06/01/1989 28416

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER 2

DEFINITION: This is professional planning work in the development and review of environmental plans and planning policies at the local, regional or state level.

An employee in this class develops or reviews and evaluates the development of environmental plans and planning policies in connection with state and Federal programs directed at encouraging and assisting in the development of local, regional or state environmental planning programs. Work at this level may include the development of new or innovative environmental planning methodologies and approaches to the environmental planning process. Environmental plans and planning policies development is characterized by the determination of the data base necessary to develop the plan, determining all the possible approaches and selecting the most appropriate ones, conducting the necessary research, and preparing and submitting recommendations in the form of plans and proposed policies which include the major factors and influences which may impact on managerial decisions. Environmental plans and planning policies review is characterized by reviewing environmental plans prepared by or for local, regional or state governments for completeness, technical soundness and feasibility of recommendations. Environmental plans and planning policies evaluation is characterized by identifying plan and policy objectives, determining impact, analyzing the implementation mechanisms and determining the appropriateness of those mechanisms in carrying out the planning objectives. Work involves close liaison with state and Federal agencies on environmental planning related programs. Work involves the selection and development of research methodology for the development and review of environmental plans and policies; determining appropriate data sources; researching new and improved methodologies and techniques, when necessary, which may be utilized in plan development or review; and making recommendations on the action to be taken on programmatic plans submitted for review and approval by planning boards, commissions or consultants. An important aspect of work at this level is the review of alternative courses of action being recommended to management and the analysis of the ramifications of each alternative on management decision making. Work also involves meeting with local and regional environmental planning boards or commissions, and civic groups and associations and the general public to provide direct technical advice and assistance, explain environmental planning and planning policies, and answer questions. Work may involve reviewing proposed legislation for impact on environmental programmatic goals and drafting legislation to enhance environmental protection and resource management plans and policies development at the local, regional or state level. Work is assigned in the form of overall goals and objectives and is reviewed upon completion by a professional supervisor for quality, completeness, and adherence to established standards.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops, reviews, evaluates or administers the development of environmental plans and policies at the local, regional or state level.

Prepares studies or background reports on natural resources, pollution control, population, housing, land use, transportation, recreational facilities, utilities and similar areas and analyses of the impacts and prepares plans and policies.

Selects and develops research methodology for development and review of environmental plans and policies.

Conducts research into environmental, physical, economic, social and demographic phenomena, analyzes, and interprets the data, and prepares graphic and narrative reports on its significance and applications to plans and policies being developed or reviewed.

Develops presentations for planning commissions and boards, civic groups and associations and the general public.

Meets with public officials, local and regional planning boards or commissions, civic groups and associations and the general public to encourage environmental planning activities, provide technical advice and assistance, explain the plans and policies, or development, review and administration of development of environmental plans and policies and answer questions.

Identifies the relationship between state and local or regional environmental plans and policies and meets with public officials, local and regional planning boards or commissions, and civic groups and associations for resolve differences.

Works closely with state and Federal agencies.

Reviews proposed legislation to assess environmental impact on development of plans and policies at the local, regional or state level.

Prepares correspondence to answer oral and written inquiries regarding environmental plans and the planning process.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles of environmental planning and the application of these principles to the administration of governmental programs, the development of new programs or the improvement of the planning process.

Knowledge of the practices and objectives of local, regional and state environmental planning.

Knowledge of the process, procedures, and practices involved in conducting research and the ability to apply this knowledge to the planning process.

Knowledge of the organization and administration of governmental programs, the processes for projecting the environmental impact of growth and expansion, and the major environmental influences impacting on governmental decision making.

Knowledge of environmental problems and issues.

Knowledge of current programs and methods used to address environmental problems.

Knowledge of environmental relationships and ecological processes.

Knowledge of research methodology, including basic statistical and mathematical techniques.

Knowledge of the factors involved in local, regional and state environmental planning.

Knowledge of the available data sources pertaining to environmental planning and the development of plans and policies.

Knowledge of the component parts of a plan and how these are inter-related in the development of plans for managerial decision making.

Ability to extract, organize, and analyze environmental data.

Ability to project the ecological impact of social, industrial, and governmental growth or expansion and plan to minimize the adverse or negative impacts.

Ability to present data and express ideas clearly and concisely in oral, written and graphic form.

Ability to develop, review and evaluate plans and policies.

Ability to organize and carry out assignments effectively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, public officials, and the general public.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of experience as an Environmental Planner 1;

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A Master's degree in planning or one of the environmental sciences and two years of progressive professional environmental planning experience;

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Five years of progressive professional experience in local, regional, or state environmental planning;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.