ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Under supervision, Associate Planners perform professional and technical level duties in the field of current and advanced planning and development. This is the full journey level class in the professional planner series.  Positions at this level perform professional planning work and requires considerable knowledge of all aspects of municipal planning, zoning, and development including urban planning.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Essential duties include, but are not limited to: coordinates and maintains current and advanced planning programs such as General Plan revisions and redevelopment agency items; administers residential and commercial rehabilitation projects, advises participants on improvement and rehabilitation projects; processes applications for major developments, zoning changes, subdivisions and site reviews; assists the public in solving planning related problems; provides the general public with information concerning development standards, zoning, and current projects; prepares complex reports on planning, housing and redevelopment issues; prepares and revises planning ordinances and prepares General Plan updates such as Housing Element updates; develops maps, charts and graphs in interpretation of various phases of planning studies; develops specific plan and policies with recommendations to the Director of Community Development;   performs construction plan checks, including field inspection for zoning compliance; and other  related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, environmental science or related field AND (3) three to five (5) years of professional full-time experience in municipal planning or related field. Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planning (AICP) is desired, but not required. Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a Certificate of Automobile Insurance for Personal Liability is required.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of urban planning and zoning administration; California development law, city planning, zoning and building codes, and other applicable federal, state, and local legislation; statistical and research methods applied to the collection and analysis of data pertinent to planning; municipal codes for building and zoning, housing construction, building inspection, community block grant, rental assistance, housing rehabilitation, real estate, and fair housing laws; budget, contract and grant administration; principles and application of construction contract management and problem solving; funding and grant sources; current trends in federal, state and local housing including density bonus guidelines and Section 8 provisions and requirements.

Ability to:  Prepare clear and concise presentations, ordinances and reports; develop, read and interpret diagrams, plans and specifications; evaluate project compliance with federal, state, and local regulations; interpret and explain City and department codes, ordinances, laws and regulations; manage and organize multiple projects to meet deadlines; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships; communicate effectively in writing and orally, and reason logically and creatively; exercise independent judgment, and initiative as required in the performance of assigned tasks.

On a continuous basis sit at desk; frequent use of hands and fingers; speak and hear; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; walk and stand to perform office activities and site inspections; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; occasionally bend, squat, stoop, kneel, push, pull, and lift 25 pounds; subject to frequent interruptions, public contact and moderate noise level in the work environment.

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (May not apply to all positions):

RETIREMENT – The City contracts with the California Public Employee’s Retirement System (CalPERS), in compliance with Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). The City offers 2%@55 formula for “classic members” and 2%@62 formula for “new members.” The City does not participate in Social Security.

BENEFITS – The City provides health benefits for full-time employees, through a flexible benefit spending plan coordinated with IRS Section 125; Tuition Reimbursement Program; and a Wellness Reimbursement Program. 

WORK SCHEDULE – The City offers varying work schedules to include 5/40, 9/80 and 4/10 work schedule. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although many facilities operate during evenings and weekends.

LEAVES – 12 paid holidays plus varying number of floating holidays arising out of 4/10 plan provisions; 10 days of vacation leave; 8 - 10 hours per month of accrued sick leave.

LIFE INSURANCE – All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy.

LONG TERM DISABILITY – Employees are covered by disability insurance which will provide income for an employee who is totally disabled from injury or accident.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION – The City offers various programs that allow full-time employees to voluntarily defer pre-tax earnings.