Assistant/Associate Planner

City of Calabasas / Calabasas
Posted on: May 2, 2022
Application Deadline: 05/13/2022

Job Description

Summary Description:

Under general direction, performs moderate to complex technical and professional level work in the field of current and advanced municipal planning.

Essential Job Duties

The following tasks are essential for this position.  Incumbents in this classification may not perform all of these tasks, or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

ASSISTANT PLANNER:

1. Provides general information at the public counter regarding the Development Code, fees, plan checks, and permit issuance.
2. Issues a variety of permits for the Community Development Department.
3. Performs research and analyses, report writing, and other zoning and General Plan implementation functions.
4. Assists with special projects as assigned.
5. Answers telephone queries and makes phone calls as needed.
6. Performs site inspections and other field work that supports permit review and approval.
7. Prepares staff reports for development permits (conditional use permit, oak tree permits, site plan reviews, signs, etc.).
8. Issues zoning clearances and home occupations permits.
9. Performs other related duties as required.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER:

1. Responds to inquiries, requests and complaints from the public in person at the public counter, and on the phone.
2. Gathers, analyzes and presents data in the form of written, graphic or oral reports for the use of the Director, Planning Commission, City Council, or special committees on a varied range of urban planning matters.
3. Processes land use and development permits, including but not limited to: reviewing applications, plans and technical documents; assuring compliance with the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code and Plans; assuring compliance with state and federal law; conducting site visits; facilitating meetings with internal and external agencies; serving as a liaison between the applicant and affected City departments, external agencies, neighborhoods, etc.; identifying potential impacts and appropriate mitigation measures; presenting cases to the decision making body with recommendations for approval/denial; and monitoring projects for condition compliance while under construction.
4. Processes amendments to the City’s Zoning Code, General Plan, Specific Plans and Master Plans.
5. Prepares reports on planning policies and long-range planning activities.
6. Conducts assessments of environmental issues in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
7. Assembles a variety of information and data for the preparation of staff reports and studies.
8. Seeks and administers grants.
9. Performs other related duties as required.

Required Experience / Skills / Education

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of land use planning.
• Standard office computer software applications.
• Current trends in federal, state, regional and local planning.
• Familiarity with the purpose and functions of geographic information systems.
• Principles and practices of land use, general plan, and zoning procedures.
• Basic understanding of California planning and zoning laws and CEQA.
• State Subdivision Map Act and other laws, ordinances and regulations governing municipal planning.

Skill and Ability to:

• Perform a wide range of professional planning work.
• Organize, conduct and present major planning research studies.
• Interpret and apply laws and regulations to a variety of planning projects.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Evaluate architectural proposals and urban design/site plans.
• Write and review complex CEQA documents.
• Apply GIS in a planning environment to solve problems.
• Conduct site inspections.
• Perform plan checks.
• Assist the public with answers to planning questions.
• Make presentations to boards and commissions.

Education, Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying.  ASSISTANT PLANNER – a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from an accredited college or university or closely related field; completion of a municipal internship and experience working with computerized permit system and/or Geographic Information System is preferred.  ASSOCIATE PLANNER – a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, urban studies or a related field and a minimum of three years experience in municipal planning.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Requires the mobility to stand, stoop, reach and bend.
• Requires mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects.
• Requires the ability to stand for long periods.
• Requires the ability to walk long distances.
• Performs lifting, pushing and/or pulling which does not exceed 50 pounds.
• Subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.
• May be required to use personal vehicle in the course of employment.
• May be required to attend periodic evening meetings and/or to travel within and out of City boundaries to attend meetings.
• May be required to work at a video display terminal for prolonged periods.
• May be required to work evenings or weekends.

Supplemental Questions

Assistant Planner –

Please submit your answers to the following questions with your completed City application for the position of Associate Planner.  Limit your responses to one page for each question. 

1)         Describe how your experience and background has prepared you for the position of an Assistant Planner.

Associate Planner –

Please submit your answers to the following questions with your completed City application for the position of Associate Planner.  Limit your responses to one page for each question. 

1)         Describe your experience in current planning as it relates to:  reviewing and analyzing planning applications, plans and technical documents; coordination with applicants, consultants, city staff and the public; and preparing and presenting detailed reports.

2)         Describe your experience preparing and/or reviewing environmental documents.  Please cite an example of a recent project for which you prepared or reviewed an environmental document.

Application Instructions

Candidates must complete a City of Calabasas employment application, and may also include any other materials, such as a resume or transcripts. Positions are open until filled unless stated otherwise.

Employment applications are available for both on-line or mail submission. Faxed or emailed applications and/or resumes are not accepted. Please mail paper applications to:

City of Calabasas
Human Resources Division
100 Civic Center Way
Calabasas, CA 91302

Effective October 1, 2021, the City of Calabasas requires that all successful applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment and provide proof of such vaccination prior to commencement of employment.

One appointment will be made at the Assistant Planner OR Associate Planner level depending on experience and qualifications at the City’s discretion.

https://www.cityofcalabasas.com/services/jobs

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