LAFCo Senior Analyst

Job Description:

LAFCo Senior Analyst

Description

Introduction

Placer County is comprised of over 1,400 square miles of beautiful and diverse geography, ranging from the residential and commercial areas of South Placer, through the historic foothill areas of Auburn, Foresthill, and Colfax, and to the County's jewel of the North Lake Tahoe basin. Placer is a great place to live, work, play and learn. For more information about Placer County, please visit www.visitplacer.com .

POSITION INFORMATION

The Senior Analyst supports the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Executive Officer in overseeing programs and activities governed by the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (CKH). They are a key member of the Placer County LAFCo team, which is responsible for overseeing the boundaries and service delivery of local government agencies to promote efficient and sustainable regional governance. This position supports LAFCo’s mission by conducting service reviews and sphere of influence updates, which include comprehensive analysis, coordination, and management of special projects related to service delivery. The Senior Analyst manages complex, interjurisdictional initiatives involving multiple governmental agencies and stakeholders, provides recommendations, prepares reports, and delivers presentations to the Commission and public forums. Responsibilities include contract oversight, legislative analysis, public outreach, and assisting with administrative functions such as budgeting and policy development. This role requires analytical rigor, project management skills, and effective communication to ensure that LAFCo’s governance goals and regulatory requirements are met.

Additionally, the Senior Analyst may work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and support environmental compliance under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Training will be provided for candidates who do not have prior experience in these areas.

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

Perform a variety of highly responsible complex professional planning duties in the field of current and advance planning; assume a lead role over less experienced professional and technical staff; provide information and assistance to developers and the public on complex planning matters.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level class in the professional Planner series. Positions at this level are able to work independently and receive minimal supervision and assistance from management staff.

Positions at this level are distinguished from other positions within the professional planning series by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including overseeing the activities associated with a variety of complex planning projects and related assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from supervisory or management staff as assigned.

May exercise direct supervision over less experienced professional, technical and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Trains and leads subordinate staff in planning duties.
  
• Researches, analyzes and interprets social, economic and population and land use data and trends.
  
• Researches planning information and concepts, land use and legal issues relating to current and long range planning matters and policy issues.
  
• Analyzes and recommend long range comprehensive planning policy documents; collects, records and summarizes statistical and demographic information; establishes and maintains a comprehensive database.
  
• Reviews and checks commercial, industrial and residential development plans and applications for projects approval and compliance with applicable County or Air Pollution Control District policies and procedures; performs site reviews; confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors and engineers regarding planning issues; negotiates and develops binding contracts and development agreements relative to County development policies and standards.
  
• Reviews, investigates and enforces zoning and sign regulations or, when assigned to Air Pollution Control, reviews and prepares air quality rules and regulations.
  
• Prepares and reviews environmental analysis of projects and ensures compliance with Federal, State and local laws, ordinances and regulations.
  
• Prepares initial studies and assists in preparation and review of environmental impact reports, Zoning and Design review requirements; compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies.
  
• Prepares staff reports for the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, and Design Review Committee, various local and State regulatory agencies and advisory boards and the Board of Supervisors as directed.
  
• Prepares correspondence to project applicants, violators and other agencies regarding compliance issues.
  
• Prepares and provides planning presentations to community groups; responds to community groups regarding impact and/or effects of projects.
  
• Prepares advanced planning studies for the County General Plan including element preparation, community plan preparation, policy formulation, program implementation and public presentation of findings and recommendations.
  
• Assists in production of major planning documents such as the County General Plan, environmental documents and specialized plans such as area specific plans, air and water quality plans, environmental compliance plans and related topics.
  
• Conducts current planning reviews of large and/or complex land development projects including subdivisions, conditional use permits, design reviews, development agreements, rezoning and General Plan amendments.
  
• Reviews the plans of other public jurisdictions for compatibility with County or Air Pollution Control District plans.
  
• Performs environmental analysis for current and advanced planning projects, especially those of a difficult or complex nature; review environmental impact reports.
  
• Assists the public by providing information and explaining particularly complex land use, environmental compliance, development and related regulations and procedures; meet with applicants as necessary and correspond with applicants and/or their representatives regarding project status; write staff reports; and make presentations of findings and recommendations at public hearings and to public agencies; conducts and participates in public hearings.
  
• When assigned, administer public education and public service programs through assigned employees or by contact.
  
• Coordinates with other County Departments and public agencies as needed; coordinates, directs and participates in interdepartmental land use development committees.
  
• Prepares and administers contracts with independent contractors or consultants who provide planning, or environmental services to the County or Air Pollution Control District.
  
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; provide standards and operating guidelines, provide timely input to performance evaluations; recommend disciplinary measures, when necessary; implement discipline procedures as directed; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the assigned functional area of responsibility.
  
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  
• Performs related duties as assigned.
  

In addition to the above, when assigned to Air Pollution Control:

• Promotes, directs and administers annual clean air grant programs.
  
• Oversees development and updating of state and federal air quality plans, including regional State Implementation Plan (SIP) updates, and maintains/validates/updates jurisdiction emission inventory.
  
• Oversees development and implementation of transportation control measures and land use development mitigation measures.
  
• When assigned to the Air Pollution Control District, performs the most difficult and highly complex or politically sensitive air quality planning assignments.
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible planning experience performing duties similar to those of an Associate Planner.

