Chief Planner

Located in the Department of Planning - White Plains: Under general supervision, an incumbent of this class manages major programs within the Department of Planning, requiring considerable independent judgment and initiative in the formulation and development of program policies and procedures. The Chief Planner performs full professional level tasks and duties related to complex, current and long-range planning, research, and urban design matters. An incumbent analyzes and presents planning research in written, graphic, or oral reports for use by the Commissioner, the County Planning Board, other Planning-supported Boards and Committees, and in handling requests from other departments. This position requires specialized skills or knowledge in Land Use and Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning, Urban Design, Community Planning, Historic Preservation, Community Development and Housing, Census Data and/or other specialty areas. Other responsibilities include: supervising departmental staff and participating in physical and statistical research studies related to the comprehensive plans for the County and its facilities and data processing for the Annual Report; reviewing local municipal plans and zoning changes, as well as regional and municipal planning issues and problems; studying the impact of proposed projects on infrastructure, the environment, transportation and housing development, population changes and economic development for Westchester County. This class differs from the Principal Planner in that administrative and direct supervision is exercised over a number of programs within the Capital and Facilities Planning program of the department such as Land Use and Local Physical Planning, Census Data, and Historic Preservation. This position is also responsible for overseeing and managing multiple projects and ensuring that consultants and contracted employees are performing work in accordance with negotiated agreements. Supervision is exercised over professional planning staff. Does related work as required.

Either:

(a) a Bachelor's degree in Planning, Environmental Studies, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field, and six (6) years of regional, county or municipal planning experience, three (3) years of which must have been supervisory experience which must have included oversight of a large program or project or

(b) a Bachelor’s degree and AICP certified, or capable of obtaining AICP Certification within one (1) year of hire date, and seven (7) years of experience stated in (a), two (2) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

1. A five-year Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Architecture may be substituted for one year of the experience; or
2. A Master’s degree in historic preservation, urban/regional planning, environmental planning, landscape architecture, architecture, civil engineering, public administration, public policy, or a closely related area of planning, may also be substituted at the rate of 30 credits per year of experience for up to two years. There is no substitution for the required supervisory experience in either (1) or (2).

Must possess and maintain a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

1. The number of years of experience required in the minimum qualifications is based upon the presumption of full-time employment. Part-time experience will be prorated based on a 35 hour workweek.
2. Verified and documented volunteer (unpaid) experience will only be credited when specifically allowed by the job description or examination announcement.

Education beyond the secondary level must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

Filing an application for a posting does not substitute or relieve you of the requirement to file appropriate application and fee when the civil service exam may be announced.