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Job Description
Definition and Class Characteristics
Interviews for selected candidates will be held on September 26.
We are currently seeking a Senior Planner and Principal Planner . Please be sure to apply for all levels which you feel you may be qualified for.
Nevada County is seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Planner to join their team. In this role, you will lead complex planning projects, supervise a dedicated team, and play a key role in crafting the future of our vibrant and scenic county. The Planning Department applies community land-use policies and strives to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. It is their goal to protect the environment to ensure Nevada County remains a desirable place to live, work, and recreate.
Example of Duties:- Plans, organizes and supervises the activities of professional and technician staff involved in the processing of land use permits
- Leads and manages complex planning projects, including those related to new development, environmental studies, and community plans
- Trains employees in work procedures, standards and safety practices, and reviews work in progress or upon completion for compliance with standards
- Communicates effectively with stakeholders, including the public, developers, and elected officials
- Interprets and applies provisions of law, rules, regulations and policies related to land use planning matters, including environmental laws
- Prepares and reviews RFPs (Request for Proposal) and RFQs (Request for Qualifications) for services to be retained by the Planning Department
- Attends and makes presentations at Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, interagency, committee, and other meetings and conferences
- Thorough knowledge of rural planning and development and local government policies and procedures
- Thorough knowledge of specialization such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development
- Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation
- Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes
- Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
- Citizen involvement techniques and processes
- Knowledge of computer programs and applications including GIS programs and applications
We offer you an extensive benefit package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education.
Why Nevada County? Our leadership values employee development and engagement, promotes open and transparent communication, sets us up to be a high-performing organization, and recognizes our contributions. Our leadership connects with the community, listens to them, and provides significant programming to keep us safe and healthy.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
To review the job specification and additional requirements, please click here.
Education and Experience Required
Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Geography, Land Use Economics or related field AND four years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning or management, including at least one year as a team supervisor or program manager.
*A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Public Administration or related field may be substituted for two years of experience.*
AICP Certification highly desirable.
Benefits Guide
The Benefits Guide is a comprehensive document for employees of the County of Nevada. Information contained in this summary of benefits is not a binding document. Refer to specific unit summaries and agreements (MOUs) for additional benefit information.
Health Insurance
The County sponsored plan is the PERS Gold PPO, but you can also choose plans from providers such as Anthem, Blue Shield, and PORAC (if you are a member) to suit your needs.
Health Insurance Plans- Anthem Blue Cross Select HMO
- Anthem Blue Cross Traditional HMO
- Blue Shield CalPERS Access+ HMO
- Blue Shield Trio HMO
- Kaiser HMO
- PERS Gold PPO (County sponsored plan)
- PERS Platinum PPO
- PORAC (Available to PORAC members only)
The County offers employees the option to contribute to a pre-tax medical FSA and dependent Care FSA.
Life Insurance
Voya is the County's life insurance provider. We offer the following products through Voya:- Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Basic Term Life
- Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans
- Optional Dependent Term Life
- Optional Term Life
Nevada County employees can opt to receive dental and vision insurance without opting for health insurance coverage as well. This will give employees more flexibility to match their choice of insurance plans to their specific needs. Ameritas Dental is the dental provider offered through Nevada County and Ameritas VSP Vision Care is our vision care provider.
Retirement
The County is a member of the CalPERS retirement system and also provides the opportunity for voluntary contributions to a 457 deferred compensation account through Nationwide by way of pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions.
CalPERS Miscellaneous Tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employee originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 2.7% @ 55 Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 12/14/12-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6 months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 2%@60 Tier 3 (Hired by first CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13 or having a break in service of more than six months between another CalPERS employer and Nevada County) 2%@62
CalPERS Safety tiers: Tier 1 (Classic-former employees originally hired on or before 12/13/12 and are returning to Nevada County) 3% @ 50. Tier 2 (Hired by a CalPERS employer between 7/2411-12/31/12 and coming to Nevada County with less than 6-months between separation from former CalPERS employer and hire date with Nevada County) 3% @ 55. Tier 3 (Hired by any CalPERS employer on or after 1/1/13) 2.7% @ 57. We encourage you to visit the CalPERS home page, www.calpers.ca.gov , to search related information about the retirement plans noted here so that you fully understand what your retirement formula means to you.
NEVADA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or documents and links are subject to change without notice.
Nevada County Human Resources Department
950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 265-7010 option 2
Human.resources@nevadacountyca.gov
www.nevadacountyca.gov
Closing Date/Time: 9/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Nevada
Show moreAbout:
Nestled into the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Nevada County is known as the heart of the “Gold Country.” Nevada County is known to provide its residents with a great quality of life.
The economy is well supported by a wide array of industries, including manufacturing, retail, technology, agriculture, construction and health services.
Nevada County has an above-average high school graduation rate, accessibility to traditional, charter and private schools, and higher-level education at two local Sierra College campuses.
Infrastructure projects such as the broadband initiative and library technology center offer opportunities for viable expansion while maintaining a small-town feel. The Gold Country is often a recommended tourist destination and stands out for its rich history, museums, and quaint Victorian architecture coupled with an assortment of outdoor, arts, and cultural activities offered yearround.
Residents and visitors enjoy Nevada County’s historic foothill towns nestled amidst pristine rivers, picturesque forests and the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Nevada County offers a rural, small-town lifestyle, while still being located within a convenient distance from urban centers in Sacramento, the Bay Area and Reno.
Weather:
The weather of Nevada County is another valued feature of the area. Residents enjoy a long, warm sunny season while experiencing color changes in the fall with cool, occasionally snowy winters. Summer temperatures are typically mild, with average highs near 85 degrees in July. Rain in January typically averages ten inches per year and the highest elevations receive an annual average of 206 inches of snow.
Recreation:
Scenic trails, alpine lakes, the Yuba River and the Sierra Nevada Mountains all support numerous recreation activities, including skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting and backpacking. With a calendar packed with street fairs, festivals, art exhibits, local theater and children’s activities, visitors and locals can experience small-town life without having to forgo indulgence in pleasures more typical of an urban setting.
Arts and Culture:
Nevada County is a creative hotspot in the Sierra Nevada, offering an array of experiences, including concerts, film festivals, street fairs, dance performances, poetry readings, studio tours and galleries. The county also has numerous venues for performing arts, many of which are historic settings. The arts have a large economic impact, which has become a vital component to life in Nevada County.
We strive to be an employer of choice through active engagement with employees, development of programs that both support employees and align with Board of Supervisors' strategy, and the creation of a culture that fosters innovation.
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