Position DescriptionAre you an energetic, forward-thinking planning professional looking for an opportunity to provide a community with excellent service? Are you a self-starter with exceptional communication skills who excels at working with members of the community and public officials? Does working for a unique, picturesque village alive with California history appeal to you? If so, the City of San Juan Bautista welcomes your application for the position of Associate Planner.
Position Summary Under general direction, the Associate Planner performs professional level work in the field of current and advanced planning, including affordable housing, and historic preservation, and provides information and assistance to developers and the public on planning related matters.
This journey-level position is responsible for performing the full range of duties as assigned, including the application of professional knowledge and skills to various municipal planning problems and projects. Responsibilities include the preparation of specific reports and plans with opportunity for working independently and exercising judgement and initiative. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the department.
Supervision Exercised May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff.
Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate will:- Possess extensive experience with and knowledge of a wide variety of current and/or advanced planning projects and issues.
- Possess experience working with Housing Plan elements and reporting requirements.
- Possess a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in City or Urban Planning or a closely related field.
- Possess three (3) years of municipal or regional planning experience.
- Possess the ability to work independently, exercising sound judgment and integrity.
- Demonstrate the ability to interact in a positive and helpful manner with members of the public, City staff, contractors, and other agencies.
- Possess a strong work ethic and organizational skills.
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Possess effective presentation skills.
- Possess AICP certification (desirable).
Competencies Attention to Detail/Accuracy: The ability to achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing a task.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Can shift gears comfortably.
Communication: Effectively convey and exchange thoughts, opinions, and information verbally or in writing.
Critical Thinking: The ability to identify and define problems and develops workable solutions.
Reliability and Commitment: Shows commitment, dedication, and accountability in one's work and can be depended upon to follow through on all projects, goals, and aspects of one's work.
Initiative: Anticipates what needs to be done and follows through.
Judgment: Makes decisions based on careful thought considering facts and outcomes.
Time Management/Organization: Plans and executes plans for events, tasks, and processes in an efficient manner; meets deadlines.
Customer Service/Interpersonal Relations and Skills: Maintains ongoing positive customer relationships and builds relationships on mutual trust and respect.
Collaboration/Teamwork: Working collaboratively and cooperatively with team members and stakeholders in order to achieve a goal.
The City Established in 1869, the City San Juan Bautista is a unique village, alive with early California history and home to one of the most authentic, picturesque, and pristine missions along the California mission trail. A deep commitment to preservation has endowed the city with historic authenticity, including a nationally registered historic district, a main street lined with buildings straight out of the old west and original adobes dating back two centuries. The City is home to seven National Historic Landmarks. By embracing multicultural performing arts and artists, festivals and street fairs the community celebrates entertainment year-round. Surrounded on all sides by untouched hillsides, organic fields and natural habitats, the call to nature and the rustic outdoors compliments every experience.
Examples of Duties• Research, analyze and interpret social, economic, population, and land use data and zoning trends.
• Prepare written reports on various planning matters and elements of the General Plan.
• Prepare initial studies; define the scope of work; review environmental impact reports.
• Participate in and coordinate consultant work in the preparation of the City’s General Plan updates.
• Work with and assist various stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor components of the City’s housing policies and programs to ensure compliance.
• Compile information and prepare recommendations on special studies; prepare and present related planning reports.
• Provide information to the public regarding zoning, land use, and the General Plan; participate in public meetings, as necessary.
• Confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Review development proposals and applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies; prepare reports of recommendations.
• Review permit applications and assesses fees.
• Prepare and present staff reports for the Planning Commission and City Council
• Advise on historic preservation programs and provide professional staff support to the Historic Resources Board.
Check commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for issuance of zone clearances.
• Research and draft ordinances and updates for review by the City Manager and Planning Commission
• Investigate complaints of zoning violations and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints concerning the City’s planning function; may assist code enforcement staff, as necessary.
• Participate in coordinating planning activities with other City departments; conduct meetings to define project scope.
• May provide technical assistance to professional, clerical, and contract staff.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Typical QualificationsKnowledge of:• Principles and practices of urban planning and development.
• Recent developments, current literature, sources of information, and research techniques related to the field of urban planning, including components of housing plan elements within a city’s General Plan.
• State and local laws and policies underlying general plans, zoning codes, design guidelines, and land divisions.
• Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Mathematical and statistical principles.
• Commonly used computer software program related to the work.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and related equipment.
Ability to:• Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.
• Learn and apply historic preservation principles.
• Learn and apply applicable environmental laws and regulations and methods of assessment.
• Learn and interpret local laws, regulations, zoning codes, and design guidelines unique to the city.
• Interpret planning and zoning programs for the general public.
• Perform professional planning work with a minimum of supervision.
• Manage project development and implementation.
• Provide training to less experienced planning staff.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with all those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment.
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
Experience Possess a minimum of three (3) years of directly related municipal planning experience.
Previous experience working with housing plan components, policies, and programs is highly desirable.
Education Possess the equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a related field.
Possession of AICP Certification is desirable.
License Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Special RequirementsEssential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
Supplemental Information Salary $6,893.47 - $9,238.67 Monthly
Benefits - 2 weeks (80 hours) paid Vacation annually (increases to 3 weeks (120 hours) after 5 years; and 4 weeks (160 hours) after 10 years],
- 2 weeks (80 hours) paid Sick leave annually,
- 11 paid Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays annually,
- Paid health benefits including vision, dental and Employee Assistance Program, for the employee, opportunity to provide benefits to spouse and family members at employee’s pre-taxed wages (voluntary).
- Opportunity to sign up for AFLAC at employee’s pre-taxed wages (voluntary),
- City participates in Social Security,
- CalPERS 457 investment program with 3% contribution by the City (voluntary),
- Costco membership.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND SELECTION PROCEDURE:The deadline to apply is September 6, 2024, at 11:59 PM PST.APPLY HERE: https://bit.ly/SJBAssocPlannerApplications must be submitted on-line through this applicant tracking system. Materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Incomplete, late, emailed, and faxed applications are not accepted.
Qualified candidates are required to submit a Cover Letter and a focused resume detailing their experience relevant to this position, along with their completed Application and Supplemental Questionnaire. Certificates, resumes, and/or cover letters must be uploaded with your application through this applicant tracking system. Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required employment application.
All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.
Application - Minimum Qualification Assessment - (Pass/Fail) All completed applications, and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications.
Remote Screen Interview Exam - (100%) Candidates who pass the Minimum Qualification Assessment may be invited to a Remote Screen Interview Examination to evaluate training, experience, and other job-related qualifications for the position. The Remote Screen Interview will be conducted remotely via a video conference platform and is tentatively scheduled for the
week of September 16, 2024. Successful candidates will be submitted to the City of San Juan Bautista for further consideration.
All communication and notices will be sent via e-mail. Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to
bduncan@rgs.ca.gov.
Neither Regional Government Services nor the City of San Juan Bautista are responsible for failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Candidates who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise RGS by contacting
bduncan@rgs.ca.gov.
The City of San Juan Bautista is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Closing Date/Time: 9/6/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
