Assistant Planner

City of Temple City; Temple City (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Temple City is seeking a planning professional to support current and advance planning functions. You will process planning applications, prepare staff reports for the Planning Commission, and advise architects, engineers, developers and the public on City codes and procedures.

Applicants should have a planning-related degree and some professional experience, with strong communication and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, architecture, geography, or a related field.
• At least one year of professional planning experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with inquiries from the public, in person and over the phone, providing planning information and explaining procedures.
• Evaluate proposed development projects and conduct field surveys ensuring compliance with architectural, zoning and general plan requirements.
• Participate in evaluating environmental impacts under CEQA, including supporting documentation and data collection.
• Prepare and present staff reports for the Planning Commission.
• Coordinate planning activities with other departments and agencies.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

Skills

Public communication

Report writing

Analytical ability

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, geography, or related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional level duties and responsibilities in support of the City’s current and advance planning functions; processes and assists with planning applications in accordance with the City’s Zoning Code; prepares and presents reports and recommendations; and provides information and assistance to applicants, developers, consultants, the general public, and outside agencies and organizations regarding City codes, policies, standards, and processes related to planning matters.

• Assist with inquiries from the public, in person and over the phone, providing planning information and explaining procedures.
• Evaluate proposed development projects and conduct field surveys during and upon completion of projects ensuring compliance with architectural, zoning and general plan requirements.
• Participate in evaluating and determining environmental impacts of projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including supporting documentation and data collection.
• Interpret local planning related ordinances.
• Prepare and present staff reports for the Planning Commission.
• Confer with and provide guidance to architects, engineers, attorneys, developers and the general public regarding City development procedures and processes.
• Assist in coordinating planning activities with other departments, state, county and federal agencies.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of community planning and development.
• General principles, practices, and techniques of current and advance planning.
• Principles and practices used in building, architecture, and engineering.
• Development review procedures and requirements.
• General site planning and architectural design principles.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions, and applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Recent developments, current literature, research methods, and sources of information related to municipal planning, urban growth, and development.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies.
• Methods and techniques of eliciting community participation in planning and development issues; customer service techniques, practices, and principles.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting software applications. Computer-related programs for mapping and data sources including Geographic Information Systems.

Ability to:

• Perform planning-related duties in the development, implementation, and modification of City plans and regulations.
• Apply policies, procedures, and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process.
• Interpret, analyze, apply, implement, and explain pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including City codes and departmental policies and administrative directives.
• Communicate planning and zoning programs to the general public.
• Read, interpret, and prepare maps, graphs, charts, site plans, legal descriptions, and other descriptive material; analyze and compile statistical and technical information.
• Develop recommendations regarding the use of property; process development applications and coordinate necessary communication between staff, developers, and other agencies.
• Review projects and potential projects for consistency with planning regulations, general planning principles, and architectural quality; assist in the preparation and evaluation of technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence. Present technical data in verbal, written, graphic, and map form.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions.
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person; handle conflicts constructively and develop effective solutions.
• Operate modern office equipment and computers including specialized computer applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, architecture, geography, or a related field.
• At least one year of professional planning experience is desirable.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid Class C motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of California.

Physical Demands:

• Abilitytositforupto twohours atatime.
• Ability to see.
• Ability to get from one location to another in the course of doing business.