Assistant Planner

City of Sacramento • Sacramento, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Sacramento Community Development Department is seeking an Assistant Planner to join its Design Review Section. The role reviews projects for conformance with Design Review Guidelines and Standards, General Plan and Zoning Code requirements. It involves working with multiple departments and disciplines, community members, and neighborhood groups to support successful development. The position performs tasks such as researching and writing staff reports, processing site development plans and designs, and providing planning information to the public.

The Assistant Planner performs professional, technical, statistical, and analytical work involving land use or other planning studies for public or private development projects. Assignments may include project management, land use studies, policy recommendations or implementation, and preparation of documents to comply with state or federal environmental laws. Assistant Planners handle less complex to moderately difficult project management work and generally do not lead teams. General direction is provided by a manager, usually a Senior Planner. With supervisor approval, intermittent remote work may be available, but the employee must live in the Sacramento region or be able to report to a City worksite regularly and on short notice. A California Class C Driver’s License is required.

The position requires a typical qualification of a bachelor’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field and one year of professional planning experience. A master’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field may substitute for the experience requirement. Additional professional planning experience beyond the minimum may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in urban planning or a closely related field, or qualifying equivalent education and experience.
• One year of professional planning experience; a master’s degree in urban planning or a closely related field may substitute for this experience.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License at the time of appointment.
• Knowledge of local urban planning, environmental planning, economics, public administration, or related disciplines as applied to urban planning.
• Knowledge of research techniques, information sources, report presentation methods, and basic project management.
• Knowledge of state and federal planning and environmental laws.
• Ability to prepare maps and graphic materials, evaluate statistical data, and present facts and conclusions clearly in writing and orally.
• Ability to conduct meetings with public agencies or citizen groups and establish effective working relationships with the public.
• Ability to read and understand architectural plans and apply City plans, codes, ordinances, and related materials when evaluating projects or plan elements.
• Ability to work with interested parties to resolve planning and policy issues and build consensus among diverse groups.
• Ability to learn new computer software programs.
• Computer application knowledge, including GIS, spreadsheets, databases, and word processors.
• Ability to demonstrate strong organization, manage multiple tasks and deadlines, maintain schedules, and collaborate effectively.

Nice To Haves

• An eye for design, attention to detail, and a development-oriented approach.
• A fundamental understanding of architectural design, site layout, and planning in urban environments.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute to positive team dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze proposed minor development projects for compliance with adopted City plans, design and architectural guidelines and standards, applicable codes, ordinances, and other regulations; prepare recommendations on approval.
• Review proposed tentative subdivision and parcel maps and recommend revisions needed to meet City requirements.
• Evaluate environmental effects of proposed projects and prepare or supervise preparation of environmental documents.
• Conduct onsite investigations of proposed development projects or community areas.
• Provide the public with information about City planning requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and present written, graphic, or oral reports for elected and appointed officials, special committees, or community organizations.
• Help coordinate departmental activities with other City departments and divisions and outside agencies.
• Participate in special projects and perform related duties as assigned.
• Negotiate, prepare, and manage consultant contracts.
• Under supervision, facilitate discussion groups to build consensus and resolve conflicts on projects and policy matters.

What This Job Offers

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