Planning Technician

City of Orange; Placentia (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS pension

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Wellness program

Healthcare plan contribution

Flexible work schedule (5/40, 9/80, 4/

Job summary

City of Orange is seeking a Planning Technician to serve at the public counter, assisting the planning staff and processing minor applications. You will provide information on zoning and land use, support planning databases, and collaborate with building permit technicians to facilitate submittals.

The role requires a foundational understanding of urban planning, strong customer service, and the ability to work closely with a team in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Public communication skills to explain planning concepts to the public.
• Ability to read plans and interpret zoning regulations.
• Experience with compiling and presenting planning information.
• Understanding of basic planning laws, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary planning counter staff, providing information to the public and developers.
• Assist in processing minor planning applications and coordinating with staff.
• Provide land use data and assist with planning database support.
• Perform related duties as required by the Planning Division.

Skills

Public communication

Plan review

Reading plans

Research & analysis

Technical writing

Mathematical calculations

Time management

Education

Bachelor-level degree in urban planning or related field

Job description

Join the City of Orange Community Development Department as our next Planning Technician!

We are accepting the first 100 applications for this exciting role, and will close the recruitment no later than October 18th.

Are you looking for an opportunity to work in dynamic and interesting community development environment, as part of a strong, team-oriented department? Come work for the City of Orange! We are home to a diverse land use mix, four historic districts, varied environmental conditions, and engaged community members. Our City is rich with tradition and character, and has been designated "A Great Place in America" by the American Planning Association!

Orange is looking for an up-and-coming planning professional who is interested in developing skills and experience that will serve as building blocks for a planning career in local government. The ideal candidate is passionate about the field of planning, wants to be immersed in a work setting that will provide exposure to a wide variety of planning and historic preservation issues, enjoys working as part of a team, and is customer-service oriented. The Planning Technician reports to the Principal Planner and will work closely with Planning staff and Building Permit Technicians to provide zoning information and facilitate development application submittals.

DEFINITION OF THE POSITION:

Under direct supervision, a Planning Technician serves as the primary Planning Division contact at the City’s public counter, working closely with building permit technicians and Planning Division staff. This position performs professional work in the field of current and advance planning; provides information and assistance to the public and developers on zoning and land use applications, and planning related matters at the public planning counter; reviews minor planning applications; provides land use database support; and performs related work as required.

WHY WORK FOR ORANGE?

• Employees enjoy the perks of working within Old Towne Orange where our Metrolink, parks, shops, and restaurants are all just a short walk away!
• This role offers a 5/40, 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule!
• Your retirement will include a pension through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). All Classic CalPERS members joining Orange will enjoy the 2.7% @ age 55 formula!
• We provide a generous amount towards the purchase of healthcare insurance plans, but if you do not need insurance through the City, you will be eligible for a portion of that money as income.
• We offer Tuition Reimbursement benefits, and we are a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Our Wellness Program offers reimbursement for various wellness expenses including gym memberships, weights, and exercise equipment, providing employees with resources, social support, and strategies to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of urban and regional planning and zoning.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• Basic concepts of architecture, landscaping, traffic and transportation engineering as they relate to the process of urban planning.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer services by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, and other elements related to city planning.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and requirements and related reports.
• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including related computer hardware and software.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public.
• Read plans and specifications and make site visits.
• Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and complex Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Make sound decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience:

• At least 6 months of internship-level (or higher) governmental planning or private consulting firm planning work experience is highly desirable.
• Work experience involving the delivery of in-person customer service is highly desirable.
• California-based education and/or work experience in the fields of urban planning, community development, business or public administration, geography, political science, or a related field is highly desirable.

Education:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, geography, political science, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License with satisfactory driving record (and proof of acceptable automobile insurance, if required) at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position.

Physical Demands:

Requires the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as data entry, operation of a motor vehicle and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment or supplies; must be able to perceive forms and colors.

Working Conditions:

This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace.

Environmental Elements:

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally work in the field and be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Disaster Service Worker:

All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

City Mission, Vision, and Values:

Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City’s Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City’s values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.