Planning Technician/Assistant Planner (Limited Term)

City of Laguna Beach; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Laguna Beach seeks talented individuals for the roles of Planning Technician and Assistant Planner. These positions will play a crucial role in a vibrant community focusing on residential and large-scale projects, offering opportunities for professional growth in urban planning.

Qualifications

• Experience with architectural plan review is desirable.
• Knowledge of CEQA and the California Coastal Act is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for reviewing architectural plans and compliance with regulations.
• Provide information and assistance to the public at the front counter.

Skills

Knowledge of urban planning principles

Ability to read architectural plans

Strong customer service focus

Effective communication skills

Adaptability

Job description

Description

The City of Laguna Beach is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for Planning Technician (Limited-Term) or Assistant Planner (Limited-Term) (DOQ/DOE) in the Community Development Department. We currently have two (2) vacancies we are looking to fill immediately. We are looking for an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and customer service-oriented professional to join our team. The Planner will be responsible for reviewing architectural plans, providing information and assistance to the public at the front counter, and report preparation. This is a great opportunity to work in a coastal community with a department working on residential ADU projects, residential remodels, large-scale projects and updates such as the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update, Downtown Promenade, and the Downtown Specific Plan Update.

Limited Term Employment: The City is recruiting for two (2) positions for a limited term of two (2) years, with the potential for a (1) one-year extension.

What You’ll Be Great At

• Professional and technical expertise, including knowledge of urban planning principles and practices
• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans to determine compliance with zoning regulations
• Familiarity with or interest in Historic Building Preservation, CEQA, and the California Coastal Act
• Integrity, ethics, and personal accountability in all aspects of work
• Strong customer service focus and a commitment to serving the community
• Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• A collaborative, positive attitude and the ability to build strong working relationships
• Adaptability and resilience when facing challenges or change
• A proactive, self-motivated approach to work and contributing to team goals
  
  

Apply now to be part of the next review! Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with the next review on July 8, 2025.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for the positions can be found in the job descriptions Planning Technician (Limited Term), Assistant Planner (Limited-Term). These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying.

The minimum qualifications for the positions can be found in the job descriptions Planning Technician (Limited Term), Assistant Planner (Limited-Term).

Desirables: experience with architectural plan review, site plan review, conditional use permits, writing staff reports, and public presentations.

Supplemental Information

Standard Work Time

All limited term employees occupying full-time positions are expected to work a standard work week of 40 hours, unless otherwise specified by their supervisor.

Application/Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with the next review on July 8, 2025. Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.

Pre-Placement Process: The selected candidate must successfully pass the pre-placement process, which includes a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice, and reference check(s).

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. With seven miles of City beaches and towering hills with captivating Pacific views, Laguna Beach residents enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes in Southern California. The City of Laguna Beach hosts millions of visitors to its world-famous arts festivals and beautiful beaches. Services provided to its resident population of approximately 23,000 include police, fire, marine safety, recreation, parks, public works, community development, parking, transit, and animal control.

Employment At-Will

All limited term employees are at-will employees, and their assignments can be terminated at any time, with or without cause. The phrase “limited-term” refers to a maximum length of employment with the City of Laguna Beach and is not a guarantee of employment for the length of specified term.

Because limited term employees are at-will, there is no probationary period for limited term employees.

Benefits

The employment conditions, policies, and benefits outlined in the following specific articles of the Laguna Beach Municipal Employee Association (LBMEA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2025, including any future amendments, will also apply to and be available for limited-term employees. The City will adhere to all applicable state and federal employment and labor laws in addition to the provisions outlined for limited-term employees.

• Article 6.2 Advancement Through the Pay Plan
• Article 6.8 Salary
• Article 6.9 Direct Deposit
• Article 7.0 Vacation
• Article 8.0 Holidays
• Article 9.0 Sick Leave
• Article 16.0 Retirement
• Article 17.0 Medical Benefits
• Article 21.0 Mileage
• Article 22.0 Military Leave
• Article 23.0 Jury Duty
• Article 25.0 Overtime\Compensatory Time
  
  

Additional information regarding benefits will be provided to candidates at the time a conditional offer of employment is made.

01

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than a High School Diploma
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree and higher
  
  

02

How many years of experience in current and advanced PLANNING do you possess? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• No experience
• Less than one year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
  
  

03

How many years of experience with PLAN CHECKING do you possess? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
  
  

04

How many years of experience in REVIEWING ARCHITECTURAL/GRADING PLANS do you possess? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One year, but less than 2
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5
• 5 years or more
  
  

05

How many years of experience do you have with SITE PLAN REVIEW? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
  
  

06

How many years of experience do you have with CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
  
  

07

How many years of experience do you have with the California Environmental Quality Act? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more
  
  

08

Briefly describe your experience presenting information to a board, commission or city council. If you do not have any experience, please enter "NA."

• Required Question