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Assistant Planner
City of Pasadena / Pasadena, CA
Posted on: August 31, 2020
Application Deadline: 9/24/2020
Job Description
The Planning and Community Development Department is excited to announce an immediate opening for an Assistant Planner. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing routine planning work in either the Zoning, Design and Historic Preservation or Community Planning sections.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a customer focused team player who possesses excellent written, organization and interpersonal skills.
Essential Functions
The following list represents some of the essential functions of the position. Assignments may vary. For more detailed information, please refer to the job description.
- Performs professional planning work including the administration of federal grants, preparation of requests for proposal, selection and monitoring of contractors.
- Researches, collects and analyzes data; prepares reports and presents recommendations on land use, zoning, design, historic preservation, transportation, transit, population, housing, social, economic and other related factors.
- Conducts a variety of assignments involving current or long range planning projects; confers with applicants and agency representatives to identify problems; evaluates data and proposes methods to resolve conflicting issues of plan implementation, zoning requirements, and environmental impact.
- Evaluates current development projects by detailed review of plans for architectural, zoning and general plan requirements; performs field surveys to identify problems and upon completion of projects to ensure conformance with applicable requirements; discusses recommendations with builders, developers, architects, and real estate professionals.
- Prepares legal notices and property descriptions; reviews for completeness and legality advertising notices.
- Contributes to the review and revision of local ordinances; conducts research; assist in the preparation of complex planning reports including staff reports, EIR’S, negative declarations and special studies.
- Prepares plans and project designs, maps, scale models and other graphic materials; maintains a variety of maps including base, cultural landmarks, zoning, land use and special block studies.
- Confers with and advises architects, engineers, attorneys, developers, and the general public regarding City development procedures and processes.
- Responds to inquiries, both orally and in writing; applies planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, or explains procedures; provides assistance to the Planning Commission, Hearing Officer, Design Commission and other committees and commissions; may conduct presentations to City Commissions, committees, residents and neighborhood groups.
VACANCIES
As a result of the selection process, an eligible list of candidates will be established which will be used to fill this vacancy and other similar vacancies that may occur in future. There are currently two vacancies in the Planning and Community Development Department, Zoning Section.
Special Requirements
Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record may be required for some assignments.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
Qualification Guidelines
Education: A bachelor’s degree in planning, architecture, geography, public administration, or a closely related field.
Experience: Two years of recent paraprofessional planning experience in one or more of the following areas: zoning, historic preservation, design review, redevelopment and/or planning research.
CORE COMPETENCIES
The following list represents some of the core competencies for this position; see the job description for more detailed information:
- Ability to Take Initiative/Responsibility – Readily spots/identifies current and potential problems and opportunities for improvement. Comes up with novel, resourceful, or imaginative approaches to problems or opportunities. Takes action to implement solutions and improvements.
- Ability to Work Independently – Plans and organizes workload for maximum productivity; works well independently with minimal supervision and guidance.
- Attention to Detail – The ability to ensure that output is fit for purpose and free from error.
Customer Focus – Shows interest and understanding of the needs, expectations, and circumstances of internal and external customers. - Interpersonal Skills – Interacts effectively and courteously with others.
- Organizing and Planning Skills – The ability to achieve goals through careful preparation and organization.
Technology Application Skills – Applies advanced understanding of computer applications to support functional needs. - Written Communication Skills – Use correct vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. Present information clearly and in an organized manner. Vary content, tone and style to suit the purpose and intended reader.
SELECTION PROCESS
All applications will be screened upon receipt, and only candidates who meet minimum job qualifications and who are the most highly competitive may be invited to a written, oral and/or performance examination. This position is part of the Pasadena Management Association bargaining unit. The probationary test period is one year.
Application Instructions