Job Description
Jackson County Employment Opportunity.
Jackson County is seeking a Planner III in the team-oriented Development Services Department for the Current Planning Division. The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of both rural and urban land use planning, preferably in the Oregon context. Strong communication and presentation skills, analytical abilities and problem-solving aptitude are essential. Candidates should have the ability to work well with planning commission(s), local elected officials, the public, citizen committees, developers and other interest groups. This position will be processing planning applications, working with the general public at the front counter, preparing reports and documentation, as well as making presentations as assigned.
Jackson County strives to recruit, hire and retain the best employees! Pre-Employment Requirements and/or Preferences
- Current Planning experience preferred.
- Customer service experience and skills preferred.
- Public speaking experience preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal skills required.
- Team oriented attitude is essential.
- Experience with ArcGIS is a plus.
- Pass a criminal background check prior to hire.
- Submit an acceptable DMV certified court print prior to hire. Click on the following link to review Jackson County's requirements for an acceptable driving record.
- Pass a pre-employment drug screen, which includes screening for Marijuana. Click on the link to review Jackson County's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
- This position is represented by union group SEIU.
Job Duties and Requirements I. Position Summary Coordinates current and comprehensive planning activities; reviews and approves complex development proposals and planning projects consistent with local and state regulations; interprets and implements ordinances for conformance with state and county planning goals and regulations; compiles and prepares final reports descriptive of department projects and recommendations; and, provides general assistance to the public on land use issues and regulations. Performs specialized work, exercises independence with only occasional instruction or assistance and provides technical supervision in project management. II. Examples of Essential Position Duties (The following duties represent some of the principal job duties; however, they are not all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.)
- Coordinates current planning activities; schedules and monitors the work of division personnel as assigned by Program Manager and Director.
- Reviews major and minor development proposals, commercial site plans, comprehensive plans, map amendments and other documents for completeness, feasibility and compliance with applicable codes, regulations and ordinances; facilitates plan review for developers.
- Assists the public reviewing, analyzing and approving simple to complex over-the-counter permits.
- Manages a case load containing higher order cases; facilitates the processing of planning applications; coordinates with other divisions and departments; communicates with customers on a regular basis; assists other technical staff with case management.
- Prepares reports, maps and other graphic display materials descriptive of department research and recommendations; prepares plans and ordinances as part of the county's planning program; collects, maintains and updates complex data and inventories.
- Receives and responds to public inquiries regarding planning projects and goals, codes and land use matters; provides statistical information in response to inquiries from the general public and other agencies.
- Assists Planning Commission, Hearings Officer, Board of Commissioners, committees, community organizations, etc. as required; attends and/or conducts related meetings and makes presentations as requested and assigned.
- Provides training and public education programs to various groups, department staff and commissions as requested.
- Prepares orders and ordinances for approval.
- Adheres to regulatory requirements, collective bargaining agreements, County and departmental policies and procedures, required trainings, as well as safe work practices.
- Develops and maintains effective internal and external working relationships at all levels.
- Has regular and reliable attendance. Overtime may be required.
III. Minimum Requirements (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following requirements, physical demands and/or working conditions) Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in planning or related field, supplemented by three years of professional planning experience; OR
- Any combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge, and ability required to perform the job.
