Associate Planner

this recruitment is open until a sufficient number of qualified applicants have applied and may close at any time. The selected candidate must successfully pass a live scan and pre-employment physical and drug test to continue with the hiring process.

definition:

under general supervision, learns to perform and performs professional land use and urban planning work, including current and advance planning, and implementation of the city's general plan; reviews complex zoning and development applications; presents projects to the planning commission; coordinates special projects; performs other related duties as required.

the associate planner is the journey level class in the professional planning series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. Incumbents in this position work independently in the research and analysis of planning issues and the preparation of planning reports, studies, and recommendations. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of senior planner in that the latter is responsible for the more complex planning assignments.

receives general supervision from the planning manager. Incumbents may provide technical and functional direction to other staff.

• plans, organizes, and conducts research studies; prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning regulations, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, and housing; prepares environmental documents in compliance with the california environmental quality act; recommends the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial, and community uses.

• provides information and assistance to developers, property owners, and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements; investigates and responds to complaints of zoning code violations; performs site inspections; communicates and coordinates with other city departments and outside agencies; coordinates the development review process on public and private projects.

• maintains, updates, and analyzes data required for community planning; participates in the review, development, revision, and maintenance of general plan elements, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances, and other policies and procedures.

• reviews and processes various plans and applications for subdivision, housing, and commercial developments; reviews and processes variances, use permits, and business licenses; determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval; identifies problems and analyzes alternatives; conducts project site checks.

• coordinates preparation of meeting agendas for various commissions, boards, and community groups, including reviewing draft materials and preparing comments; organizes meetings and work sessions ensuring timely notification of appropriate parties; makes presentations and prepares material for the city council, commissions, boards, and community groups.

• may provide work coordination and project direction for other planning personnel and contract consultants.

• establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, city management and staff and the public.

position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold.

The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

the following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.

education and/or experience:

any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for an associate planner. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, or a closely related discipline, such as architecture, geography, engineering, etc., and two years of professional planning experience equivalent to that of an assistant planner with the city of lake elsinore, or one year as…