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Have you ever thought about a career in Urban Planning?  

Are you interested in working on a variety of complex projects and gain an opportunity to grow your career in urban planning?

Are you experienced in a variety of land use, development, or environmental issues?

Do you have excellent project management and writing skills?

Are you interested in participating in re-envisioning Simi Valley into a vibrant self-sustaining City?

Then we may have an exciting opportunity for you!

 

POSITION DETAILS:

• Full-time regular position
• 9/80 work schedule, with alternating Friday or Monday off
• Salary range $40.84 to $52.37 hourly with Excellent Benefits

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: 

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, geography, public administration, environmental science, or a closely related field.

Experience: 

• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in urban planning in current, comprehensive, housing, or environmental planning.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of an AICP certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners is highly desirable. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

https://www.simivalley.org/home/showpublisheddocument/391/636478228229900000

WHY SIMI VALLEY?

Looking for a thriving community with amazing career opportunities and a high quality of life? Simi Valley has it all! From scenic landscapes to a welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect place to live and work.

CLICK HERE to check out our exclusive video to see what makes Simi Valley so special—whether you're looking for a rewarding career or just an incredible place to call home, you won’t want to miss it!

POSITION OVERVIEW 

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Assistant Planner to join our team in Millbrae, San Mateo County.  

 

The Community Development Department is comprised of five divisions and functional areas: Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Housing, and Economic Development. This position will be the primary planner assigned to staff the public service counter, and would be assigned to process planning applications, zoning clearances, business license applications, and building, sign, and wireless permits. There would be a focus on processing design review planning applications and conditional use permits for single family dwelling units and other smaller scale residential and commercial projects.  This position may also work on other duties as needed by the Planning Division. 

 

This unique opportunity offers an entry-level professional the ability to engage in a wide variety of planning projects with regional significance while serving a charming, diverse community with a small-town feel. The City of Millbrae offers interested applicants a competitive compensation and benefits package, a positive and collaborative working environment, opportunities for professional growth and advancement, and is conveniently located for commuters within walking distance from both BART and Caltrain.  

 

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional planning work related to municipal planning, zoning, housing, economic development, and environmental analysis; researches and analyzes a variety of planning-related data and information; prepares various studies and recommendations; prepares and reviews environmental documents; reviews development and subdivision proposals, building plans, permits, and parcel maps; works with developers, architects, attorneys, and the public regarding City standards and policies; may serve as staff to various Commissions and/or committees; and does related work as assigned.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Planner is the entry and first working level in the Planner class series. Incumbents learn and perform a wide range of the planning functions. This classification is distinguished from the Associate Planner because the Associate Planner performs more complex work more independently.
 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Receives general supervision from supervisory or management staff in Community Development Department.
 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties listed below are illustrative only and are not meant to be a full and exhaustive listing of all of the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Conducts assigned planning projects involving land use, populations, structures, economic activities, housing, transportation, environmental and related subjects; conducts research and confers with applicants, interested parties, and agency representatives to identify problems and opportunities; processes use permits, business licenses, and re-zoning and subdivision variances;
• Analyzes data with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies; determines methods to reconcile project conflicts with local and State law;
• Prepares professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions, and recommendations; prepares staff analysis and reports regarding land use applications;
• Attends and makes presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, other commissions, and the public;
• Receives and reviews planning applications; coordinates review with various City and outside agencies; assists with the creation and revision of plans and related documents; may lead a team on complex applications and long-range planning projects; responds to inquiries both orally and in writing; interprets planning policies, State laws, and local ordinances, within established parameters; explains City procedures in person, over the phone, and in writing;
• Drafts resolutions, findings, ordinances, and amendments to plans and related documents; prepares and oversees the preparation of graphs, charts, and other displays;
• Ensures that all public and private development proposals have been properly reviewed and noticed under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and State Law;
• Provides information on City, regional, and State environmental, zoning, land use, development standards, and subdivision requirements to consultants, developers, property owners, and the
general public;
• Works extensively on the computer to manage current planning caseloads, produce written documents, prepare maps, analyze data, create graphics, research on the internet, and communicate with others through e-mail;
• May administer contracts and oversee the work of consultants; may serve as a liaison with other City departments on large development projects;
• May provide a variety of support to the department, other city agencies, commissions, or ad-hoc advisory groups; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

