Assistant Planner
Description
To perform technical planning work including assisting the public with planning and application information; conduct field inspections; prepare planning reports; prepare various illustrations for planning activities; assist in the development and implementation of procedures for maintaining property, administrative and infrastructure data records; mapping projects utilizing conventional and computer assisted techniques; review and evaluation of land use and permit applications. Responsibility areas can include long-range planning activities, general plan amendments, project design, and moderately complex as well as routine current planning projects.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Employees in these classifications receive general supervision from the Senior Planner or assigned staff. Employees in these classifications are not directly responsible for supervision of other planning staff, although they may provide supervision of work product to technical, administrative, or intern staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level class in the professional planning series. Work includes assignments in the area of planning, environmental analysis and zoning administration, including the enforcement of zoning and related development regulations. Requires the application of fundamental planning principles. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher-level employees. However, as experience is acquired, the employee performs with increasing independence. This class is distinguished from that of the Associate Planner by less complex assignments received and less independence/discretion exercised.
Examples of Duties
Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Assists and answers public inquiries at the customer service counter or over the phone.
- Processes administrative approvals, such as fence height exceptions and temporary use permits.
- Prepares maps, charts and other illustrative materials for various planning reports, staff, and Commission information and general distribution.
- Maintains and updates information contained in the Community Development Department Internet Web Site.
- Assists with generating data and preparing staff reports for land use projects.
- Reviews use permits environmental assessment applications; prepares initial findings; checks plans and permit applications for zoning, signs. Additional or expanded functions required for Assistant Planner:
- Coordinates and cooperates with other City departments and outside agencies; gathers land use data, addresses public input and concerns, prepares plan amendments/revisions and reviews development proposals consistent with local, federal and state laws and guidelines, and provides information on land use and zoning codes, laws, regulations, and ordinances affecting construction and other land use proposals.
- Researches and interprets data, performs necessary field work, and prepares staff reports for various commissions concerning land divisions, site plans, architectural review, variances, use permits, etc.
- Presents and prepares staff evaluations and recommendations for projects at public hearings and various commission meetings including the Planning Commission and Architectural Review Commission; prepares follow-up reports as necessary.
- Assists with preparation of long-range planning documents as assigned.
- Performs project management duties for short-term City projects of small to medium size with increasing complexity and impact.
- Checks for compliance with Zoning Regulations and addressing through follow-up letters and field inspections.
- Assists in field inspections of approved projects to assure the projects are being completed in accordance with approved conditions.
- Performs administrative tasks including staffing of the public counter, building plan check review, business license review, ordinance enforcement, sign permit review, issuing of permits, filing, packet preparation, and collecting fees.
- Prepares diagrams, charts, and other graphic exhibits to accompany staff reports and technical studies.
- Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
- Conducts field inspections of construction and other land use projects to verify that the conditions of project approval are being met.
- Processes planning development permits for timely action and acts as a liaison between the project applicant, the City, and the community.
- Assists in preparing applications for and administering State/Federal grants.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Education and 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:
Any combination equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in urban planning, public administration or a related field; and 6 months minimum of professional planning experience. Internship experience may be considered.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.
Knowledge of:
- Nomenclature, symbols, methods, and techniques used in mapping and drafting.
- Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning;
- Basic computer skills and competency
- Research methods for records and maps.
- Principles, practices and techniques of municipal planning, including current planning, advance planning, housing, community development, and transportation.
- Purposes, policies, and procedures of the City Council, Planning Commission, and other agencies concerned with public planning and community development.
- Statistical and research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of data affecting public planning.
- Laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting general plans, zoning, development, environmental review, and land use, including but not limited to CEQA, planning and zoning laws, and the Subdivision Map Act.
Ability to:
- Skillfully prepare drafting presentations of data, plans and maps.
- Collect, analyze, and compile data pertaining to planning and zoning functions.
- Establish and maintain records.
- Interpret planning codes and ordinances.
- Research and interpret Assessor's parcel maps and recorded maps.
- Read plans and legal descriptions.
- Prepare technical reports of moderate complexity.
- Develop, sequence and document procedures.
- Effectively communicate in both oral and written forms.
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
- Deal tactfully, patiently, courteously, diplomatically and persuasively with the public.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret technical, statistical, and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research.
- Organize, conduct, coordinate, and present planning research studies.
- Prepare both concise and comprehensive oral and written reports.
- Act as information source to others regarding planning practices to include specialty area as assigned.
- Oversee the development/revision and preparation of maps, charts, and graphic illustrations.
- Effectively make presentations to large and small groups in both formal meetings and group discussion environments.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Prepare staff reports to the Zoning Administrator, Water Allocation Committee, Planning Commission and City Council;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, contractors, consultants, advisory bodies, City staff, other governmental agencies, and the public;
- Willingness to attend evening meetings as required
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing 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 weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.