License, Certificate or Other Requires possession of a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. IV. Other Requirements Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Position requires extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, design, development and administration; general knowledge of landscape design, architecture, geography, sociology and economics; extensive knowledge of applicable codes, regulations and laws; and knowledge of the procedures for public hearings. May require knowledge of historic preservation planning procedures and regulations for the protection of resources. Position requires ability to understand and interpret mapping information; ; ability to make independent decisions; ability to negotiate effectively; understand and use practical and advanced levels of mathematics to measure, interpret, analyze and determine relationships and proportions of land uses and features; interpret and implement zoning ordinances and other development ordinances; exercise initiative and professional judgement when carrying out duties; plan and coordinate the work of others; provide technical supervision on individual projects; understand and carry out oral and written directions; operate office equipment including a computer and peripheral equipment, calculator, camera, engineering and architect's scales and drafting instruments; prepare clear and concise recommendations and reports related to planning activities; read and understand ordinances, maps, architectural plans, and technical and statistical reports; communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing; prepare and make effective public presentations; establish and maintain cooperative, professional and courteous working relationships with staff members and those contacted in the course of work; interpret and explain department policies and procedures and land use codes and regulations as necessary. Physical Demands (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands) Requires the ability to exert some physical effort, as in standing, walking and light lifting; requires sufficient hand-eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, filing, data entry and/or use of calculators, ten-key adding machine or other office equipment or supplies. Tasks require visual and color perception and discrimination as well as oral communications ability. Requires driving and the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Working Conditions (Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following working conditions) Work is generally performed in an office environment and may include exposure to disruptive people. V. Additional Information This classification description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, or requirements, as any one position in this classification may be assigned some or all of these duties, in addition to other duties not explicitly listed here. The various duties, responsibilities and/or assignments of this position may be unevenly balanced and change from time to time based upon matters such as, but not limited to, variations in the shift, work demands, seasons, service levels and management’s decisions on how to best allocate department resources. Any shift, emphasis or rebalancing of these assigned duties, responsibilities and/or assignments does not constitute a change in the job classification. The County shall schedule employees and determine FTE consistent with its determination as to efficiency of operations, financial advantages to the County, and/or effective service to the public. Equal Opportunity Employer ADA and Equal Opportunity Employer In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and its amendments, Jackson County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. A person who requires an accommodation for any part of the recruitment process should contact the Human Resources Office, Attn. ADA Coordinator, at (541) 774-6036 or by TTY/TDD 711 or (800) 735-2900 as far in advance as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled need. Jackson County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. For a copy of Jackson County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan, visit our web site at www.jacksoncountyor.gov or call 541-774-6036. Because of the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, persons hired by the County must be able to present acceptable documents verifying identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Benefits
Jackson County Benefit Summary - SEIU
Jackson County provides an excellent, generous and comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their dependents, as applicable.
This overview provides highlights of the comprehensive benefits package Jackson County SEIU employees receive. If any statement conflicts with the applicable plan documents, Codified Ordinance, Jackson County policies, and/or collective bargaining agreement, the applicable documents will govern.
Insurance
Health Insurance – As of July 1, 2026 Regular full-time employees and their eligible dependents receive medical insurance, including prescription and chiropractic, dental, and vision coverage at a cost to the employee of $25.10 per paycheck ($54.40 per month) toward the monthly composite premium. Regular full-time employees may not waive coverage. Regular part-time employees may enroll in the full plan, with a prorated composite premium depending on their full-time equivalent (FTE), or may elect to waive benefits. Coverage begins on the first of the month following an employee’s date of hire.
Hinge – Provided through Regence, Hinge is an online virtual Physical Therapy benefit for all employees and their dependents enrolled in the health insurance plan. This online virtual service will work around your schedule in the comfort of your own home, and there is no cost to the employee.
Wellness Center by CareATC – In addition to health insurance, certain primary care medical services, lab services, and prescription medications are offered at no out-of-pocket cost for the employee who is enrolled in the County’s health insurance plan, and their eligible dependents at the wellness center.
Group Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment – Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for regular part-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month coinciding with 30 days from date of hire. The benefit is equal to two times the employee’s annual salary rounded to the next higher $1,000, to a maximum of $500,000. Insurance in excess of $50,000 is a taxable benefit.
Long-Term Disability – Fully funded for regular full-time employees (prorated for regular part-time employees), employees are eligible the first of the month following date of hire. The benefits are payable after a waiting period of 60 days at a rate of 66 2/3 percent of base salary, up to a maximum monthly benefit of $12,000.
Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment – Regular employees may choose to participate in additional AD&D coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of plan and coverage amounts.
Voluntary Life Insurance - Regular employees may choose to participate in additional Life Insurance coverage through payroll deduction, and have the choice of coverage amounts.
Leaves
Vacation – Regular full-time employees earn vacation leave at a rate of 15 to 27 days annually depending upon years of County service. Regular part-time employees earn vacation leave on a prorated basis. Employees can carry forward up to two times the annual vacation accrual (prorated for part-time employees). Vacation leave cannot be used during the first six full months of regular employment. Twice per fiscal year, employees may request to be paid for vacation accruals, provided specific requirements are met.
Years of Service Annual Vacation Accrual 0 to 5 years 15 days (4.62 hours/pay period) Over 5 - 10 years 18 days (5.54 hours/pay period) Over 10 - 15 years 21 days (6.47 hours/pay period) Over 15 - 20 years 24 days (7.39 hours/pay period) Over 20 years 27 days (8.31 hours/pay period)
Sick Leave – Regular full-time employees earn sick leave at the rate of 3.70 hours per pay period (12 days annually), which starts to accrue during the first pay period. Regular part-time employees accrue sick leave on a prorated basis. Accrued sick leave may be used as soon as it is accrued.
