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Assistant Planner
City of Rolling Hills / Rolling Hills, CA
Posted on: June 20, 2022
Application Deadline: Open until Filled
Job Description
The City of Rolling Hills is a General Law city operating under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of 5 members elected at large for staggered 4-year terms. The position of Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem are rotated annually among the City Council members. The City Manager serves as the Chief Executive of the City. All City staff, consisting of a Director of Planning and Community Services, City Attorney, Finance Director, City Clerk/Executive Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant Planner, Code Enforcement Officer and Administrative Assistant work collaboratively together as a team.
THE COMMUNITY:
The City’s annual budget is approximately $2.2 million with most revenues from property taxes and permits. The City of Rolling Hills, with panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean, is nestled within the Palos Verdes Peninsula. As a three square mile, gated City incorporated in 1957, the Community has stayed true to its original General Plan by maintaining a rural, residential character that blends single family, one-story, ranch-style homes into the natural, Mediterranean habitat of the peninsula. The City contains 30 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. With 1,906 residents, service levels and customer service provided by the City are a source of pride. The City boasts an excellent relationship with its many resident volunteers and community organizations. Rolling Hills is a “contract city,” contracting with the Los Angeles County for services such as public safety, fire services, and Building and Safety.
THE POSITION:
The City of Rolling Hills is currently seeking a full-time Assistant Planner. Under general supervision by the Director of Planning and Community Services, the Assistant Planner assists with the City’s daily planning operations in accordance with the City’s zoning, subdivision and General Plan provisions; reviews and processes development plans for compliance with zoning requirements; prepares staff reports and may act as a liaison to the Planning Commission, Committee on Trees and Views, and Traffic Commission; prepares preliminary environmental impact assessments; conducts studies, research and analysis related to code and ordinance updates; assists in processing code enforcement complaints; works closely with consultants for special projects, such as the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, Housing Element, and Stormwater Management, provides assistance to the general public; does other related work as necessary. The Assistant Planner is also responsible for clerical duties of moderate difficulty and assisting in the organization and maintenance of the City’s official records and documents. The Assistant Planner may assist other departments as needed and provides information and assistance to the public on a frequent basis (including general front office customer service), City staff, elected and appointed officials.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE AND DUTIES:
The ideal candidate is a “people-person” able to work both independently and as a member of a small, energetic and dedicated team. The candidate must be organized and able to handle multiple projects at one time. The candidate should also think creatively, enjoy the work, be detail-oriented and handle tasks/projects as a generalist. While assisting customers over the phone or at the front counter, the candidate must have a friendly, warm and courteous demeanor and enjoy working directly with the public. Positive customer service skills and responsiveness are necessary. The following duties are normal for this position and are not exclusive or all-inclusive. The Assistant Planner performs the following:
- Assists in the general operations of the Planning Department.
- Reviews and processes residential development applications for compliance with applicable regulations; follows up on project status throughout the review and construction stage.
- Field reviews of project compliance with conditions of approval.
- Handles the review and processing of view preservation applications.
- Report writing and public speaking to Commissions and Committees.
- Prepares environmental assessment reports pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Provides information to project applicants and to the public.
- Assists the public in the interpretation of zoning, subdivision, building and State mandated regulations.
- Assists in preparing and updating the zoning, building and subdivision ordinances.
- Drafts resolutions and ordinances.
- Works with consultants on special projects.
- Conducts studies and research; compiles and analyzes data on land use and other planning and related projects.
- Follows up on code enforcement complaints, field investigations and assuring compliance.
- Tactfully responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Works closely with the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA).
- Familiarity of stormwater management is highly desirable.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
High-level customer service ability and punctuality is required.
- General office procedures.
- Read, interpret and apply policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Use MS Office and Windows.
- Operate standard office equipment.
- Make independent decisions.
- Follow oral and written instructions.
- Effectively communicate both written and verbal.
- Work cooperatively with staff, residents and other entities.
- Work under pressure with strict deadlines.
- Attend at least one evening meeting per month and prepare meeting minutes in a timely manner.
Experience and Education:
The ideal candidate would hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in City or Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture or related field. Master’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field and/or certification by the American Institute of City Planners (AICP) is highly desirable. The candidate should have one year in a progressively responsible position in municipal planning. Education, certification or related experiences may substitute for a lack of work experience. Must possess a valid California Driver’s License with a safe driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Moderate; typical office setting with prolong periods of sitting; some driving to different locations including delivering packets to elected and appointed officials. General use of standard office equipment, including a computer and computer screen for extended periods. Intermittently twist to reach office equipment; bend, squat and kneel when filing or stocking; walk and stand when operating office equipment; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; hear and talk with the public; file papers and reports. May lift, load, push, or pull up to 25 pounds. Ability to hear and speak to communicate in person and over the telephone. Must be able to handle stressful situations.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary: $4,248 – $5,680 per month – Exempt position
Annual cost-of-living increase
Work Schedule: The City has a 9/75 work schedule with every other Friday off.
Retirement Benefit: The City participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS)
Classic Members: 2% at 60, employees pay 7% of salary; three-year final compensation
New Hires with no previous CalPERS retirement plan: 2% at 62, employees pay 6.5% of salary
The City participates in Social Security
City pays 100% medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and 80% cost of dependents
City pays $50,000 life insurance and AD&D
11 City paid holidays and 1 personal holiday
All full time employees earn 5/6th day of vacation per calendar month of employment. Additional vacation days after 3, 5 & 10 years of service up to 300 hours cap on vacation leave and up to 225 hours cap on sick leave.
Application Instructions
Candidates are required to send a resume, employment application and letter of interest to:
Attn: Assistant Planner Recruitment
City of Rolling Hills
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Resume and Employment Application must be submitted and the position is open until filled. Screening has been extended to Friday, July 8, 2022 at 5 p.m. For the job description and employment application, please visit: www.Rolling-Hills.org or call City Hall at 310-377-1521. Applications will be screened and those who appear to best meet the needs of the City will be invited for an interview. The final candidate must successfully complete a pre-employment physical. The information herein is subject to modification and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
CLASS SPEC TITLE 6:
The City of Rolling Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job description includes a list of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) essential job duties performed by the classification. Duties cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible task performed by each individual employee assigned in this classification. Rolling Hills will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, in compliance with the ADA Act, and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.