Assistant Planner II

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds to questions pertaining to subdivision, zoning, and development requests; provides assistance to customers on the phone and at the public counter; confers with developers, building designers, contractors, architects, and the general public on planning-related matters
• Interprets planning policies, laws, and ordinances; reviews planning proposals; establishes conditions for project approval to ensure compliance with these policies, laws, and ordinances
• Issues home occupancy permits, conditional and minor use permits, oak tree permits, and other discretionary or over-the-counter permits
• Performs planning studies, conducts research and analysis, and writes technical planning reports pertaining to the General Plan, Unified Development Code, environmental assessments, annexations, and population projections
• Prepares planning documents including staff reports, resolutions, and environmental review documents
• Conducts site surveys and formulates site design alternatives within the regulations of the Unified Development Code
• Attends community meetings, City Council meetings, and Planning Commission meetings, and makes presentations on a variety of planning issues
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives from developers, community organizations, state and local agencies, City staff, and the public

Education and Experience:

• One year of planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience reviewing development proposals and land use documents
• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver license
• Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable
• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of land use, planning, and zoning policies and processes and the ability to use this knowledge to explain regulations and policies to customers and review and evaluate development plans
• Familiarity with the subdivision map act and the California Environmental Quality Act
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage time, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work in an environment with constant interruptions, consistently meet deadlines, and be flexible to changing priorities
• Strong computer skills and the ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to create planning-related correspondence, reports, and presentations
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare technical correspondence, reports, and PowerPoint presentations pertaining to planning principles
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to make clear presentations regarding complex planning issues, and communicate effectively with employees and the public in a way that represents a positive City image to the public, employees, and the development community
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact with people in a tactful, professional, and helpful manner
• Strong conflict management skills and the ability to effectively address and resolve customer issues at the counter, on the phone, and by email
• Strong work ethic and the ability to conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with developers, community organizations, state and local agencies, City staff, and the public
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to review and evaluate planning, development plans, prepare graphic displays to illustrate planning data, and recommend workable solutions
• Strong mathematical skills and the ability to read figures quickly and accurately and solve mathematical calculations
• The ability to drag, push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds