Closing Date: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, at 9:00 PM 

Position: Technical Assistant

Department: Community Development

Division: Planning

Hourly Range: $22.26 - $25.77

FLSA: Non-Exempt – Overtime Eligible

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, this position will work with the Planning and Permitting Division staff to attain first-hand public and local government planning experience and assist in various tasks but not limited to researching zoning case files, typing reports, entering information in databases, administrative tasks such as filing, copying, printing; attend meetings with staff and development clientele, learn about Planning and Development processes and attend City hearing or committee meetings. This position may communicate and collaborate with various City Departments, Divisions, and staff beyond the Planning Division.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Example of Duties & Responsibilities:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists and advises the public in the preparation and filing of applications for various planning applications
• 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
• Deals directly with the public in person and over the phone/email, responding to inquiries and answering routine questions concerning zoning, land use, the general plan, and current projects
• Prepares or 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 to work with the system
• Maintains departmental files, exhibits, and library; makes blueprints and other reproductions; maintains control over the checking in and out of plans
• Performs land use field surveys; tabulates and maps results; inputs data to computer; may prepare or assist in the preparation of staff reports

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive.  An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor.  This position is considered non-exempt

Required Skills:

• Ability to organize
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with staff, participants and the public.

Education and Experience:

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university majoring in Urban Planning/Studies, Political Science, Geography, Sociology, or a related field is desirable

Core Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information
• Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work
• Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers
• Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness

Guiding Principles

1. Put people first.
2. Be visionary.
3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
5. Be Creative.
6. Always Improving.
7. Be Adaptable and Resilient.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)  
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent)   
• To move, transport, position items up to 15 lbs. (frequent)
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
• Operate Equipment (none)  
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent)

Environmental Factors:

• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)  
• Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

• Analyze (continuous) 
• Computations (frequent)  
• Generate Written Work Product (moderate)   
• Independent Problem Solving (continuous)   
• Interruptions (frequent) 
• Maintain Positive Public Relations (continuous)  
• Organize (frequent)

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time; 

The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.