Urban, Associate Planner

Jobtailor; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Irvine, CA seeks a seasoned planning professional to guide ministerial and discretionary land use projects, ensuring CEQA compliance and adherence to General Plan and zoning policies. The role involves reviewing applications, coordinating with city staff and consultants, conducting site visits, and preparing reports and planning documents for city councils and commissions.

The candidate will manage complex reviews, develop planning studies, and support public hearings with strong

Qualifications

• Three or more years of planning experience in public or private sectors, including reviewing development proposals and land use documents.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, or related field from an accredited institution.
• AICP certification is desirable.
• Clean driving record and valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior planning consultants in land use projects to ensure compliance with General Plan Policies, Zoning Ordinance, State regulations, and agency processes.
• Advise applicants on ministerial and discretionary land use procedures including amendments, zoning reviews, variances, permits, and environmental review.
• Lead complex planning reviews for completeness, compliance, and conformity with development and design standards.
• Determine CEQA review level for discretionary applications and process permit documents.
• Coordinate with City departments, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders; conduct site inspections and field investigations.
• Provide in-person customer service at the Permit Center when needed; review plans for MWELO compliance and architectural guidelines.
• Prepare reports, ordinances, graphics, notices, and distribution lists for hearings and meetings.
• Respond to inquiries and communicate planning information to the public.

Skills

Planning experience

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning/architecture or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assist senior planning consultants in the management of both ministerial and discretionary land use projects to determine compliance with General Plan Policies, Zoning Ordinance regulations, State Land Use regulations, Specific Plan policies and regulations, and other agency processes, as necessary.
• Advise applicants and property owners about procedures for the filing of ministerial and discretionary land use applications, including General Plan and Zoning amendments, zoning review, subdivision review, variances, use permits, environmental review, and design review.
• Assume a lead project manager role in the review of complex planning applications to determine completeness, compliance, and consistency with development and design standards.
• Make decisions to determine the level of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review required for discretionary land use applications.
• Process applications and reviews plans necessary for issuance of a variety of permits.
• File, route, and track applications and permit documents to City departments and staff, and coordinate with other regulatory agencies and individuals concerned with proposed developments.
• Conduct site inspections and field investigations.
• May provide customer service in-person to support a municipality’s Permit Center involving coordination with property owners, project developers, public officials, and consultants in review of plans for development.
• Assist in the review for compliance with the state or local Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
• Review plans for adherence to architectural review guidelines and regulations and other objective planning standards.
• Maintain planning data using various computer software programs.
• Prepare graphics, public notices, and distribution lists for public hearings and/or meetings.
• Respond to inquiries from the general public and independently resolve issues related to the client’s planning and zoning procedures.
• Conduct research and provide information to City staff and the general public regarding land use issues and standard environmental documentation.
• Develop special studies and general reports.
• May represent the municipality at Planning advisory committees, other committees, and agencies.
• Prepare a variety of reports and draft ordinances for City staff, the City Council, Zoning Administrator, and the Planning Commission.
• Prepare correspondence and other similar documents to fulfill policy and legal requirements.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Possess at least three (3) years of directly related planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience reviewing development proposals and land use documents.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, architecture, or a related field.
• Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.
• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Class “C” California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required.