ASSISTANT PLANNER
Under the general direction of the Planning Manager and the Economic and Community Development Director, performs planning work including research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing per the policies and provisions of the General Plan and zoning ordinance, preparation of environmental documents, and other planning and development projects.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
Under the general direction of the Planning Manager and the Economic and Community Development Director, performs planning work of substantial professional difficulty, including research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing per the policies and provisions of the General Plan and zoning ordinance, preparation and administration of area and specific plans, preparation of environmental documents, and other complex planning and development projects.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
ASSISTANT PLANNER
The Assistant Planner is the entry-level flexibly staffed classification within the professional planning series. Work is reviewed upon completion of assignments, assessing draft reports for adequacy, factual content, presentation, and the soundness of interpretations and conclusions. The Assistant Planner classification is distinguished from the Associate Planner as the former is expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment as the Associate Planner and would receive direction and assistance as they progress in the position.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
The Associate Planner is the journey level flexibly staffed classification within the professional planning series. Positions in this class require substantial professional planning experience. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Planner by assignment of the full range of professional planning duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the workplace. This role involves undertaking planning work of substantial professional difficulty, requiring a high level of expertise in research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing. The Associate Planner is responsible for overseeing the preparation and administration of area and specific plans and managing other complex planning and development projects. Assignments are usually broad in scope and require the use of judgment base on experience in making complex technical decisions. Assignments may require technical or functional supervision of technical and/or clerical positions.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
ASSISTANT PLANNER ($7,332 - $8,910)
- Under direction, reviews building, site and architectural plans, use permits, code amendments, variances, development proposals, and other related documents for conformance to City standards and other applicable state and federal rules and regulations; may serve as primary point of contact to developers and property owners in meeting these standards.
- Assists in preparing environmental documents per the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act for both public and private projects, including negative/mitigated negative declarations and/or environmental impact reports, notices, and mitigation measures.
- Prepares and updates maps, visual exhibits and other graphics for use in reports and public presentations.
- Under direction, may present to the City Council and Planning Commission, and other committees and advisory groups regarding land use applications, general plan amendments, code amendments, area and specific plans, and related studies.
- Assists in reviewing plans submitted for building permits for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and conditions of approval.
- Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
- Coordinates planning related programs or projects involving multi-department and multi-jurisdictional review, participates in project review as member of the Development Review Committee; provides professional planning guidance in responding to questions or inquiries.
- Assists with researching, analyzing, and interpreting social, economic, population, and land use data and trends.
- Performs related work as required.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER ($8,532 - $10,365)
- Reviews building, site and architectural plans, use permits, code amendments, variances, development proposals, applications and other related documents for conformance to City standards and other applicable state and federal rules and regulations; serves as primary point of contact to developers and property owners in meeting these standards.
- Prepares environmental documents per the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act for both public and private projects, including negative/mitigated negative declarations and/or environmental impact reports; works with consultants in facilitating preparation of environmental documents and related findings and mitigation measures.
- Prepares amendments and updates to the General Plan and Municipal Code in conformance with State law.
- Prepares and updates maps, visual exhibits and other graphics for use in reports and public presentations.
- Conducts office and field studies, researches and prepares recommendations for all types of development applications based on local and state planning laws.
- Reviews and analyzes development proposals and works with developers, the public and other agencies regarding various land use permits, general plan amendments, and zone changes.
- Makes presentations to the City Council and Planning Commission, and other committees and advisory groups regarding land use applications, general plan amendments, code amendments, area and specific plans, and related studies.
- Lead and facilitate planning initiatives or projects that require multi-departmental and multi-jurisdictional evaluation, actively participates in project reviews as a member of the Development Review Committee and offers professional planning advice when addressing questions or inquiries.
- Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
- Researches, drafts, and prepares updates to the Zoning Ordinance and amendments to the General Plan.
- Reviews plans submitted for building permits for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and conditions of approval.
- Reviews and finalizes research, analysis, and interpretation of the social, economic, population, and land use data and trends.
- Serves as liaison to appointed hearing bodies.