When assigned to Air Pollution Control: Three years increasingly responsible experience including two years performing duties similar to those of an Air Pollution Control Specialist II.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban, regional or environmental planning, or a closely related field.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of land use planning and development.
  
• Principles and practices of environmental planning and administration of environmental policies.
  
• All applicable local ordinances and State and Federal statutes.
  
• Operation, policies and procedures of the assigned functional area of responsibility.
  
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
  
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  
• Arithmetic, basic statistics and mathematical calculations.
  
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
  
• Planning related software applications.
  

In addition to the above, when assigned to Air Pollution Control:

• Principles and practices of governmental air quality planning trends and statistics affecting air quality planning.
  
• Operation, policies and procedures of the Placer County Air Pollution Control District.
  
• State and federal air quality statutes and legislation, and air district rules and regulations.
  
• Air monitoring devices, siting requirements, data reporting requirements, maintenance and calibration procedures.
  
• Dispersion modeling techniques and applications.
  
• Point and area emission source inventory determinations and reporting procedures.
  

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis sit at desk or in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently stand at counter for long periods of time; twist and reach office equipment; see and hear with sufficient acuity to successfully perform all aspects of the job; perform simple grasping and fine hand manipulation; use telephone and write and/or use keyboard to communicate through written means; and occasionally lift moderate weight.
  
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job and assigned functional area of responsibility activities; analyze, interpret and evaluate technical reports and special projects; know laws, regulations, codes and operational procedures; problem solve operational issues related to assigned functional area of responsibility; understand, interpret and explain applicable ordinances and statutes and policies and procedures; visually differentiate between colors on land use maps.
  
• Compile, analyze and evaluate technical, statistical and economic information of a difficult and complex nature; read and interpret maps and legal property descriptions; read and interpret applicable laws and regulations.
  
• Interpret, explain and apply a wide variety of Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
  
• Interpret and explain complex planning and zoning programs to the general public.
  
• Coordinate multiple projects and meet required deadlines; problem solve complex planning issues; negotiate and develop contracts and agreements.
  
• Analyze and compile complex technical and statistical information and prepare appropriate reports.
  
• Plan, supervise, train and evaluate the work activities of supervisory and/or professional, technical and clerical staff; act as a positive and effective team member.
  
• Obtain information through interview and dialogue, and deal fairly and courteously with the public; work effectively with interruption.
  
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
  
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  

In addition to the above, when assigned to Air Pollution Control:

• Supervise the collection, analysis and interpretation of data pertaining to air quality planning.
  
• Review land use permit applications and identify potential emission sources and environmental review requirements.
  
• Analyze test data reports and monitor data for accuracy and compliance.
  
• Enforce applicable laws, rules and standards.
  
• Determine compliance of facilities with state and federal law, District Rules, and air quality plans.
  

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)
Applicants are required to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire,which serves as the examination for this recruitment.

• Evaluation: We use a pre-determined formula to score your responses related to education, training, and professional experience.

Accuracy: Please ensure your application and questionnaire thoroughly reflect your background, as these scores determine your ranking on the eligible list.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-Hire Requirements

Candidates must complete the following requirements before their start date if an offer is extended:

• DOJ Criminal Background Clearance: Successfully complete a fingerprint-based background check through the California Department of Justice.
  
• Medical Evaluation: Pass a pre-employment physical, which may include drug screening and/or a psychological evaluation.
  
• Oath of Office: Subscribe to the constitutional oath or affirmation as required for all public employees by the California Constitution.
  
• Employment Eligibility Verification: Provide original documents that establish both identity and the legal right to work in the United States, as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  

Position-Specific Requirements

In addition to the above, some positions may require one or more of the following:

• Age Verification: Provide documentation verifying that you meet the minimum legal age requirements for this position.
  
• Background Check: Some positions require a background investigation. This may include a credit check, voice stress analysis, polygraph, and/or proof of bonding.
  
• Law Enforcement: Applicants for law enforcement functions must complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process.
  
• Medi-Cal Access/Licensing: Applicants with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification.
  

Failure to clear all requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

Substitute Lists

The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill vacancies in similar roles or lower-level positions within the same career series (e.g., journey-level vs. entry-level).

• Interviews: If contacted to interview for a similar role, the hiring department will provide the specific job details before the interview.
  
• No Risk: Choosing not to interview for a different classification will not affect your standing on the original list for which you applied.
  

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Public Agency Eligible List
If you are a current or recent employee of another public agency, you may qualify for an expedited application process. Visit our Employees of Other Public Agencies page to view eligibility requirements, download required forms, and submit an application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Placer County is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All applicants and employees receive fair and equal consideration in every stage of employment. Employment decisions are based on job‑related qualifications and are not influenced by any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. Refer to our Equal Employment Opportunity Program and Policy Statement (PDF ) for detailed information.

Applicants who need an accommodation during the recruitment or examination process should contact Human Resources at least five working days before the scheduled exam.

Conclusion

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Preciosa Ayala-Burkhardt, Administrative Technician, at [email protected] or (530) 886-4637.

Closing Date/Time: 11/20/2026 5:00:00 PM

Salary:

$52.44 - $65.49/hour; $9,089.60 - $11,351.60/month; $109,075.20 - $136,219.20/year