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Join an agency committed to creating a healthy breathing environment for every Bay Area resident while protecting and improving public health, air quality, and the global climate!
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices. The District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma.

At the Air District, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a workplace that values diversity and promotes cultural awareness. We prioritize employee engagement by providing a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages active participation and open dialogue. Additionally, we believe in pay equity and strive to create an equitable compensation structure. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance, we understand the importance of supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside the workplace. Join us in a dynamic and inclusive culture where your contributions are celebrated and your growth is nurtured.

The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Principal Environmental Planner in the Planning and Climate Protection Division. This is an open recruitment for two (2) full-time, represented positions.

About You in the Position
Air Quality Planning Section (AB 617 Role)
Are you interested in reducing air pollution and improving health outcomes in the most impacted and overburdened communities in the Bay Area? Are you motivated to lead the development and implementation of plans, projects and policies that address air pollution injustices and inequities? Are you energized by collaboration, enthusiastic about inter-disciplinary work, and committed to working to build and maintain a culture of shared trust and respect?

The AB 617 Principal Environmental Planner will join a high performing and motivated team of professionals who work in deep partnership with the communities most impacted by air pollution. You will lead and contribute to the successful preparation and implementation of community-scale air quality plans in partnership with Air District staff, community members, partner organizations, local governments, the California Air Resources Board, and other state agencies. You will work to support community steering committees and other community partners determine how to best improve air quality and reduce health disparities while centering equity and addressing environmental justice. To be successful in this role, you must be a strong team player, have strong communication, project management and analytical skills, and be able to work with people of varied backgrounds and perspectives, including low-income communities of color and communities overburdened by air pollution. You will leverage your knowledge of land use, transportation, air quality, equity and environmental justice to lead and conduct research, analyze issues, prepare community centered planning materials including preparing and delivering presentations, writing summaries and plan documents, and craft recommendations to support community and Air District decision making.

Examples of Duties for this Position
(Illustrative only)
Lead the development and delivery of new and innovative policies, programs and projects to accelerate emission and exposure reductions in communities most disproportionately impacted by air pollution.

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community-based organizations, community members, local governments, regional, state and federal agencies to develop and implement local and regional air quality plans and programs.

Lead collaborative projects and programs that actively engage staff from other Divisions to advanced local community health protection goals and objectives in overburdened, low-income, and communities of color.

Guide difficult, sensitive or high visibility projects, including updates to the Air District California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Thresholds of Significance, Air Quality Guidelines, and supporting tools and technical guidance.

Prepare and make presentations to Air District staff, Committees and Board of Directors, as well as members of the public, other stakeholders and community organizations.

Lead and support efforts to achieve local, regional, state and federal air quality planning objectives through land use and transportation planning, policy research and development, and technical analyses and reports.

Respond to inquiries from governmental officials, consultants, and the public related to CEQA, air quality, and other environmental planning issues.

Coordinate the review of environmental impact assessments prepared by other agencies pursuant to CEQA and assist other Divisions in the preparation of Air District Lead Agency CEQA documents.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

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DEFINITION

Under general supervision, perform various planning work, with the primary responsibility of assisting the general public on planning, zoning, and environmental requirements.  The position also helps review development and land use applications for zoning compliance, completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses, and performs related work as required. 

The Planning Technician position is an entry-level position where technical assistance is provided to support professional staff and handle specialized project and program assignments.

Work is split between in-office and fieldwork.  Conditions involve some travel and may occasionally involve modified work hours or workdays to attend evening public hearings or weekend public outreach events.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Chief of Planning. This position does not exercise supervision over others.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide assistance and information to the general public, developers and contractors related to planning, zoning, and environmental requirements. 
• Serve as the primary reviewer of Building Permits for zoning compliance.  
• Process administrative current planning applications (e.g., sign permits, tree removal permits, land use permits, development plans, etc.).
• Provide staff support as needed to the Planning Division, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Historic Resource Commission and other Town departments and divisions as assigned.
• Process a variety of development proposals and permit applications, including sign permits, variances, land-use permits, development plans, and major and minor subdivisions; ensure conformance to Town standards.
• Review applications for completeness and conformance to administrative requirements; monitor the progress of applications during the development review process.
• Perform research on a variety of planning issues; prepare and/or revise ordinances.
• Coordinate development review with other divisions of Development Services and outside agencies.
• Resolve disputes between the Town and developers/property owners.
• Respond to citizen complaints, concerns and inquiries.
• Prepare reports on a wide range of planning issues; make presentations to the Planning Commission, Design Review Board and other groups, as appropriate.
• Assist with managing the Town’s affordable housing program; aid in staffing the Town’s Design Review Board.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Practical planning methodology, urban development and operations, urban design and basic land economics; current land use and urban design implementation.
• Principles and techniques of project management.
• Development process, economics, practices and procedures.
• California development law, Town planning and zoning codes, California Environmental Quality Act and other applicable federal, state and local legislation.
• Techniques of negotiation.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate community relations skills; speak publicly and explain/interpret Town practices and objectives to the public, private agencies, and organizations as required.
• Prepare reports proposals and written materials of an analytical, budgetary, financial, technical and evaluative nature.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships.
• Utilize computer equipment and software, including Microsoft Office Suite, and GIS.
• Attend meetings at various sites within and outside of the Town to inspect various work, building, or construction sites.
• Stoop, climb, crawl, balance, maneuver, walk and stand for long periods of time; must possess the ability to lift up to 25lbs.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Experience:

