Assistant Planner

City of Cudahy•Santa Ana, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under close supervision, performs a variety of entry level professional duties and responsibilities in support of the city’s current and advanced planning functions, processes planning applications in accordance with the city’s zoning code, prepares and presents reports and recommendations, provides information and assistance to applicants, developers, consultants, the general public, and outside agencies and organizations regarding city codes, policies, standards, and processes related to planning matters, and performs other related duties as required. This is the entry level professional classification in the planning series. Positions in this class may be filled by advancement from the less skilled class of planning technician or from the outside. Typical work responsibilities include case writing, analysis, and public information, requiring the application of fundamental planning principles. Assignments are of moderate difficulty and within the design and procedural framework established by higher level management staff; however, as experience is acquired, the employee performs with substantial independence. As assigned responsibilities and breadth of knowledge increase with experience, assistant planners may reasonably expect their positions to be reassigned to the next higher class of associate planner upon recommendation by the community development manager.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in planning, architecture, geography, or a related field
At least two (2) years of technical or paraprofessional planning experience in local government.
Possession of a valid Class C motor vehicle operator’s license from the State of California.

Nice To Haves

The ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of planning related functions, including advanced and current planning; administers and implements the zoning and Municipal Codes; reviews and processes various plans and applications for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Collects and evaluates information related to the application process and determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; recommends approval or alternative approaches.
Conducts project site checks and field inspections.
Provides front counter and phone support.
Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners, the general public, other staff, and outside agencies regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to the submission of plans, the processing of applications, and implementation requirements.
Investigates and responds to complaints of zoning code violations.
Serves as project manager for use permits and other public hearing cases, including receiving and filing applications, analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, reviewing for completeness of the application, conferring with the developer or applicant for issues, preparing staff reports and conducting environmental assessments, and determining the overall content and format of reports.
Administers the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, including overseeing consultant services, assisting Finance with submitting funding requests, and assisting parks and recreation with submitting quarterly information.
Conducts field inspections, business license reviews, environmental assessments and provides assistance in the area of code enforcement; develops graphics, maps, and charts; collects, analyzes, and tabulates data.
Prepares written correspondence, detailed reports, and other documents, such as general plan elements, specific plans, annexation studies, and demographic and census reports.
Conducts specialized surveys, studies, and plans as necessary to address a wide variety of planning and development issues.
Schedules and attends formal and informal meetings relative to various planning projects or activities.
Develops and maintains good working relationships with other city staff, other jurisdictions, and the public.
May act on behalf of the community development manager in his/her absence.
Participates in cross training and provides back up to other staff; assists other office personnel in performing related administrative support functions; serves as a backup to other finance and/or city functions.
Establishes positive working relationships with city staff and the general public.
Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe and efficient manner.
Performs other duties as assigned.