Assistant Planner en City of Selma, CA

About the Department

PURPOSE:
Under general supervision (Assistant Planner) or direction (Associate Planner), to perform professional level work in the field of current and/or advance planning; to conduct zoning and code enforcement; to provide information and assistance to developers and the public on planning related matters; and to provide highly technical and responsible support to the Director of Community Development.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Assistant Planner--This is the entry level in the professional Planner class series. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Planner level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Assignments require the application of fundamental planning principles. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Assistant Planner – Exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT: 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 may perform the essential functions of the job.

Essential Functions (Illustrative Only):
• Conduct technical research; gather, interpret, analyze, and prepare data for studies; prepare reports and recommendations for drafting or revising local legislation and plans; project trends; monitor socio-economic data; make presentations to City boards, commissions, and committees.
• Provide technical and professional advice to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, community groups, public officials, decision makers, and the general public regarding land use applications, ordinances, codes, plans, policies, regulations, programs, and services.
• Assist in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, economic development, utility, transportation, facilities, solid waste, or other plans and codes to meet the City’s needs and any inter-governmental agreements or requirements.
• Prepare planning reports, presentations, and supporting data, including recommendations on various land use proposals; make written and oral reports and presentations to City boards, commissions, and committees.
• Evaluate land use applications and site plans for compliance with applicable local, State, or Federal laws; prepare reports and related data.
• Evaluate land use proposals for conformity to established plans and ordinances; evaluate proposals’ development impact as they relate to the adopted plans of the City; make recommendations.
• Evaluate project’s environmental impacts pursuant to CEQA; prepare CEQA documents and recommend mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development; enforce mitigation monitoring and compliance.
• Update City zoning and environmental sensitivity maps and maintain the database of information for planning purposes.
• Provide staff support to the Planning Commission.
• Prepare graphics and maps for a variety of reports, plans, grant applications, publications, or meetings.
• Provide general zoning, building, and related code information and application forms to permit applicants and the general public; provide guidance in filling out various permit applications and forms; ensure that applicants understand the permitting process and the necessary information and attachments required to submit an accurate and complete application.
• Process permit applications by accepting the application, checking for accuracy and completeness, reviewing plans for code compliance, calculating fees, routing to appropriate review staff, monitoring application progress for status reports, and approving plans and permits for issuance.
• Perform site visits and field inspections to assess or verify site and project conditions and compliance with conditions of approval, zoning regulations, construction plans, and code compliance enforcement.
• Prepare City initial environmental review documents for projects dealing with complex
issues on biological and archaeological resource impacts, traffic impacts, contaminated soils, noise impacts, and neighborhood controversy.
• Coordinate planning activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.
• Participate in the work of professional and technical employees including data collection, analysis, plan formulation, and implementation of a wide variety of planning, zoning, and environmental review activities.
• Maintain detailed socio-economic data and other relevant statistics.
• Perform inspections for projects for compliance with approved Plans and other City requirements and/or ordinances.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

Assistant Planner
Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of urban planning and development. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• GIS principles and concepts.
• Recent developments, current literature, sources of information, and research techniques related to the field of urban planning.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and related equipment.
• Mathematical principles.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
Ability to:
• Learn pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Learn the City zoning and code enforcement regulations.
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare routine reports. Prepare basic planning graphics including site plans and land use maps.
• Read and interpret construction drawings.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning or a related field. One year of directly related municipal planning experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

May be required to travel to different sites or locations.

Physical Demands:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing in work areas and walking 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 in this classification may occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Positions in this classification frequently lift and carry reports and records that typically weigh less than 20 pounds.

Environmental Elements:
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.