Assistant Planner

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Regular, Full-Time Employment Opportunity

Work for the City of Sunnyvale:
The Heart of the Silicon Valley!

Visitors and residents enjoy Sunnyvale's beautiful and clean setting with a mix of suburban and urban land uses, efficient, high-quality city services, low crime rate, quality schools and 18 prize-winning parks.

The City of Sunnyvale has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Planner to join its Planning Division in the Community Development Department. Under direction of a Principal Planner or Planning Officer, the Assistant Planner performs professional work including review of staff-level and minor projects, assistance to the public at the One Stop counter; and performs related work as required. Teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of the Planning Division.

A candidate with great interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging work environment is desired.

Working for the City of Sunnyvale as an Assistant Planner is an opportunity to develop and grow in a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking team environment.

Under direction of a Principal Planner or Planning Officer, performs professional work in current and long-range planning including zoning, environmental review, general plan updates, and plan preparation and review; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Assistant Planner is the entry-level classification for this job series. Initially, incumbents perform assigned duties under general supervision, while learning related policies and procedures. The Assistant Planner is distinguished from the Associate Planner by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate level. As experience is gained, there is a greater independence of action within established guidelines.

This classification is alternately staffed with Associate Planner and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level classification. Incumbents are not automatically promoted to the higher level; the needs of the department determine the level of assignment.

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

* Processes planning applications; reviews and analyzes land use impacts and compliance with local and State regulations and City policies.

* Conducts research and compiles, analyzes and evaluates information related to planning studies, such as demographic, economic, social, environmental, land use and housing data.

* Prepares a variety of technical and administrative reports, documents and correspondence; makes presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council and at public hearings and community meetings.

* Prepares and maintains maps pertaining to zoning, land use and other planning related activities.

* Conducts studies and prepares and presents corresponding reports.

* Evaluates and reviews development plans for compliance; prepares reports, Initial Studies, ordinances, and research and communicates with applicants, consultants, staff and members of the public.

* Inspects residential, commercial and industrial properties to gather data and assess the possible need for project or plan modifications.

* Researches, conducts and/or analyzes policy and long range planning projects.

* Researches planning issues related to economic development, land use, zoning and environmental concerns.

* Researches and writes special studies including General Plan review and policy study issues.

* Coordinates project reviews with other city departments and outside agencies.

* Receives and responds to inquiries and questions at the front counter, via email and telephone; provides information regarding planning, zoning and the development process to developers, property owners, design professionals, other agencies and City departments.

* Assists in the identification and preparation of grant applications for planning and development projects.

* Represents the Community Development Department at meetings and conferences as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service.

The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books 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 accommodation.

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following ways:

Assistant Planner

(1) a Bachelor's…