Be a part of the small, effective team that guides the City of Buena Park, through its General Plan and Zoning Code, to be a well-planned, balanced city of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and semi-public uses with an emphasis on tourism. The Planning team will be working on a number of exciting projects such as updating parts of the zoning code. Department priorities also include continued work on large-scale entertainment and hotel developments along our Entertainment Corridor, as well as opportunities for mixed-use developments, as a result of the Housing Element update, ADU’s, and SB9-related lot split projects.

The position requires an adaptable, highly motivated, energetic, and experienced Planner. Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage complex projects are a must. The ideal candidate will have excellent written and oral communication skills, the ability to juggle competing priorities, thrive in a team environment, deliver excellent customer service, and enjoy working on a wide range of projects. Candidates must be comfortable with technology and ready to contribute to the modernization of the division. If you are well-rounded in all aspects of municipal planning and ready to contribute to this team, APPLY NOW!

Applications will be accepted on a CONTINUOUS BASIS with a first review date of

July 31, 2023.  Apply early as this position may close at any time without notice.

1.  Analyzes specific project applications and determines the applicability of planning, zoning, and building codes, and the types of modifications that might be needed to meet city requirements and other types of regulatory and design standards.

2. Evaluates land uses and impacts in the context of site plan review and development standards; prepares environmental determinations, including negative declarations as part of environmental analysis.

3. Administers or conducts planning studies for assigned projects, involving staff or consultants; assures that project tasks and timelines are achieved in accordance with department standards.

4. Performs plan check functions for development projects and homeowner improvements; receives and reviews applications for planning permits for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with code requirements.

5. Prepares and assists with the preparation of advance planning projects, reports, resolutions, maps, studies, and related planning documents, including the study background, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

6. Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding city development policies and standards.

7. Reviews development proposals and works with developers to reach agreement on acceptable site and elevation plans in cooperation with senior planning staff; reviews building plans, parcel maps, and subdivision proposals for conformance with state and local regulations, and compiles reports containing recommendations.

8. Prepares and reviews staff reports and agenda items; develops supporting exhibits in making presentations to the Planning Commission and the City Council.

9. Participates in the analysis of development projects and assists in preparing staff reports and graphic displays; coordinates data to be presented in Environmental Impact Reports or negative declarations.

10. Compiles and coordinates the compilation of data for land use studies and related field investigations; prepares and coordinates special planning, zoning, and environmental studies; prepares reports and findings.

11. Coordinates regional planning activities with other city departments and with outside agencies, as assigned; attends inter-agency planning meetings as the city’s representative.

12. Conducts interim and final field inspections of project sites to assure conformance with approved plans and conditions.

13. Provides technical direction to professional and technical staff conducting research of codes, ordinances, and development standards, as well as planning surveys.

14. Assists the public at the front counter and on the phone by answering questions and providing information regarding zoning and development practices and planning cases.

Knowledge of: Municipal Code, Zoning Code, and land use and architectural design standards; California Environmental Quality Act and procedures related to the review of planning applications; project management practices; leadership techniques; report preparation and presentation methods; research and reporting methods and techniques; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, and/or social concepts in the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning and map drafting; applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, and regulations; effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:  Understand, explain, and interpret local development standards and requirements; check building plans for conformance with land use, architectural and zoning regulations, and suggest changes to achieve compliance; manage projects; understand and apply federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs, and statistical data; prepare clear visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and illustrations; make presentations of ideas and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council; use word processing and spreadsheet software; prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials; establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, management, developers, contractors, commissioners and City Council, general public, and other parties.

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit, and occasionally to stand and walk. The employee must be able to talk and hear. The employee must be able to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and reach above and below shoulder level with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and carries records and documents weighing more than 20 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data; thoroughly analyze and solve problems; exercise sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines; use math and mathematical reasoning; establish priorities and work on multiple assignments and projects concurrently; meet intense and changing deadlines given interruptions; and interact appropriately with staff, management, developers, contractors, the general public, and others in the course of work.

The employee frequently works in office conditions where the noise level is usually moderate, at and below 85 decibels. The employee occasionally attends meetings, conventions, city events, and other functions on behalf of the city, including evening and weekend hours. Driving to various city sites is required to complete work projects where the incumbent would encounter outside noise, dust, and debris.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field is required. Major coursework in Urban Planning or a related field such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Interior Design is highly desirable. A master’s degree in urban planning or related field such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Interior Design is desirable. Two years of general professional and technical planning experience is required.  

• A valid Class C California driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation as a certified planner is preferred.
• Ability to work extended hours in order to complete projects, attend meetings, and accommodate city needs is required.

Applicants must file a concise and complete City application regarding their qualifications for the position online through the Human Resources Department webpage at www.buenapark.com/hr as soon as possible. Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment application.

All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to oral interviews and/or written exams and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment-eligible list from which hires may be made. The list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner.

The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability.

The City of Buena Park Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy requires that all applicants undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment.