of the varied technical and other problems associated with
 comprehensive planning activities.

 Knowledge of the techniques used in conducting surveys, and in other
 planning and research methods.

 Knowledge of the methods used to prepare maps, charts and other
 graphic presentations.

 Knowledge of data compilation and analysis methods.

 Ability to provide guidance and instruction to planning and support
 personnel.

 Ability to analyze and resolve major planning problems.

 Ability to conduct research and survey activities.

 Ability to coordinate, organize and execute planning activities.

 Ability to maintain liaison and cooperative working relationships with
 internal units and external entities.

 Ability to analyze and interpret laws and regulations and apply them
 to specific situations.

 Ability to oversee the preparation of plans unique to the area of
 assignment.

 Ability to plan, organize, and execute special programs.

 Ability to prepare planning and design documents.

 Ability to prepare maps, charts and other graphic presentations.

 Ability to provide professional advice and guidance on planning
 matters.

 Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.

 Ability to prepare reports and studies containing findings,
 conclusions and recommendations.

 Ability to establish and maintain records and files.

 Ability to learn 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 or communicate in English
 sufficiently to perform the 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 the 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.

 CODE: 25/R25 - 16461            MCK            05/15/04