Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

This single position class performs geological research and analysis for environmental impact statements and the seismic safety and safety elements of the County General Plan, gathers geological information for use in a variety of programs and studies, enforces County ordinances and State legislation dealing with soil and earth stability and geological hazards, and advises the County and other public agencies on geological matters, and other duties as required.

This class is distinguished from the Resource Planner series in that this class requires registration as a Geologist and works on advanced geological aspects of planning programs and studies and has overall responsibility for the geologic review program. The incumbent of this single position class works under general direction and receives policy direction from a Principal Planner. Possession of a valid certificate of registration as an Engineering Geologist issued by the California State Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists is desirable.

Supervise the work of staff geologists (Resource Planners) including preparation of geologic assessments, reports and documents. Administer provisions of the County's Geologic Hazards ordinance and other geology related regulations including the Alquist-Priolo Act and the FEMA flood zone regulations and sign all such documents as required by law. Provide technical direction to other planning staff in review and analysis of development plans for potential geologic hazards and conformance with County regulations pertaining to geologic safety. Perform geological analysis related to the review of development proposals and existing or potential geologic hazards and prepare reports on the most complex projects based on field, plan and report review. Advise the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors on geology related issues. Provide information to the public regarding County geologic policy and related technical issues. Serve as the County's resource regarding geologic issues. Provide situation analysis, damage assessment and recommendations regarding geologic safety in times of acute geologic hazard (e.g. floods, landslides, earthquake, etc.). Represent the County and give presentations at local, regional or State level on issues related to geology. Prepare ordinances and policies related to geologic issues. Review geologic reports prepared by registered geologists for conformance with County regulations and guidelines and overall adequacy. Review development proposals for conformance with geologic reports. Work with County geologic advisors (on contract to the County) on review of geologic reports and other geologic issues requiring peer review. Assists in the preparation and review of environmental impact statements. Assigns work and determines priorities. Trains and provides technical assistance to staff. Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence. Maintains records and proper documentation on assigned activities.

• Thorough knowledge of modern geological principles.
• Thorough knowledge of methods and procedures used in inspections and/or investigations to ensure completion in accordance with appropriate laws and County policy.
• Thorough knowledge of geological processes, survey techniques and equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of geological mapping and drafting.
• Thorough knowledge of geological planning concepts.
• Working knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of effective organization, supervision and training.
• Working knowledge of subsurface survey methods.
• Working knowledge of effective public information and public relations methods.
• Working knowledge of the theoretical and practical principles of physical geology.
• Working knowledge of engineering geology and its practical application.
• Working knowledge of the principles of soil mechanics.
• Some knowledge of record keeping procedures and office operations.

• Plan, organize, and effectively supervise and evaluate the work of others. Read, understand and interpret geological reports submitted by registered geologists and civil engineers.
• Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
• Prepare and maintain clear, concise and comprehensive records and reports.
• Attend public meetings and present comments and recommendations.
• Develop and provide effective training.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Plan, schedule, prioritize and assign work.
• Work cooperatively with the public, other departments and outside agencies.
• Work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.

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

Five years of professional level geological work (does not include routine sampling, laboratory work, or geological drafting) that included two years of experience dealing with environmental geology and geologic hazards.

Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Geologist issued by the California State Board of Registration for Geologists and Geophysicists.

Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License.

Bargaining Unit: General Rep

EEOC Job Category: 02

Occupational Grouping: Planning & Related

Worker's Comp Code: 0285