Planning Associate

The Position

OPEN EXAMINATION - SIX-MONTHS PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ensures Department services are provided with the exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.

Under the direction of the Deputy Director of Community Development, Principal Planner, Senior Planner or Planner, the Planning Associate performs complex administrative, professional and technical planning work in Long Range/Comprehensive Planning, including project management, public outreach and preparation of staff reports and analyses.

Assists in code amendment projects and long-range planning initiatives such as community plans, specific plans, and General Plan updates.

Conducts field inspections and field surveys.

Performs environmental reviews, policy analysis and project review activities.

Plans, prepares and manages planning projects and assignments such as surveys, studies, investigations, large development project processing, Glendale Municipal Code revisions, General Plan elements, community plans, specific plans, design guidelines, neighborhood and focused studies and similar projects either independently or as a member of a team.

May assist in preparing staff reports to Boards, Commissions, and City Council.

Represents the Community Development Department at public meetings, workshops, focus group discussions, charrettes, or before Boards and Commissions or as a liaison with other City Departments presenting staff work.

Carries out original research, surveys, staff reports, and investigative or assumes fact finding assignments in areas such as general plan preparation, environmental and land use analysis, statutory planning, development application processing (including environmental review, zone changes, and subdivisions), urban design analysis and development, economics and social studies.

Keeps current on legislation, case law, and principles affecting land-use planning, physical form, and environmental review and applies changes to procedures as necessary.

May produce necessary materials and act as a facilitator in public workshops, focus group discussions, or charrettes. Drives on City business as necessary.
Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe efficient manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training
Bachelor's Degree in City Planning, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Sustainability/Environmental Studies, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Economics, Public Administration or a closely related field.

A Master's Degree in City or Urban Planning, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Public Administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

Experience
Two years of professional experience in a public planning agency or a private firm with directly relevant experience in public planning or urban/architectural design issues.
Experience in Long Range Planning is highly desirable.

License(s)/Certification(s)
Valid Class C California Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Architectural and urban design practices and principles.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Comprehensive and community plans and issues.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Permit Streamlining Act.
Planning counter operations.
Planning practices and principles such as land use and zoning codes, development standards, and entitlement processes.
Planning, architectural and urban design principles.
Subdivision Map Act.

Knowledge of and a specialized familiarity with:
Current planning functions, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Permit Streamlining Act, Subdivision Map Act, comprehensive and community planning, design review practices, historic preservation, transportation, the processing of municipal permits and/or computer programming for planning issues. Specific positions in any of the classifications of this occupational series may require expertise in any of these areas of specialization at a level commensurate with the classification.

Skill in:
Written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to:
Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.
Describe and analyze design elements on development plans and assist applicants with the application of City architectural and site planning design standards and policies.
Effectively interact with the public in a positive, helpful manner.
Effectively read and understand architectural and building plans and maps.
Establish and maintain smooth and effective working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Foster a teamwork environment.
Manage projects in a timely, efficient manner consistent with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Plan, manage and complete projects individually or in conjunction with others, including plan elements, special studies, independent research and analysis.
Prepare accurate, reliable and error-free reports.
Prepare and deliver presentations to the public at community meetings, and to various Boards, Commissions, and City Council at public hearings.
Prepare clear and concise planning reports, analyses, and recommendations.
Prepare graphic presentation material for television, public meetings, and community workshops.
Read and evaluate architectural and construction drawings for code compliance.
Read, write, communicate effectively and comprehend directions in English.
Review plans for consistency with code requirements.
Understand and apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping for planning projects and application processing.
Understand and interpret underlying laws related to general plans, zoning, and subdivisions.
Understand and interpret zoning codes and specific plans including development standards and entitlement processes.
Work effectively as a member of a team with other Community Planning Department staff, other City staff, or citizen groups.

Other Characteristics
Willingness to:
Work overtime as requested or required.
Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and/or training to stay abreast with planning theory, legislative changes, urban design and architectural principles, and case law affecting land-use planning, design, and environmental review.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy
The City of Glendale places a high importance on quality customer service and prides itself for the high level of services it provides by every employee of the organization. As employees of the City of Glendale, we are committed to providing our diverse community and each other with courteous, considerate, and personal attention.
Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy .

Note
An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

Selection Process

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: Submitted Application will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements. All applications, resumes and submitted reference materials will be reviewed and evaluated and only the best-qualified candidates based on applicable experience and education will be invited to the selection process. The evaluation will be based on the candidate's education and experience as related to the position.

Candidates must pass each exam component with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.

ORAL INTERVIEW: (Weight of 100%) Approximately the top 12 scoring candidates who achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the essay will be invited to the oral interview exam. TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. Any evaluation will be based on the candidate's education and experience as related to the position. Any examination will be to evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills for the position. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the above stated examination components and/or weights. Should this be necessary, the candidates will be notified of the specific examination components and weights prior to the administration of any examination. The selected candidate will be subjected to a background check including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale conforms with State and Federal obligations to make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. The Human Resources Department asks that it be advised of special needs at least five days prior to the first test part so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Glendale requires that all new employees provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity.

The City of Glendale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance.

The above listed benefits apply to full-time, salaried positions only.

Closing Date/Time: 10/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Glendale

• 818-548-2152

Show more