Associate Planner

City of South Gate•South Gate, CA

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Associate Planner performs professional-level work in current, advanced, and/or comprehensive planning and environmental analysis. The position may assist with implementation of the Community Development Block Grant Program and provides information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public on planning, housing, annexations, and development matters. The role is part of the planning series and does not supervise staff, but may provide technical direction to Assistant Planners. The incumbent may work under a Senior Planner, with responsible supervision provided by higher-level professional planning staff, such as a Planning Manager. The position conducts research and analysis on community and economic development, land use, and related trends; reviews development applications, plans, and environmental materials for compliance with City requirements; prepares reports and recommendations; responds to public inquiries; and coordinates development requirements with other City departments. The Associate Planner may attend and present project information at City Council, Planning Commission, Housing Authority, and other meetings. Work is performed mostly in office settings, with occasional field inspections. The position requires frequent sitting, talking, and hearing, and occasional standing, walking, stooping, crouching, reaching, and lifting or moving up to 25 pounds. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or a related field.
Two years of recent, increasingly responsible professional planning experience involving local governmental planning.
Valid California Class C Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record at appointment and throughout employment.
Knowledge of public planning and community development principles, practices, and trends; statistics, economics, sociology; site planning and architectural design; land-use, physical design, demographic, environmental, and economic concepts as applied to municipal or urban planning; building and engineering practices; graphic presentation; planning and zoning laws and regulations; and modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
Ability to understand laws underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions; environmental laws and regulations and assessment methods; and apply policies, procedures, and standards related to the planning process.
Ability to interpret and prepare maps, site and building plans, and specifications; follow oral and written directions; communicate technical information clearly; listen effectively; use computers and related software; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to read and interpret maps and specifications.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in planning.

Responsibilities

Conduct office and field research, investigations, and analyses of social, economic, population, and land-use trends, community design, and community and economic development projects.
Compile and evaluate data for advanced planning and economic development studies related to land use; report findings and prepare written reports on planning matters and General Plan elements.
Review commercial, industrial, and residential development plans with developers, discuss architectural design, land use, and parking, inspect properties involved in applications, and compile information to assess compliance with City ordinances.
Review building plans, parcel maps, environmental documents, graphics, resolutions, and ordinances related to conditional use permits, zone variances, zone changes, zoning codes, and General Plan amendments.
Review subdivision plans, site plans, and business license applications for compliance with zoning regulations.
Answer public inquiries about community and economic development, environmental and zoning regulations, legal descriptions, zoning violations, and Planning Commission procedures and policies, in person, by telephone, or by email.
Prepare staff reports and recommendations for zoning and subdivision applications.
Attend City Council, Planning Commission, Housing Authority, and other meetings as needed to present project details and answer questions about assigned projects.
Coordinate City development requirements with other departments and divisions.
Confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and members of the public regarding City development policies and standards.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Provide technical direction to Assistant Planners as needed.