Planning Technician or Assistant Planner at City of Azusa, CA

About the Department

The City of Azusa is currently seeking a driven professional to work in a fast-paced environment. Please note that there is one vacancy and we are looking for the best, most qualified candidate to work in the capacity of Planning Technician OR Assistant Planner, depending on qualifications. Please review qualifications and submit your application for the level in which you qualify. 

Position Duties

• Assists and advises the public in the preparation and filing of applications for zoning changes, variance permits, tentative tract and parcel map approval, site plan and design review, residential development use permits, and other requests for services.
• Reviews applications for completeness and accuracy; analyzes requests to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policy; writes recommendations for project approval.
• Prepares or assists in the preparation of staff reports and agenda packets; provides assistance and makes presentations to the Planning Commission, Cultural and Historic Preservation Commission, and/or any other Community Development-related boards and commissions as requested; attends and takes minutes for  Planning Commission, Cultural and Historic Preservation Commission, and/or any other Community Development-related boards and commissions meetings, including evening meetings, as requested. 
• Responds to calls from the public; answers routine questions concerning zoning, land use, the general plan, and current projects. 
• Develops and updates all maps relating to the planning process, including zoning and general plan maps, vicinity maps, and others required by special circumstances; prepares according to specified scales using a variety of drafting equipment. 
• Prepares various maps, charts, graphs, and “PowerPoint” for presentations; uses tools necessary for proper presentation; has basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the ability work with the system. 
• Conducts field surveys for development projects; tabulates and maps results; inputs data to computer.
• Maintains departmental files, exhibits, and library; makes blueprints and other reproductions; maintains control over the checking in and out of plans.
• Conducts land use field surveys; tabulates and maps results; inputs data to computer; may prepare or assist in the preparation of staff reports. 
• Performs related duties as required.

• Performs professional land use and urban planning work, including current and advance planning, and implementation of the City's General Plan; reviews zoning and development applications.
• Performs research and analysis; performs planning and zoning studies for development; investigates planning problems while considering legal and public relations aspects as well as planning and makes presentations of findings.
• Prepares maps, graphs, charts, models and reports; plans, organizes and executes projects or surveys.
• Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements; performs field inspections; communicates and coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Prepares staff reports, resolutions, reports, letters, public hearing notices, zoning ordinance changes, and environmental review documents; verifies zoning compliance for business licenses and In-Home business licenses.
• Performs advanced planning activities, including General Plan updates and amendments; monitors the effectiveness of the General Plan implementation, zoning and design guidelines; recommends action or petitions for general planning, zoning and development.
• Reviews building, landscaping, fencing, signage, and Administrative Conditional Use permit applications and plans; reviews and prepares reports pertaining to annexation.
• Coordinates various planning studies and related matters with consultants.
• Receives and reviews applications; assesses fees; establishes conditions for project approval; approves building permits for such things as patios, room additions, and residential, commercial and industrial buildings and site improvements at the counter; responds to public inquiries at the public counter, on the phone and through email.
• Coordinates with regional and sub-regional agencies to address certain regional and inter-jurisdictional issues.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree in a related field, supplemented by college level course work in planning. A Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or a related field is desirable.   
• Experience: One (1) year of customer service or related experience. Customer service for a local municipality is highly desirable. Urban planning, city planning, architecture etc. course work may be considered.  

• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class C California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

• Planning practices, and techniques.
• Maps and report preparation. 
• General office procedures.  

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Keep accurate records.
• Analyze data and information.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of personnel and establish/maintain effective working relationships.
• Understand, explain and apply policies and procedures.
• Interpret and apply rules, regulations, legislation and policies.
• Understand and follow verbal and written directions.
• Work independently; perform mathematical computations.
• Operate a computer and use of a variety of computer software.
• Operate a variety of office equipment.
• Prepare and interpret maps.
• Calculate and convert map scales.

• Education:  Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, architecture, environmental design, landscape architecture, or a related field. 
• Experience:  One (1) year of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, and / or environmental issues.  Urban planning, city planning, architecture etc. course work may be considered.  

• Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class C California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.

• Modern principles, practices and techniques of current and advanced planning.
• Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning. 
• Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies. 
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including the City Municipal Code, the California Environmental Quality Act and California laws relating to subdivisions, annexations, zoning and land use. 
• Basic principles of mathematics; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments. 
• Standard office procedures, practices and equipment. 
• Modern office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software. 
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar. 
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

• Apply policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process. 
• Interpret and prepare maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data. 
• Attend evening meetings, including Planning Commission, City Council and other agency meetings as required. 
• Collect, analyze and interpret data pertaining to planning and zoning. 
• Perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately. 
• Interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations. 
• Read, interpret and record data accurately. 
• Organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignment. 
• Work independently and as part of a team. 
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines. 
• Analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response and follow written and oral directions. 
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Other Qualifications

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting.
• Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends from time-to-time.  

• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight.
• Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.
• Verbally communicate to exchange information.

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. 
• Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends from time-to-time. 

• Prolonged sitting and regular standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. 
• Grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. 
• Near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents.  
• Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. 
• Lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 20.