Senior Planner

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Senior Planner to fill one (1) current vacancy in our Development Services Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

DEFINITION
Under general direction, administers complex current and advance planning activities, including serving as project manager for complex development applications and special projects; administers specified activities in such areas as advance planning, and environmental impact studies, protection, and compliance, as well as the capital improvement program (CIP); provides information and assistance to property owners, developers, contractors, and the public; provides complex professional assistance to the City Planner and Development Services Director; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the City Planner. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the advanced-level classification in the professional planning series responsible for performing the most complex work assigned to the series. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform departmental day-to-day administrative functions, including project management and the review of current or advanced planning projects. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

This class is distinguished from the City Planner in that the latter is a management-level classification in the series responsible for the assignment, supervision, and evaluation of the work of assigned professional, technical, and administrative support staff, as well as programmatic and budgetary administration duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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.

• Serves as project manager for multiple complex current and/or long-range planning projects and special planning studies, including in-depth application and plan review and analysis
• Coordinates with applicants to obtain additional information and project changes, prepares legal notices, posts notices on sites, conducts background research, prepares staff reports, attends public hearings and makes presentations, monitors implementation measures and conditions of approval, checks submittals for building plan checks, and inspects development and capital improvement sites at the beginning and upon completion of the project
• Compiles, analyzes findings and prepares recommendations in written form for projects, including project analysis and conditions for permit approval or denial
• Plans and directs the work of planning staff on assigned projects; reviews the work of assigned staff for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with policies, procedures, and standards; participates in staff training activities; prepares drafts of new or revised departmental processes and procedures and submits recommendations for review and approval
• Interprets and applies federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that public and private projects are in compliance, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), City ordinances, specific plans, design specifications, and local guidelines and procedures
• Interacts and communicates with a variety of individuals and groups at the public service counter, in the field, over the telephone, through email, at public hearings, and in discussion forums, including other City departments and public agencies, elected and appointed City officials, developers, consultants, architects, engineers, attorneys, appraisers, real estate agents, property owners, and the general public for the purpose of obtaining or providing information, coordinating activities, processing projects, negotiating plan changes, and formulating recommendations
• Conducts environmental review and analyses; reviews specialized planning support studies for incorporation into environmental review documents; evaluates conclusions of environmental impact reports and prepares recommendations
• Writes requests for proposals for environmental consulting services; participates in the consultant interview process; makes recommendations on project award; evaluates and oversees environmental consulting agreements and project budgets
• Compiles, analyzes and evaluates data related to the City's population, housing needs, income level, transit needs, etc., for use in projecting planning requirements
• Develops recommendations, reports, maps, charts, graphics, and other information and documentation for presentation to the Planning Commission, advisory committees, and City Council
• Reviews and analyzes a variety of permits, applications, and petitions for compliance to planning regulations, codes, and ordinances
• Participates in project meetings and conferences with commissions, committees, government agencies, and other groups; provides technical staff support to various City commissions
• Makes presentations to the public, special districts, and agencies as requested
• Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, and complaints regarding division and department projects, policies, and procedures
• Prepares a variety of periodic and special reports regarding assigned activities
• Assists in the development and administration of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to the division; drafts formalized policies and procedures with supervisory confirmation
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Performs related duties as assigned

Minimum 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:

Required:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, environmental design, public administration, or a closely related field and
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in the field of current or advanced planning

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California Driver's License or other means that would allow for the ability to commute to meetings, conduct site visits, and attend other special events throughout the county may be required at the time of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, delegation, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures
• Principles and practices of leadership
• Modern principles, practices, and technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, and environmental planning and program management
• Geographic, socioeconomic, transportation, financial, political, environmental, and other elements related to public planning projects
• Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process
• Philosophy, trends, principles, and techniques of planning programs
• Principles and methods of urban and regional planning, zoning, and land development
• Technical reporting requirements associated with planning programs
• Biological and environmental issues associated with urban and regional planning and land use development
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility
• Techniques for effectively representing the City and department in contacts with governmental agencies, governing bodies, community groups, various business, professional, educational and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public
• Project management and contract administration principles and techniques
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work
• Geographic Information Systems technology
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly
• 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

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards
• Interpret and explain complex planning and zoning projects and programs to the public
• Assimilate both technical and theoretical concepts from many diverse disciplines and apply the knowledge in creative and intuitive ways to solve unique problems
• Evaluate the suitability of projects to specific sites and surrounding areas
• Interpret land use maps, legal descriptions, construction and grading plans, and other technical and office data accurately
• Effectively organize and manage large or specialized planning projects
• Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations in support of goals
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written material
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, 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
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk 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, averaging a weight of 25 pounds.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, 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.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interviews, performance tests, and writing exercises to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which include a pre-hire physical and Live Scan background investigation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY

Located just north of San Diego County, the city of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

MURRIETA SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION

The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
  • Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 60
    • Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
  • Tier 3 (New Members)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 62
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the unit's Memorandum of Understanding for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for a life insurance policy equal to one time an employee's base salary, up to a maximum of $150,000. Additional life insurance is available.
• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City contributes a matching amount to the employee's account on a dollar-for-dollar basis, not to exceed $2,200 per year.
• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Murrieta.

Web Link: Murrieta Supervisors Association (MSA) - MOU - 2017-2018

Closing Date/Time: 2/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Murrieta

• (951) 461-6087

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