 

JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS
 

Knowledge of: Mapping and drafting techniques involved in planning; design and plan review techniques; principles, practices, and purpose of municipal planning; laws and regulations related to City planning, including CEQA, State planning law, and subdivision map act; site and project design review techniques and requirements; nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques, and instruments used in planning, drafting, and mapping; statistics and statistical analysis as applied to land use, transportation, zoning, and master plan studies; principles and techniques of developing and maintaining a master plan; site planning and architectural design; laws and other regulations relating to municipal planning; basic knowledge of Geographic Information System (GIS) software, database software, word processing software, spreadsheets, and graphics software.

Ability to: Learn to research, interpret, and apply local, State, and Federal laws and codes; collect, analyze, and interpret data pertaining to planning and zoning situations; learn and apply urban, environmental, housing, zoning, and transportation planning principles and methods to local problems; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; learn to read, understand, and interpret maps, plans, building elevations, specifications, and legal descriptions; operate personal computers and utilize planning applications and software used in office environments; analyze and compile statistical, economic, and technical data; read, understand, and apply State laws, local ordinances and guidelines to permit applications; prepare well-written reports and oral presentations; make effective presentations in public meetings in a clear and concise manner; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, policy makers, developers, and the public; read and interpret architectural and construction plans; participate in project development.

 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way would be:

Education: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in city or regional planning, urban planning, public policy, or a closely related field. Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.

Experience: One (1) years of experience as a current planner.

Licenses: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, as determined by the City.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Speak clearly and understandably; operate standard computer programs. Ability to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Millbrae to meet program needs and fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a California driver’s license and satisfactory driver’s record is required. Must be able to actively participate in evening meetings.

Other Requirements: Must have the willingness and ability to work the hours necessary to accomplish the assigned duties, including evening and weekend hours; attend evening meeting

The Staff Landscape Architect will oversee design elements of all park development/landscape improvement projects, prepare landscape designs, construction documents and specifications, perform construction observation and troubleshooting, provide general project management and administration, and represent the agency at public meetings.

Para ver la versión de PDF en español, por favor desplácese hacia abajo.

This is highly technical and professional work for a person at a senior staff/management level. The work performed will support MRCA’s operation of nature parks within greater Los Angeles, land acquisition and capital improvement Workprograms, and other efforts related to public access, open space conservation, habitat restoration, and urban park development. 

Ability to speak Spanish and a current landscape architect license issued by the State of California are required.

