Associate Planner

This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time without prior notice.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, provides professional planning services to City staff, developers, contractors, and the general public; performs professional, technical, statistical, and analytical duties involving land use or other planning studies for a variety of public or private development projects; reviews development and land use applications, as well as zoning and site plans; assists the public at the front counter; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; and performs related duties, as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Planner series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such as managing planning projects.

Positions in the Assistant/Associate Planner class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Associate Planner level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant Planner level; progression to the Associate Planner level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Associate Planner level.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides information and assistance at the public counter, over the telephone, and via e-mail to the public, developers, property owners, contractors, other departments, and outside agencies regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards and procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements.
• Reviews routine to complex proposals, plans, and applications for subdivision, housing, commercial and industrial developments, variances, use permits, and business licenses; determines compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, standards, laws, rules, regulations, and policies; recommends approval and issues permits, or identifies problems and assesses alternatives; ensures submitted plans comply with zoning ordinances and the General Plan.
• Manages entitlement projects for commercial, industrial, and residential properties, zoning clearances, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) environmental studies, and documents for projects; ensures applicants understand the planning process; meets multiple deadlines to ensure projects are completed in a timely fashion.
• Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; assists in reviewing environmental impact reports; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters; participates in the implementation and administration of the City's General Plan and development regulations.
• Schedules, coordinates, and participates in project meetings for planning entitlement projects with applicants, developers, and property owners for project updates; meets and discusses projects with other department/divisions; schedules and coordinates other meetings, as required.
• Coordinates the preparation of meeting agendas for various commissions, boards, and community groups; reviews draft materials and prepares comments; organizes conferences and work sessions and ensures timely notification of appropriate parties.
• Assigns and routes plan checks as well as structural, grading, and landscape plans to staff; reviews plan checks for conformity and maintains logs of plan checks processed by the department.
• Develops and maintains a statistical reporting system; compiles, analyzes, and interprets data to define environmental conditions, social, economic, and housing trends, community needs, and zoning challenges.
• Prepares and presents staff reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, and various other committees and advisory boards, as directed; conducts briefings and meetings for elected and appointed bodies; prepares and updates maps, graphs, charts, and other visual aids to illustrate planning studies.
• Coordinates, reviews, and administers contracts for planning and environmental consulting services.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.
• Provides technical direction and training to consultants and other planning and technical staff, as needed.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and environmental planning and program management.
• Principles, practices, theories, and trends of municipal, land use, and regional planning, zoning, and environmental review.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to urban planning.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning and development processes.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation engineering as they relate to the process of urban planning.
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive environmental planning program.
• Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
• Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Interpret planning and zoning programs for the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact on various City programs and services.
• Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
• Research planning and zoning issues, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare and present effective staff and technical reports.
• Read and interpret plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Make accurate arithmetic, statistical, and planning computations.
• Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies, as required.
• Direct the work of contract consultants.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to zoning and planning work.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education/Training/Experience:

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

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, architecture, environmental design, public administration, or a related field.

Experience:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Attend night or after regular workday meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.