Holidays – Regular full-time employees receive ten paid holidays annually (prorated for regular part-time employees), New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Holidays that fall on a Saturday will be observed on the previous Friday and holidays that fall on a Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.
Personal Leave – Each fiscal year on July 1, full-time regular employees receive one personal leave day (eight hours; prorated for regular part-time employees based on the position’s FTE as of July 1). Employees must be employed on July 1 to be eligible to receive the personal leave day. Personal leave is used in 15-minute increments. If it is not used, it does not roll over to the following year.
Retirement
Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System – Jackson County participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). PERS has Tier One, Tier Two, and the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) pension programs, as well as the Individual Account Program (IAP). Tier One covers members hired before January 1, 1996; Tier Two covers members hired between January 1, 1996 and August 28, 2003; and OPSRP covers members hired on or after August 29, 2003.
IAP contains all member contributions (6% of covered salary, currently County-paid) made on or after January 1, 2004. The legislature created the IAP in 2003 to provide an individual account-based retirement benefit for new workers hired on or after August 29, 2003, and for Tier One/Tier Two members active on or after January 1, 2004. The IAP benefit is in addition to the member’s other retirement program benefit (i.e., Tier One, Tier Two, or OPSRP). Employees are automatically vested in their IAP account when their account is established.
IAP Redirect - Per Senate Bill 1049 (2019) contributions remain at the rate of 6% however, a portion of that 6% is redirected to the Employee Pension Stability Account (EPSA). 2.5% is redirected for the Tier 1 and Tier 2 members and 0.75% is redirected for OPSRP members. The rest of the county-paid contribution is directed to the employee’s IAP. Employee’s may choose to make voluntary contributions for the amount of the redirect through the Oregon PERS Online Member Services (OMS) at www.oregon.gov/PERS.
Salary Limit - Beginning January 1, 2020, SB 1049 changed the definition of “salary” for PERS purposes and created new limitations on annual and monthly “subject salaries.” Your salary is used to determined member Individual Account Program (IAP) contributions, employer contributions to fund the pension program, and the final average salary used in calculating retirement benefits under formula methods. The 2022 limit $210,582 per year. The limit is prorated when members work fewer than 12 months in a calendar year.
OPSRP is designed to provide approximately 45 percent of an employee’s final average salary at retirement (for a general service member with a 30-year career or a police and firefighter member with a 25-year career).
OPSRP General Service: Unless employees are in a police or firefighter position, they are considered a general service member. In addition to other retirement programs or any social security benefit, when employees retire, if vested, PERS will calculate monthly benefit using the following formula:
1.5 percent x years of retirement credit x final average salary. Normal retirement age for general service members is age 65, or age 58 with 30 years of retirement credit.
General Service Benefit Calculation Example (employees can estimate benefits using any number of years and any final average salary):
Final average salary: $45,000 Retirement credit: 30 years as an OPSRP member 30 (years) x 1.5 percent = 45 percent 45 percent x $3,750 (final average monthly salary) = $1,687.50 Single Life Option monthly benefit = $1,687.50 ($20,250 annual benefit)
Other Benefits
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program – Jackson County offers regular employees the option to enroll in IRS Section 457 Deferred Compensation Retirement Plans. The employee defers compensation through voluntary payroll deductions into this supplemental retirement plan. The 457 plan is a separate retirement plan from PERS.
Voluntary Direct Deposit – An employee may choose to have their payroll check automatically deposited into their bank account. Employees can choose up to four accounts to receive direct deposit funds. Most banks allow participation of this program.
Voluntary Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Section 125 Plan – The FSA is a tax-free regular employee-funded account. Regular employees may choose to participate in pre-tax health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket unreimbursed eligible health care expenses, dependent care expenses, and qualified transportation expenses, in order to have “before-tax” dollars deducted from their paychecks.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – The County has a fully-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer. The EAP is a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL benefit that can assist you and your eligible family members with personal problems, large or small. The EAP provides confidential services to help people privately resolve problems that may interfere with work, family, and life. The EAP is offered to regular employees, their dependents, and any household members. Services include up to four face-to-face counseling sessions per year, 24/7/365 access to crisis counselors, and convenient access to on-line consultations with licensed counselors.