Community Development Specialist at City of Hawaiian Gardens, CA

About the Department

Full-Time / Management.
FLSA: Non-Exempt.

SUMMARY
Under general supervision from the Community Development Director, plans, coordinates, and assists with various Planning, Economic Development, or housing projects or programs. Provides staff support and technical assistance to City Council, boards, commissions, and task forces executing departmental programs.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Assists the Community Development Director with administrative tasks which may include paying requisitions, writing reports, doing research and other tasks as assigned.
May assist with the implementation, and coordination of the day-to-day operation of the current planning and public counter functions.
May assist with processing a variety of planning and land use applications, code amendments, conditional use permits, variances, tentative maps and map amendments, design review, home occupations, signs, lot line adjustments, home occupation permits, temporary use permits, pre-sale inspection reports, and outdoor sales.
May assist with processing a variety of planning permit applications, commercial, industrial, and residential new construction, additions, alterations, and tenant improvements. 
May assist with providing information to the general public on the planning application process and requirements, associated fees, including land use, codes and ordinances relating to the General Plan, and Zoning, and other development related requests.
Performs detailed special projects for the Community Development Director and research assignments; collaborates with various staff and departments in completing special projects and reports.
May explain and interpret Divisional policies, procedures, and regulations to the public; assists and supports Code Enforcement functions as requested.
Supports, and participates in planning, economic development, housing programs, or projects; performs a variety of marketing and administrative activities; develops project plans and budgets, secures funds, and evaluates program effectiveness.
Plans and conducts community development research projects; analyzes and evaluates a variety of issues, prepares feasibility studies, and monitors requests for proposals; meets with community groups to provide information and assess the need for new programs. Composes and drafts planning or departmental correspondence, staff reports, specialized forms, technical
and statistical material and confidential documents from drafts, notes, or brief instructions.
May assist professional planners and design professionals in the technical aspects of the planning process; checks and processes applications for zoning and use permits.
Uses and employs computer database programs such as GIS and permit tracking systems for information, data entry and report information; initiates and tracks building permit applications in the plan check process.
Prepares written reports to the Community Development Director, Planning Commission, and City Council.
Prepares agreements and correspondence.
Coordinates work of assigned staff and consultants.
Maintains complete, timely, and accurate files.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of California land use laws, zoning, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Municipal codes for building and zoning.

Ability to:
Provide technical leadership in community development.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Maintain effective working relationships with other people.
Conduct site inspections.
Operate Microsoft Office, computing systems, and mobile devices.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE - A combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skill and abilities. Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Business or Public Administration, Economics, or a related field AND three (3) years of professional experience in Planning, Redevelopment, Housing or Economic Development. Spanish speaking is desirable.

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The essential duties of this position are performed in a standard office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.