Supervision

This position reports to the Deputy Executive Officer. Assorted tasks may be supervised by Executive Staff and may include participation in multi-division teams. The position may supervise other staff at the entry-level or intermediate project manager level. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Produce landscape improvement plans, details, and specifications, at conceptual design, schematic design,  and construction document phases with both hand-drawn graphics and CAD techniques.
• Coordinate with Construction Supervisors to monitor progress of in-house staff (force account) and subcontractors, assure compliance with plans and specifications, and troubleshoot as needed.
• Coordinate with Site Managers to monitor landscape maintenance activities and improvements; troubleshoot as needed. Provide input and guidance on long-term management plans for existing and new facilities.
• Sign/stamp plans. Interpret and apply applicable ordinances, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
• Produce early concept designs for a variety of project types.
• Identify and scope improvement projects for existing facilities.
• Monitor and track project budgets and spending.
• Review and approve landscape plans, details, and specifications prepared by others for park development projects.
• Coordinate the assessment and removal of architectural barriers.
• Make reports about improvement projects to Executive Staff, Governing Board, funders, and the general public.
• Conduct a bi-annual Request for Qualifications for various professional disciplines to maintain a current list of qualified consultants.
• Review proposal submissions from environmental design consultants and make recommendations to project managers.
• Attend senior staff meetings and participate in management discussions.
• Oversee agency design standards. Research new products and technologies.
• Perform Construction Administration tasks and respond to RFIs from contractors and construction management consultants.
• Specify and procure supplies for improvement projects and work closely with vendors.
• Produce written materials including construction specifications, staff reports, text for publication, proposals, progress reports, and a variety of other documents.
• Determine project scope, options, and alternatives to overcome constraints. Revise as often as needed to address unexpected conditions.
• Maintain good habits of answering and responding to incoming telephone calls, correspondence, and when communicating and providing customer service to citizens who seek assistance.
• Maintain positive relationships with coworkers, representatives of other government agencies, non-profit organizations, homeowner’s associations, and the public at large.
• Lead and participate in group hikes, project site tours, and kayak trips with project stakeholders.
• Represent the agency in public forums.
• Perform related duties as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Write and coordinate grant proposals and research new funding opportunities for land acquisition, park development, and related planning efforts.
• Perform day-to-day administration of grants, prepare required reports and ensure conformance with grant agreements. 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required remain in a stationary position, occasionally move about inside the office to access supplies and office machinery, frequently communicate and exchange information, review handwritten, electronic and facsimile documents, and operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The employee must occasionally move items weighing up to 20 pounds inside the office.

During project site surveys, the employee is regularly required to position self to perform measurement and inventory tasks, frequently move about work sites, operate a mobile system to complete checklists, travel to various park sites, frequently operate measuring tools to record measurements indoors and in outdoor weather conditions, transport tools between vehicles and work sites on a daily basis, and occasionally ascend/descend a ladder to access areas of work.

Required Hours and Location

Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week with some scheduling flexibility. The position will work out of the Los Angeles River Center and Gardens and will be required to travel to various other locations. Offices at the River Center are spread among multiple buildings and floors. Remote working or a hybrid schedule may be allowed, subject to supervisor approval.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Education and Experience

• B.L.A, B.A. or B.S. degree. 
• Completion of Landscape Architecture degree (bachelor or masters). Completion of an approved extension certificate program meeting education requirements for State of California licensure may be substituted.
• Four (4) years of experience with landscape architect duties. 
• Work experience directly managing landscape improvement projects with force account or via design/build relationship. Provide at least three (3) examples of completed projects.
• Experience in the public sector in park planning and design is desired.
• Ability to speak Spanish is required.

Training and Certification

• Current, valid Landscape Architect license with the State of California.

Knowledge of:

• State of California Building Code and ADAS requirements for public facilities.
• Intermediate proficiency with AutoCAD, BlueDAG, and Land F/X software, or ability to learn.
• Construction practices for architecture and landscape improvements.
• California Environmental Quality Act requirements, or ability to learn.
• Basic proficiency in email and Office 365, or ability to learn.
• Office practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Cooperate with coworkers and revise project approach as needed to accommodate concerns.
• Travel to various park sites to conduct site evaluations and evaluate projects.
• Maintain files and records in an orderly manner.
• Prioritize varying tasks and projects to manage multiple projects at once.
• Work independently to handle multiple tasks under deadlines.
• Revise work approach to address changed conditions.
• Complete projects and follow oral and written directions.
• Consistently follow established procedures.
• Exercise discretion and sensitivity to confidential information.
• Communicate to a variety of audiences about projects and objectives.
• Read maps and navigate through greater Los Angeles, in both urban developed and undeveloped open space areas.

Competencies:

• Accurate use of measuring devices for distance, height, slope and adjacencies. 
• Demonstrated creativity and ability to troubleshoot landscape construction issues
• Spatial analysis.

• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Not required to be a native English speaker, but fluency in English will be required.

• Excellent organizational skills.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with those contacted in the course of work including the general public. 

This job announcement is not intended to, and does not, create an employment contract of any kind and does not create any express or implied contractual obligations. Employment at MRCA is at-will without exception. The employee and MRCA may terminate employment at any time with or without advance notice and with or without cause.

Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.