Assistant Planner

Michael Baker International; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an enthusiastic Planner I to join their Planning Practice. This entry-level role involves assisting public agency clients with zoning inquiries, processing land use entitlements, and contributing to community planning efforts. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills, along with a Bachelor's degree in Planning or a related field. Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating sustainable and attractive communities, while gaining valuable experience in the planning sector. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a supportive and innovative environment.

Benefits

401k Retirement Plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Life and AD&D Insurance

Short-term and Long-term Disability

Professional Development

Generous Paid Time Off

Commuter Benefits

Wellness Benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in planning or related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist public agency clients with land use entitlements and planning functions.
• Conduct project site visits and review development plans for compliance.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Planning

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Studies

Bachelor's Degree in Geography

Tools

GIS Software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of architectural, engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker's more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit mbakerintl.com.

PLANNING PRACTICE

We create, integrate, visualize, and communicate planning concepts as they move from the initial vision through implementation. Our planning professionals build strong client partnerships, working with residents, businesses, developers, educational and medical organizations, state and local governments, the military and other federal agencies to successfully plan the future of their communities or institutions. At Michael Baker International, we focus on people and places, improving communities and creating more sustainable, convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places.

DESCRIPTION

The Planner I is an entry-level position in the Planning Practice at Michael Baker International. We are looking for an energetic, talented, and technically experienced planner, who is eager to learn, to be an integral member of the Agency Staffing Group at our Long Beach office. With moderate direct supervision, the Planner I will assist our public agency clients with managing the front counter, processing minor land use entitlements such as conditional use permits (CUP's), accessory dwelling units (ADU's), sign permits and plan checks, and performing other planning department functions. More specifically, the duties of the Planner I include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Respond to public and developer inquiries for zoning and other planning related information and otherwise assist with the operation of our clients' one-stop permit centers;
• Conduct project site visits and compile and tabulate information necessary to process applications;
• Review proposed development plans for compliance with our client's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and the development standards set forth therein, and any applicable design guidelines or Specific Plan requirements;
• Process administrative permits;
• Assist with the preparation of staff reports to Planning Commissions and City Councils;
• Assist with the preparation of Planning Commission and City Council resolutions and/or ordinances related to proposed development projects and CEQA document certification;
• Assist with the preparation and posting, publication, and mailing of all required public notices;
• Assist with the distribution of project-related documents to outside agencies, as required;
• Assist with scheduling and conducting public workshops/EIR scoping meetings, as deemed necessary;
• Assist with scheduling and conducting public hearings before Planning Commissions and City Councils;
• Assist with the preparation and filing of all required notices with the State Clearinghouse and/or County Clerk Offices;
• Conduct land use or other special planning studies, when requested;
• Prepare ordinances/ordinance amendments and otherwise maintain and update our client's Municipal Code, as necessary;
• Perform other related duties, as assigned by our client's Community Development/Planning Director or City Manager.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, or related discipline;
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience;
• Must be bright, organized, determined, and able to build relationships with a wide variety of people;
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently as well as in multi-disciplinary teams;
• Desire to produce first-class work products and a demonstrated personal commitment to accuracy and quality;
• Ability to quickly get up to speed on our policies, procedures, and relevant software while acquiring an understanding of the company's service offerings, and the standards relevant to our projects;
• Willingness to work at our clients' offices throughout the Greater Los Angeles Area.

COMPENSATION

The approximate compensation range for this position is $49,732.80 - $73,091.20 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

BENEFITS

• 401k Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits

MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL EEO STATEMENT

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified, and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.