Project Assistant - Planning - City Hall

City of Lancaster (CA); Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Lancaster (CA) is seeking an Administrative Planning Assistant to support the Planning Manager and staff with technical and administrative tasks related to zoning and development.

This temporary, part-time role involves filing, data entry, preparing maps and presentations, assisting applicants, and ensuring compliance with laws and policies. The position emphasizes strong organization, communication, and the ability to work with GIS tools.

Qualifications

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance.
• Currently enrolled in a college or university majoring in Planning or a related field is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Takes calls and manages correspondence from the public and other departments.
• Assists the public in the preparation and filing of applications for various planning applications.
• Reviews applications for completeness and accuracy; analyzes requests to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policy; writes recommendations for project approval.
• Prepares various maps, charts, graphs, and PowerPoint for presentations; uses tools necessary for proper presentation; has basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the ability to work with the system.
• Maintains departmental files, exhibits, and library; makes blueprints and other reproductions; maintains control over the checking in and out of plans.
• Conducts research and drafts reports.
• Assists in tracking budget expenditures to ensure resources are used efficiently.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Instruction following

Communication

Public interaction

Education

College enrollment in Planning or related field

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

GIS

Job description

Under general supervision, this position assists the Planning Manager and Planning Division staff with technical and administrative support related to zoning and development.

This temporary, part-time position is limited to a maximum duration of one year.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

• Takes calls and manages correspondence from the public and other departments.
• Assists the public in the preparation and filing of applications for various planning applications.
• Reviews applications for completeness and accuracy; analyzes requests to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policy; writes recommendations for project approval.
• Prepares various maps, charts, graphs, and PowerPoint for presentations; uses tools necessary for proper presentation; has basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the ability to work with the system.
• Maintains departmental files, exhibits, and library; makes blueprints and other reproductions; maintains control over the checking in and out of plans.
• Conducts research and drafts reports.
• Assists in tracking budget expenditures to ensure resources are used efficiently.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor. This position is considered (non-exempt)

Required Skills:

• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with staff, participants, and the public

Education and Experience:

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance.
• Currently enrolled in a college or university majoring in Planning or a related field is desirable.

Core Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information
• Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work
• Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers
• Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness

Guiding Principles

1. Put people first.
2. Be visionary.
3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
5. Be Creative.
6. Always Improving.
7. Be Adaptable and Resilient.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent)
• To move, transport, position items up to 15 lbs. (frequent)
• Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
• Operate Equipment (none)
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent)

Environmental Factors:

• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)
• Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

• Analyze (continuous)
• Computations (frequent)
• Generate Written Work Product (frequent)
• Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
• Interruptions (frequent)
• Maintain Positive Public Relations (continuous)
• Organize (frequent)

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.