Urban/Associate Planner (FT - Hybrid)

Responsibilities

• Aid in the management of both ministerial and discretionary land use projects.
• Advise applicants and property owners about procedures for the filing of land use applications.
• Assume a lead project manager role in the review of complex planning applications.
• Make decisions regarding the level of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review required for discretionary land use applications.
• Process applications and reviews plans necessary for issuance of permits.
• Conduct site inspections and field investigations.
• Provide customer service in-person to support a municipality’s Permit Center.
• Assist in the review for compliance with the state or local Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
• Review plans for adherence to architectural review guidelines and regulations.
• Maintain planning data using various computer software programs.
• Prepare graphics, public notices, and distribution lists for public hearings and/or meetings.
• Respond to inquiries from the general public and independently resolve issues related to the client’s planning and zoning procedures.
• Conduct research and provide information to City staff and the general public regarding land use issues and standard environmental documentation.
• Develop special studies and general reports.
• Represent the municipality at Planning advisory committees, other committees, and agencies.
• Prepare a variety of reports and draft ordinances for City staff, the City Council, Zoning Administrator, and the Planning Commission.
• Prepare correspondence and other similar documents to fulfill policy and legal requirements.

Qualifications

• Possess at least three (3) years of directly related planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience reviewing development proposals and land use documents.
• Have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, architecture, or a related field.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class “C” California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Skills/Knowledge/Ability

• Research and data collection methods.
• Principles and practices of planning and zoning administration.
• Environmental protection regulations such as California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Action (NEPA), Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.
• State and local laws pertaining to land use such as Subdivision Map Act, Williamson Act, Historic Preservation Programs, etc.
• Effective customer service.
• Effective report writing and presentation techniques.
• Statistics and math applicable to planning and property development.
• Common computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, database management, internet, video conferencing, and geographic information systems.