JOB DESCRIPTION

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Assistant Planner

This is the entry level class in the Planner series. Incumbents at this level are responsible for performing general/routine professional tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. The Assistant Planner is not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment as are positions allocated to the Associate and/or Senior Planner. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited City planning related work experience. Employees work under direct supervision while learning job tasks.

Associate Planner

This is the journey level class in the Planner series. Incumbents at this level require demonstrated ability to perform a variety of responsible and increasingly complex professional planning tasks and duties with greater independence of direction and judgment; the Associate Planner is further distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the level of skill required, the complexity of assigned projects, and greater amount of time focused on planning projects as opposed to time spent working at the City's planning counter. Employees at this level receive general instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and they are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

Examples of Duties:

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collects, records, and summarizes statistical and demographic information; establishes and maintains a comprehensive database.
• Participates in the research, analysis, and interpretation of social, economic, population and land use data and trends.
• Interprets the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance as it relates to project compliance with City plans, ordinances, and codes.
• Plan checks sign proposals, reviews business registrations, and other permit applications.
• Assists in reviewing development proposals and other requests made to the Planning Division for conformance with appropriate general plan and zoning regulations.
• Reviews and approves, or denies plan checks for building projects.
• Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies; prepares technical reports.
• Makes presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission and Planning Director, standing and ad hoc committees, developers, community groups, and outside agencies.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Reviews development proposals, applications, and other requests made to the Planning Department for conformance with appropriate zoning regulations; prepares reports and make recommendations.
• Checks commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning clearance; processes zoning clearances, temporary use, sign and other permit applications.
• Advises and confer with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies, standards, guidelines, and current and approved projects.
• Performs inspections and related field work.
• Takes phone calls and inquiries from the public and other agencies; provides assistance to walk in customers at the counter.
• Prepares staff reports and resolutions related to development projects and graphic displays.
• Researches and drafts ordinances for review.
• Attends a variety of meetings, including City Council and Planning Commission meetings and predevelopment meetings.
• Interprets the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance as it relates to project compliance with City plans, ordinances, and codes.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of municipal planning; incorporates new developments as appropriate into programs.
• Performs environmental assessments, providing detailed written comments on negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations, environmental impact reports and special studies performed by outside consultants.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

Experience:

• Assistant Planner: A minimum of one (1) year of municipal or county planning experience is desired (planning internships are acceptable).
• Associate Planner: A minimum of two (2) years of responsible professional municipal or county planning experience.

Training:

• Assistant Planner: Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, geography, engineering, architecture, public administration or a related field.
• Associate Planner: Equivalent to the completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, geography, engineering, architecture, public administration or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a State of California driver's license and/or the ability to make reasonable and timely transportation accommodation(s) as needed.

Special Requirements:

Employees in these classes may be required to work varying shifts and extended hours including evenings and weekends.

Please sbumit your applications directly through the GovernmentJobs link. Applications accepted through March 16, 2026.