SENIOR PLANNER 37042

6/1/90 B

This is the second and highest level class in the Planner series that develops comprehensive written, multi-biennial plans that include identification and analysis of alternative actions. Positions in this class employ a variety of data collection techniques; apply diverse analytical and evaluation methods; and forecast and project future long range needs related to complex policies, strategies, finances, and/or services to make recommendations to agency decision makers. Positions in this class function as project leaders and conduct large scale agency-wide studies, which include responsibility for designing and testing research tools and methodologies used to gather relevant statistical information. This class is distinguished from the Planner class by its responsibility for providing leadership in project assignments and its responsibility for designing and testing research tools and methodologies for gathering statistical information.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty studying areas of concern; analyzing pertinent data; projecting or forecasting needs; developing alternative actions, programs or policies to move from current to projected environments; and developing methods for evaluating results. Positions in this class may function as the single position which supports an agency planning function; as project leaders in a centralized planning staff; or as managers of a small planning staff with project leader responsibilities for large scale agency-wide studies. Positions conduct meetings and work sessions; make specific work assignments; determine research methods and approaches; apply prescribed techniques and approaches to data gathering; identify existing situations and anticipate future changes and impacts; provide technical assistance on site to private, public and state agencies, organizations, and institutions regarding the researching, planning, developing, coordinating, and implementing of proposed programs; and propose alternative methods of implementation. The is work is characterized by the diversity of the analyses, the wide variety of assignments, and the development of research methodologies.

Supervision Given: Positions may supervise a Planner but typically function as project leaders responsible for large scale, agency-wide studies.

Supervision Received: Performs work under the general direction of a Policy and Planning Supervisor, Policy and Planning Manager, Policy and Planning Director or other higher level agency official who reviews study findings and recommendations related to meeting project objectives.

Scope: Work affects management decisions which affect agency issues, interrelated organizational units, agency programs, and may have external impact.

Impact of Actions: Valid analyses and sound recommendations and conclusions result in the development of effective agency plans and decisions. Errors could negatively impact on the funds received by the agency, public opinion of governmental services, and public or private sector decision making about projected needs.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts with agency managers and employees to provide advice and consultation, facilitate studies and to present or implement findings on matters of importance. Frequent external contacts with staff from other state agencies, federal or local government elected officials and administrators, vendors, and the public to clarify data and to obtain or provide information.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of agency organizational functions, planning cycles and systems; of data collection and interviewing techniques; of statistical analysis and interpretation; of sampling methods and techniques; of data processing systems and applications; and of project management techniques. Working knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Skills: Working skill in keyboarding.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to define problems; to organize and lead projects; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to train and supervise others; to analyze related and unrelated situations to draw conclusions, solutions, alternatives and recommendations; to establish and maintain effective work relationships; and to manage multiple assignments with critical deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, public or business administration, operations research, geography, civil engineering or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Planning experience in a field related to the assignment.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was established in June, 1990, as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program. This class, along with the Planner class, replaces the State Planner C class.