Associate Planner

Under direction, 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 work as required.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives direction from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis journey level classification is responsible for independently performing professional duties in support of the City’s zoning and planning functions. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, 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.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, conditional use permits, business licenses, and zone text amendments; 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 and proposals comply with zoning ordinances and the General Plan.Manages entitlement projects for commercial and residential properties, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental studies, and documents for projects; ensures applicants understand the planning process; meets multiple deadlines to ensure projects are completed in a timely fashion.Reviews prospective business uses for compliance with the zoning code and issues zoning clearances.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 grading plan review; checks plans for conformity and maintains logs of plan checks processed by the department; reviews landscape plans for compliance with local and state water conservation regulations.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.Creates and updates planning entitlement applications and planning related handouts on the City’s online portal.Observes and complies with all 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:Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.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.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.Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural 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 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: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:Possession of a valid California Driver License, to be maintained throughout employment.PHYSICAL DEMANDSMust possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; 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 CONDITIONSEmployees 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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr