Associate Planner

JOB BULLETIN

***4/10 Work Schedule***

Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

City Hall is Closed every Friday

The City of Buena Park Community and Economic Development Planning Division is accepting applications for Associate Planner.

The City of Buena Park is a well-planned and balanced city of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and semi-public uses with an emphasis on tourism. The Community and Economic Development Planning Team work on a wide range of projects and tasks related to plan reviews, entitlement review, and the administration of the Zoning Code and General Plan as well as assist customers at the public counter and prepare staff reports and presentations for City Council, Planning Commission, and the Zoning Administrator. The priorities of the Planning Division include mixed-use developments as a result of the recently certified Housing Element, large-scale entertainment and hotel developments along Beach Boulevard, ADU's and SB9 lot projects.

The ideal Associate Planner is passionate about public service, thrives working in a collaborative time environment, and possesses exceptional project management, communication, and writing skills. Municipal government experience and knowledge of personal computers utilizing standard and planning-related specialized software, including the ability to use GIS software applications used in planning, mapping, and statistical analysis are highly desirable qualifications for candidates interested in this position.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, performs journey-level professional planning work related to current or advanced planning; administers planning projects, prepares or reviews planning studies, and makes presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council; provides technical direction to technical and professional support staff, as needed; and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey-level classification in the professional planning and administration series. The Associate Planner is distinguished from the Assistant Planner by its more specialized knowledge of environmental regulations, design standards, and the applicability of the City General Plan and Zoning Codes to different sites. The Associate Planner has lesser technical knowledge and leads smaller projects than the Senior Planner. The Associate Planner may provide technical direction to the Assistant Planners relating to proper research methods, planning case writing techniques, and the interpretation of project and code requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

Analyzes specific project applications and determines applicability of planning, zoning, and building codes, and the types of modifications that might be needed to meet city requirements and other types of regulatory and design standards.

Evaluates land uses and impacts in the context of site plan review and development standards; prepares environmental determinations, including negative declarations as part of environmental analysis.

Administers or conducts planning studies for assigned projects, involving staff or consultants; assures that project tasks and timelines are achieved in accordance with department standards.

Performs plan check functions for development projects and homeowner improvements; receives and reviews applications for planning permits for completeness, accuracy and conformance with code requirements.

Prepares and assists with the preparation of advance planning projects, reports, resolutions, maps, studies, and related planning documents, including the study background, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding city development policies and standards.

Reviews development proposals and works with developers to reach agreement on acceptable site and elevation plans in cooperation with senior planning staff; reviews building plans, parcel maps, and subdivision proposals for conformance with state and local regulations, and compiles reports containing recommendations.

Prepares and reviews staff reports and agenda items; develops supporting exhibits in making presentations to the Planning Commission and the City Council.

Participates in the analysis of development projects and assists in preparing staff reports and graphic displays; coordinates data to be presented in Environmental Impact Reports or negative declarations.

Compiles and coordinates the compilation of data for land use studies and related field investigations; prepares and coordinates special planning, zoning, and environmental studies; prepares reports and findings.

Coordinates regional planning activities with other city departments and with outside agencies, as assigned; attends inter-agency planning meetings as the city’s representative.

Conducts interim and final field inspections of project sites to assure conformance with approved plans and conditions.

Provides technical direction to professional and technical staff conducting research of codes, ordinances, development standards, as well as planning surveys.

Assists the public at the front counter and on the phone by answering questions and providing information regarding zoning and development practices and planning cases.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

Municipal Code, Zoning Code, and land use and architectural design standards; California Environmental Quality Act and procedures related to the review of planning applications; project management practices; leadership techniques; report preparation and presentation methods; research and reporting methods and techniques; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, and/or social concepts in the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning and map drafting; applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, and regulations; effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Understand, explain, and interpret local development standards and requirements; check building plans for conformance with land use, architectural and zoning regulations, and suggest changes to achieve compliance; manage projects; understand and apply federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs, and statistical data; prepare clear visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and illustrations; make presentations of ideas and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council; use word processing and spreadsheet software; prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials; establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, management, developers, contractors, commissioners and City Council, general public, and other parties.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit, and occasionally to stand and walk. The employee must be able to talk and hear. The employee must be able to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and reach above and below shoulder level with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and carries records and documents weighing more than 20 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data; thoroughly analyze and solve problems; exercise sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines; use math and mathematical reasoning; establish priorities and work on multiple assignments and projects concurrently; meet intense and changing deadlines given interruptions; and interact appropriately with staff, management, developers, contractors, the general public, and others in the course of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee frequently works in office conditions where the noise level is usually moderate, at and below 85 decibels. The employee occasionally attends meetings, conventions, city events, and other functions on behalf of the city, including evening and weekend hours. Driving to various city sites is required to complete work projects where the incumbent would encounter outside noise, dust, and debris.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field is required. Two years of general professional and technical planning experience is required.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to attain a valid Class C California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.

Ability to work extended hours in order to complete projects, attend meetings, and accommodate city needs.

APPLICANT INFORMATION/EXAM WEIGHT

Applicants must submit a City application online through the Human Resources Department web page at www.buenapark.com/hr . Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City employment application.

All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to an oral interview and/or written exams and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made. An eligible list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.

The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability.

Americans with Disabilities:

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (714) 562-3515 no later than 5 business days before the test date.

Fingerprinting:

Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.

Physical Examination:

Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense.

Below is a list of key benefits offered to employees of the City of Buena Park and is only a summary of benefits. They are not intended to replace or modify the legal plan documents on file in the Human Resources Department.

SALARY RANGE: Composed of six (6) steps - Entry step through E step (Except management positions). Each step represents an increase of approximately five (5) percent.

RETIREMENT: Provided through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employee pays member contribution.

VACATION: Earned at the rate of ten (10) working days per year for the first five (5) years of service. Public safety employees receive a different but equivalent benefit. Additional vacation may be earned by employees after five (5) years of service.

SICK LEAVE: Accumulated on the basis of eight (8) hours per month with no maximum accumulation.

HOLIDAYS:An average of eleven (11) holidays per year.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Several plans (indemnity and HMO's) are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium according to the bargaining unit agreement.

DENTAL INSURANCE: Three (3) plans are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium. The Employee may pay a portion of the insurance premium according at bargaining unit agreement and this benefit is voluntary.

VISION INSURANCE: One plan is available. The Employee pays the insurance premium and this benefit is voluntary.

LIFE INSURANCE: Amount of coverage is based on the employee bargaining unit. Premiums are fully paid by the City.

LONG TERM DISABILITY: Fully paid by the City. Police sworn personnel are not eligible.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to all City employees and their immediate families.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: The City offersone (1) plan administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions. This is a voluntary benefit with no City contribution.

WORK SCHEDULE:4/10 or 3/12 alternative work schedule depending upon the work location.

OC CREDIT UNION: Available to all City employees and their families.

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: $100 per month, per child, is available to all Full-Time City employees with eligible dependents 0 - 5 years of age.

Closing Date/Time: 1/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Buena Park

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