Serves as a planning consultant to a program manager, assistant director, or higher level manager.  Coordinates the development of, and/or implements highly complex environmental resource plans, programs, policies and regulations.

This class requires written designation by an assistant director or higher level manager as the principal planning consultant for a specific agency area of responsibility. The duties assigned will require interprogram and/or interagency coordination at the program manager level, equivalent or above. Typically these positions are project employment.

Develops and implements strategic and operational planning systems of the department; 

Facilitates resolution of pertinent management issues arising from planning activities which are complex or sensitive, involve multiple programs, and deal with major environmental issues facing the department; 

Manages the Comprehensive Planning Section and provides guidance on policy and planning to other planning and technical staff within the department; 

Provides consultation to management and interstate, interagency and intra-agency coordination on highly complex policies, legal issues and proposed legislation; 

Assembles, organizes and provides oversight of multi-disciplinary teams assigned to resolve major policy issues, develop legislation, and initiate implementation of new programs and laws; 

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of:  planning principles, techniques, current trends, environmental laws, policies and programs concerning all phases of state resource development; governmental administrative structure at local and state levels; environmental, social and other problems affecting development of local and state environmental resource programs; methods and objectives of urban and natural resources planning; principles of staff supervision. 

Ability to:  accept responsibility for major program activities; interpret and apply agency policy; develop long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, draw logical conclusions, and maintain effective working relationships with governmental officials; address large groups and write effectively; supervise staff and manage major program activities.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Master's degree or above with major emphasis in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or closely related field. 

AND 

Five years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development. 

Equivalent education/experience.