Assistant Planner

County of Monterey • Salinas, CA

2d

About The Position

The County of Monterey Housing and Community Development Department seeks entry-level land use and planning professionals who are interested in developing their knowledge and experience and can analyze and interpret County planning policies. Assistant Planner is the entry-level class in the professional Planner series. Under guidance from management and senior staff, the Assistant Planner performs routine professional land use planning assignments across program areas and serves as project planner for development project reviews and/or the development of policies or plans.

The position provides information to the public about land use plans, policies, ordinances, environmental review, applications, and permitting. It reviews land use entitlements and agency referrals, prepares recommendations and staff reports, conducts environmental reviews, researches and analyzes planning data, maintains County database information, and performs field inspections. The recruitment's eligible list may be used County-wide for current and future regular full-time, part-time, or temporary vacancies. The classification is part of a flexible series, and advancement to the higher level may occur subject to meeting its employment standards and the appointing authority's recommendation.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of English, punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
• Some knowledge of land use planning principles, practices, techniques, and quantitative methods, including social, economic, and environmental principles and their application to rural development.
• Some knowledge of resource management practices and techniques applied to land use planning, and methods used to prepare and implement long-range plans and amendments.
• Some knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, procedures, and regulations governing plan preparation, land development, environmental review, and permit review.
• Some knowledge of computer and quantitative methods, word processing, and graphic techniques applicable to land use planning.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate data and draw logical conclusions.
• Ability to interpret, understand, explain, and apply planning laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations; read and interpret maps, aerial photographs, and legal descriptions; and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to collect and tabulate statistical data and calculate percentages, averages, land acreages, and distances.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, boards, commissions, professional and technical personnel, public and private officials, and staff; respond positively to supervision; and attend and perform duties regularly and consistently.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise oral presentations, planning reports, correspondence, and memoranda.
• Ability to facilitate cooperation and consensus and work cooperatively in a team.
• Ability to use and operate office machines, including a personal computer and microfiche.
• Qualifying education, training, and/or experience may be combined. One qualifying option is completion of all coursework toward a bachelor's degree in Planning or a closely related field that included planning courses.
• Another qualifying option is the equivalent of two full-time years of college coursework in planning or a closely related field and at least two years of progressive experience in land use planning or a related field demonstrating the required knowledge and abilities.
• A third qualifying option is at least four years of experience in land use planning or a related field demonstrating the required knowledge and abilities.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver's license or provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during disasters or emergencies, and to travel outside the County to attend meetings.

Nice To Haves

• Internship experience related to planning in the public or private sector is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide factual and interpretive information to the public about land use plans, policies, ordinance requirements, environmental review procedures, application filing procedures, and the permit review process; respond in a timely manner consistent with Department direction.
• Review land use entitlements and agency referrals for consistency with adopted plans and regulations; coordinate staff recommendations with County and other responsible agencies; conduct environmental review; prepare comprehensive staff reports; and clear permit approval conditions.
• Conduct studies and research on economic, social, and environmental planning conditions by tabulating, analyzing, and interpreting statistical and factual data; develop conclusions and methods for tracking data as needed.
• Research, collect, and record property and resource information from sources including electronic databases, and maintain information in the County computer database.
• Perform field inspections to determine compliance with permit approval conditions and verify information submitted with applications.
• Operate office equipment, including a personal computer and microfiche.

Benefits

• The County offers an excellent benefits package; details are available in the Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. Employees hired into a temporary position are not eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level