One (1) year of experience in city or regional planning or a related field.  

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in city planning, public administration, political science, geography, urban and regional studies, or a closely related field.

LICENSE(S) AND CERTIFICATION(S)

Possession of a valid California State Driver’s License, or license in another state with the ability to obtain a California license within 30 days of hire.                

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

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.

The City of Berkeley invites applications for the position of Housing Inspector II (Certified)! In this role, you will perform skilled inspection work with City residential housing inspection programs. You will independently perform the full scope of work in the investigation, reporting and follow-up of housing deficiencies to gain compliance with housing, building, zoning, fire, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and related codes and regulations.

Assignments are varied and generally require close interaction with the public, providing information and interpretation of applicable ordinances, codes and regulations. We'll expect you to exercise considerable independence and discretion in conducting inspections, resolving complaints and enforcing inspection results.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:

Equivalent to graduation from high school and at least two years of full-time experience equivalent to Housing Inspector or Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Inspector for a public agency. 

Must possess:

• An International Code Council (ICC) OR California (CA) certification in Residential Building or Housing Inspection or in Code Enforcement; and
• ICC or CA Residential or Commercial Electrical Inspector certification and ICC or CA Residential or Commercial Plumbing Inspector certification, or equivalent ICC or CA Legacy Certification for either Combination Inspector or Combination Dwelling Inspector.

Other requirements: Must be able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet the program needs and to fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, incumbent is required to maintain a valid California driver's license as well as a satisfactory driving record.

In addition to the qualifications above, the ideal candidate will have effective and courteous communication skills in order to discuss housing violations, violation remedy and necessary inspections and fees and participate in depositions and court hearings as requested. The ideal candidate can support a work environment that highlights efficiency and team collaboration in a professional and friendly atmosphere for the inspectors and administrative staff.

APPLICATION PROCESS

For first consideration, please apply by May 13, 2024.

Applicants must submit a completed application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.

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THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development department is responsible for ensuring a sustainable and vibrant community that supports a high quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. It includes the Building, Planning and Housing divisions, and core services include building permits, plan check, inspections, affordable housing administration and housing initiatives, as well as long-range planning and development review. The Building Division is responsible for managing the building permit, plan check and inspection processes for compliance with all applicable State laws, local municipal codes and related policies involving building construction, which requires a high level of customer service with the public and coordination within and across departments and agencies.

THE POSITION

The Building Official oversees the development of programs, projects, operations, and services of the Building Division, and is a part of the Community Development management team. This position will manage a 13-member team, including a Permit Manager, Building Permit Technicians, Plan Check Engineer, and Building Inspectors, and will receive general direction from the Assistant Community Development Director or the Community Development Director. Successful performance in this role requires professional and technical skills in the core functional areas of permitting, plan checking and building inspections, as well as knowledge of public policy and municipal services, and excellence in communication and leadership. The individual must be able to assess the current needs of the department and look for innovative ways to help the department advance to improve service delivery and meet the changing needs of the community. This will require guiding modifications to the City’s land management permitting system (Accela) to improve processes, enhance customer service and monitor data.

With the adoption of the General Plan Update in 2016 and, most recently, the Housing Element zoning-related changes, the City is expected to see physical change as plans come to fruition. A key priority for this position will be overseeing the building permit process for a diverse range of projects from tenant improvements to new single-family residential construction to hotels to large-scale, comprehensive planned mixed-use campuses. Currently, the City has approximately 775 residential units and 260,000 square feet of life science uses under construction, with over 2,000 residential units, two hotels and more than 1.8 million square feet of commercial square footage approved, but not yet under construction, along with a number of large development projects currently under review. To learn more, visit menlopark.gov/projects. Another focus of the position will be on collaborating with the Sustainability Team to evaluate and develop green and sustainable codes and regulations to further the City’s climate action goal, which is one of the City Council’s top priorities.