Assistant Planner

City of Indio•Indio, CA

About The Position

Under general supervision, learns to perform and performs professional land use and urban planning work, including current and advance planning and implementation of the City's General Plan, Zoning Code, and in the administration of land use regulations and policies; reviews complex zoning and development applications; performs complex research; prepares maps, graphs, models, and reports; presents projects to the Planning Commission; coordinates special projects; performs other related duties as required. The Assistant Planner is the entry-level class in the professional planning series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities in the field of municipal planning. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents learn to perform and perform a variety of fundamental support activities in the area of current and advance planning. This classification is alternatively 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 class.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Environmental Design or a related field
One year of planning experience
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in municipal planning equivalent to that of an Assistant Planner in the City of Indio.

Responsibilities

Learns to perform and performs professional land use and urban planning work, including current and advance planning and implementation of the City's General Plan, Specific Plans, and Zoning Code; reviews complex zoning and development applications.
Performs complex research and analyses; develops land use, environmental and statistical data related to planning; performs major planning and zoning studies for development; investigates planning problems while considering legal and public relations aspects, as well as plans and makes presentations of findings; confers with developers, building designers, contractors, architects, and the general public on planning and zoning related matters; interprets planning policies, state laws, and local ordinances or explains procedures.
Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners, and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements; assists in the administration and enforcement of zoning, sign, and subdivision ordinances; issues sign permits and reviews actual locations; performs field inspections of project sites to verify compliance with conditions of approval and code requirements; communicates and coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies.
Prepares interpretive maps, graphs, charts, models, and reports; plans, organizes, and executes projects or surveys; prepares staff reports, resolutions, letters, reports, zoning ordinance changes, and environmental review documents.
Performs advanced planning activities, including major General Plan updates and amendments; monitors the effectiveness of the General Plan implementation, zoning, and design guidelines; recommends action or petitions for general planning, zoning, and development; attends numerous meetings to resolve controversial project issues.
Receives and reviews applications, for conditional use permits, tentative tract and parcel maps, zone changes, and planned developments; establishes conditions for project approval by analyzing projects with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and city policy; determines methods to reconcile project conflicts with zoning requirements and state environmental laws; reviews final working drawings to ensure compliance with approved projects.
Coordinates various planning studies and related matters with consultants; responds to public inquiries at the public counter, on the phone, and through email; coordinates with regional and sub-regional agencies to address certain regional and inter-jurisdictional issues.
Assists the public at the front counter; provides information and responds to inquiries regarding planning and development programs and project application issues with developers, brokers, lenders, and the public.
May represent the City by serving on various planning committees, commissions and task forces in an advisory capacity and/or as a voting member; makes presentations to the City Council.
Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
Assists with redevelopment and economic development matters as necessary.
May assist in updating and revising entitlement application materials, economic development promotional materials and other literature for public dissemination.
May participate in community meetings.
May assist with GIS projects.
Performs other related duties as required.