Planning Technician

Town of Danville; Danville (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Danville seeks a planning paraprofessional to assist the public on zoning, environmental requirements, and planning processes. You will review development applications, prepare technical analyses, and support professional staff.

Work is split between in‑office and field duties with occasional travel. Under the Chief of Planning, you will provide staff support to the Planning Division and boards, update public information, and help maintain permitting systems and forms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a planning-related field and at least one year of planning experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong customer service skills.
• Knowledge of zoning, environmental review, and associated processes.

Responsibilities

• Review building permits for zoning compliance as primary reviewer.
• Serve as Planner on Duty, handling inquiries from the public, developers and contractors.
• Process administrative planning applications (sign, tree removal, land use, variances, etc.).
• Provide staff support to Planning Division, Planning Commission, and boards.
• Update planning-related webpages, forms, and documentation; manage records.
• Maintain online permitting system accuracy and workflows.
• Support ordinance revisions, General Plan updates and pre-submittal coordination.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Effective communication

Reading site plans

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in city planning, public administration, political science, geography, urban and regional studies, or related field

1+ year planning experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

GIS (intermediate)

Permitting systems

Job description

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DEFINITION

Under general supervision, the position performs a variety of routine activities in the field of current planning, with the primary responsibility of providing assistance to the general public on planning, zoning, and environmental requirements. The position also assists in the review of development and land use applications for zoning compliance; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; and performs related work as required. Work is split between in-office and fieldwork. Conditions involve some travel and may occasionally involve modified work hours or workdays.

This is a paraprofessional position within the Planning Division of the Development Services Department where they provide technical assistance and support of professional staff and handle specialized project and program assignments. The work requires extensive public contact, frequent use of tact, discretion and judgement, good knowledge of departmental activities and the ability to conduct independent projects.

This position is distinguished from the next higher class of Assistant Planner in that the Assistant is the first level of the professional planning positions with responsibilities spanning the full spectrum of the Town’s planning function.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Direct supervision from the Chief of Planning.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Serve as the primary reviewer of Building Permits for zoning compliance.
• Serve as the primary Planner on Duty, responding to planning inquiries and questions from the general public, developers and contractors related to zoning, subdivisions, and environmental requirements
• Process administrative current planning applications (e.g., sign permits, tree removal permits, land use permits, development plans, variances, business license applications, etc.)
• Provide staff support as needed to the Planning Division, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Historic Resource Commission and other Town departments and divisions, as assigned.
• Perform various administrative duties including updating planning, housing, and development-related webpages on the Town’s website; updating public information sheets and forms regarding submittal requirements and application processes; and performing general document management.
• Assist in maintaining the Town’s online permitting system and related application processes, ensuring that information is accurate and up to date.
• Assist in supporting various planning functions including ordinance revisions, General Plan updates, coordination of pre-submittal conferences, etc.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in city planning, public administration, political science, geography, urban and regional studies, or a related field. The applicant should have at least one year of experience in planning or related field. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and possession of customer service skills are required.

Knowledge of: Principals of zoning and land use; the environmental review process; architectural and/or landscape design; permit process; and housing issues.

Ability to: Understand and follow oral and written directions; communicate effectively with co-workers and the public; provide excellent customer service; read and understand site plans and architectural plans; understand and interpret zoning codes and ordinances; write clear and concise technical reports and correspondence. Individuals should be proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.). Possession of an intermediate understanding or use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and permitting systems are desirable.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Appointment to the position will be contingent upon possession of or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California State Driver's License and insurability; proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States; and the results of a job‑related physical examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Work periods and workdays are subject to change dependent on the operational requirements of the Town. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

FLSA DISCLAIMER

This classification has been designated as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees in this classification are not entitled to overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of (37.5) hours per week or in accordance with applicable state and local wage and hour laws.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER

Employment with the Town of Danville is at‑will and may be terminated at any time by the employee or the Town, with or without cause and with or without notice, subject to applicable provisions of the Town’s personnel policies, and applicable law. This job description is not intended to be an employment agreement or contract.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION

Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, testing, or selection process, or to perform the essential functions of the job, should contact the Town of Danville Human Resources Division. The Town is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws.

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