Assistant Planner

About the role

This recruitment is for a technical position within the Planning Division. The role involves providing planning information to the public, evaluating permit applications, maintaining official maps, and assisting with various planning tasks.

Responsibilities

• Answer questions and provide information to the public regarding zoning and permitted uses, application procedures, and Planning Commission and City Council actions.
• Receive and process a variety of development applications, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
• Collect and distribute planning fees; route applications to appropriate staff.
• Enter applications into a computerized system; retrieve and update data to provide status to applicants; prepare reports as required.
• Research, collect, compile, record, and summarize technical data; evaluate applications for compliance with division regulations and standards.
• Maintain planning files and records.
• Process plot plans and certificates of occupancy for completeness; approve permit applications and issue required permits.
• Prepare statistical and technical reports; explain recommendations.
• Create a variety of materials for use in Planning Commission and/or City Council meetings; verify accuracy of information presented; prepare and present oral and visual media.
• Assist planners in reviewing plans to determine compliance with laws, codes, and ordinances; assist in preparing reports and materials; conduct site surveys and investigations.

Requirements

• Two years of planning or development program technical support experience.
• Bachelor's degree in urban planning or a related field.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of an urban planning program.
• Basic understanding of urban planning concepts, processes, and terminology.
• Basic knowledge of zoning and land use concepts and terminology.
• Skills in drafting and mechanical drawing.
• Ability to write, research, and compile data.
• Proficiency in modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and word processing/spreadsheet applications.
• Understanding of English language, including grammar, punctuation, and communication skills.
• Comprehension of relevant federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.

Skills

• Technical duties in support of planning division operations and activities.
• General drafting and mapping work using appropriate equipment.
• Review of plans and specifications.
• Evaluation and processing of permit applications.
• Explain planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Compile technical and statistical information and prepare basic reports.
• Read and understand maps, site plans, zoning codes, and related information.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Cafeteria Plan: City contribution of $1,800 per month towards health, vision, and dental insurance premiums.
• Lifetime Insurance: Double indemnity policy of $75,000 for employee and dependent coverage ($10,000 for spouse and $5,000 for each dependent child).
• Merit Raises: Salary increases based on satisfactory work performance.
• Bilingual Pay: $100 per period for successful completion of bilingual proficiency examination for Spanish.
• Education Incentive: Increases to base salary based on educational attainment.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,500 per fiscal year.
• Vacation: Earned at the biweekly rate of six (6) hours for the first through fourth years.
• Sick Leave: Accumulated at the rate of 4.62 hours per period (120 hours per year) with no maximum amount of accumulation.
• Deferred Compensation: Available to supplement retirement income.

Pay

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Schedule

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