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Planning Technician
City of Monterey Park / 320 West Newmark Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754
Posted on: September 8, 2022
Application Deadline: September 15, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.
Job Description
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision assists and performs a variety of technical and administrative work in the field of city and urban planning, zoning administration, and economic development; performs related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This class reports to a professional Planner or Development Administrator. No supervision is exercised.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The duties mentioned below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.
- Provides information and assistance to customers, contractors, and staff at the public counter, on the phone and through e-mail communication by answering questions regarding zoning, development standard and process, conditional use permits, variances, and other planning related inquiries.
- Performs routine plan check functions for various projects, receives and reviews applications for planning permits.
- Performs site inspections for entitlement projects and zoning compliance.
- Inputs, tracks and processes permit applications using a permit tracking system.
- Reviews applications for permits; within authorized guidelines, may approve routine permits; if outside scope of authority, routes permit applications to appropriate planning staff.
- Evaluates and reviews proposed development projects ensuring compliance with architectural, zoning, and general plan requirements.
- Interprets local planning related ordinances.
- Determines projects’ environmental impact in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for approval by professional planning staff.
- Assists in the preparation of reports, resolutions and/or ordinances.
- Conducts research for land use, zoning, advanced planning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, economic, and environmental issues.
- Participates in environmental reviews, zoning code updates and various types of studies.
- Assists with the review of development proposals for commercial, industrial and residential development plans, parcel maps and subdivision proposals for compliance with appropriate regulations; attends meetings as needed.
- Researches land use and development entitlements and prepares documentation for lending institutions, real estate brokers, and property owners for approval by professional planning staff.
- Prepares and processes legal notices, including Public Hearing Notices;
- Creates and modifies planning forms and composes a variety of documents;
- Provides administrative support to professional planners on basic current and advanced planning projects, coordination with project applicants, preparation and posting of legal notices, support at public meetings and outreach, and conducting background research.
- Performs administrative duties including typing, filing, copying documents, record keeping, mail processing, scheduling, calendar maintenance, meeting setup, and prepares forms and provides graphic displays, photographs or other exhibits as needed.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience/Training:
Graduation or equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree with major study in urban planning, architecture, geography, public policy, or related field. Experience in a planning office environment is highly desirable.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledge of basic principles and practices of urban planning and development; zoning practices; real estate principles; City maps and their uses; laws and ordinances relating to land use and the General Plan; CEQA; Subdivision Map Act and statistics and research methods; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and municipal code; current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; business letter writing and basic report preparation; record keeping and reporting procedures; modern office practices, procedures, methods, and equipment; general office computer skills; permitting software system; and GIS.
Ability to explain and interpret planning policies, codes, and regulations accurately and tactfully to the public; analyze and compile technical and statistical information to prepare reports, maps, charts, presentations, architectural drawings and illustrations from the information; analyze planning applications for compliance with procedural requirements; understand and interpret site development plans; interpret, learn, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Skill to operate office computer, equipment, and a variety of word processing and software applications.
License/Certificates
Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record are required at the time of appointment and as a condition of employment.
In accordance with California Government Code Section 3100, City of Monterey Park employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to protect the health, safety, lives, and property of the people of the State.
PHYSICAL EFFORT
The physical and mental effort 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.
Physical Demands: Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, climbing, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position requires finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination to operate computer hardware and standard office equipment and reach with hands and arms above and below shoulder level. The employee occasionally lifts, pulls, and carries records and documents typically weighing up to 25 pounds. Additionally, sensory demands include the ability to talk and hear. The position requires near and far vision and ability to adjust focus in reading written materials and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.
Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, the employee must be able to use written and oral communication skills; read, analyze, and interpret data, materials, and documents; prepare and evaluate reports; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new information or new skills; and interact with City staff, community members and the public.
Work Environment: The employee works in an office environment with controlled temperature settings. The employee may need to be in outside elements at different project sites and other related job duties.
Application Instructions
How to Apply – Visit www.montereypark.ca.gov to apply online by 4:30 p.m., Thursday, September 15, 2022. Incomplete employment application submittals will not be considered.
Complete all requested information including the non-asterisk boxes. Candidates who best meet the needs of the City, based on this job announcement, and minimum qualifications, will be invited to participate in the selection process that may include an assessment of knowledge, skills and abilities, written exercise, and/or oral interview. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the selection process. Applicants will receive communication through email.
NOTE: Successful completion of a background investigation and pre-employment physical examination will be required prior to appointment. New hire candidates must show proof of full COVID vaccinations prior to being hired. Limited exemptions may apply.