Associate Planner

The Associate Planner performs professional level work in the field of current or advanced planning; conduct special projects and research as assigned; and prepare reports and recommendations relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level classification in the professional planning series. Positions at this level perform the full range of professional planning functions.  The Associate Planner class is distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise. Incumbents work independently under direction. Incumbents typically perform the more complex work assignments and functions.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Perform professional level work in the field of current or advanced planning.
• Gather and maintain demographic data and other related statistics.
• Research, analyze, and interpret complex social, economic, population, and land use data and trends.
• Compile information and make recommendations on special studies; and prepare technical and complex reports.
• Deliver presentations to the Planning Commission, developers, community groups, and representatives from outside agencies.
• Review development proposals and other requests made to the Planning Department for conformance with appropriate regulations; and prepare reports of recommendations.
• Review commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for issuance of zone clearances; process permit applications.
• Act as project or program leader for general plan elements, environmental impact reports, comprehensive plans, and other special planning studies involving utilization of planning disciplines such as transportation, urban design, capital facilities, environmental analysis, growth management, zoning, and land use regulation. 
• Interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure that development proposals, City projects, and municipal code amendments comply with State and Federal laws.
• Prepare general plan elements and amendments; and make recommendations concerning long-range planning projects including annexations, specific plans, specific plan amendments, precise plans, or complex subdivisions.
• Perform extensive research regarding implementation of policies established by the general plan, zoning ordinance, or other land use and development ordinances.
• Confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and members of the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Prepare staff reports and graphic displays.
• Research and draft ordinances for review.
• Perform related work as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING / LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: 

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a closely related field.  

      AND

Experience:

Two years of responsible planning experience comparable to that of an Assistant Planner with the City of Palmdale.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements: 

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license by the time of appointment.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

• Land use, general planning, and code enforcement.
• Research and investigation procedures.
• Business writing principles and practices. 
• Advanced principles and practices of urban planning.
• Statistical and research methods and techniques, as applied to the collection, analysis, and presentation of planning data.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
• Current literature, laws, codes, ordinances, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning.

Ability to:

• Deliver effective public presentations and explain/interpret City practices and objectives.
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy with members of the public.
• Prepare reports and graphic presentations.
• Perform technical research and provide reliable, accurate, and useful advice on planning issues.
• Interpret planning and zoning programs to members of the general public.
• Prepare accurate maps, plans, charts, and tables.
• Interpret or explain statistical analysis applied to land use, transportation, communications, and public utility systems.
• Read, understand, follow, interpret, and apply laws underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions.
• Read, understand, and interpret applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Supervise and train personnel.
• Collect, compile, and analyze technical and statistical information and prepare reports.
• Display and organize work and guide subordinate personnel.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Demands:

Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional climbing, bending, and squatting.   

Lifting:  frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds.   

Vision:  constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.  

Dexterity:  frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.  

Hearing/Talking:  frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.  

Emotional/Psychological:  frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.   

Environmental:  frequent exposure to noise. 

Work Environment: 

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical and frequent office noise. 

Positions may require occasional overtime; weekend work and travel on an occasional basis.