Associate Planner / Assistant Planner

City of Westminster•Westminster, CA

About The Position

The City of Westminster Community Development Department is hiring one Planner, to be appointed at either the Assistant Planner or Associate Planner level based on experience and qualifications. Both roles perform professional field and office planning work related to current and advanced planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and environmental documents. Duties include technical assessments, written project analyses, studies, staff reports, and professional guidance to the public, other departments, and department staff on planning, community development, zoning, permits, and environmental review. The Associate Planner role also performs advanced-level work, project management and administration, and complex professional staff assistance. Under general direction from the Community Development Director, the position analyzes data and prepares written and oral reports on current and long-range planning projects; reviews complex development proposals for compliance with applicable regulations and policies; recommends modifications or conditions; conducts environmental reviews and prepares environmental documents; prepares reports, ordinances, amendments, resolutions, and graphics; and presents information to the Planning Commission or City Council. The position also conducts field inspections, land use surveys, and planning studies; assists applicants with application processing and recommended modifications; and administers, interprets, and enforces applicable municipal, state, zoning, subdivision, and environmental requirements. The role may also administer planning activities, conduct staff meetings, organize priorities, assign projects, and provide staff training.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field; proof is required.
Four years of increasingly responsible experience in professional urban planning and public administration.
Knowledge of city planning, development review, environmental review, land use, zoning, the Subdivision Map Act, and the California Environmental Quality Act.
Knowledge of statistical and research methods, technical writing, Geographic Information Systems, contract administration, personnel policies and procedures, and quality customer service.
Ability to use computer software and programs to prepare written and graphic materials.
Ability to interpret planning and zoning requirements for the general public.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and analyze development plans, land use compatibility, site planning, and design.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Valid California Driver License or reliable transportation if required.

Responsibilities

Review development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and environmental documents.
Conduct technical assessments and prepare written project analyses, studies, and staff reports.
Provide professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, permits, and environmental review.
Provide staff assistance to the Planning Manager or Senior Planner, other departments, and the public; provide complex assistance at the Associate Planner level.
Analyze data and prepare written and oral reports on current and long-range planning projects.
Review complex development proposals for compliance with applicable regulations and policies, and recommend modifications or conditions.
Conduct environmental reviews, collect and analyze data, and prepare environmental documents.
Prepare staff reports, ordinances, amendments, resolutions, and graphics; attend and present to the Planning Commission or City Council.
Conduct field inspections, land use surveys, and related planning studies.
Assist the public with application processing and advise applicants of recommended modifications.
Administer, interpret, and enforce municipal code, state laws, and requirements related to planning, zoning, subdivisions, and environmental laws.
May administer current or advanced planning activities, conduct staff meetings, organize priorities, assign projects to staff, and provide training.