Assistant Planner/Associate Planner

The City of San Dimas is looking for entry leveled or seasoned Planners for this position opening. Applicants will be hired in the position depending on their qualifications and the City's needs.

Discover what makes San Dimas unique! Here, within our close-knit community, planners have the invaluable opportunity to expand their knowledge and become well rounded in the planning field. As a key player in the city's Community Development Department, you will work closely with other departments to ensure that the needs of the city and its residents are met. Experience hands-on projects that will help develop and enhance your skills, for personal growth and professional success. This position will be handling current and advanced planning tasks, with the majority of work focused on projects while assisting with day-to-day tasks. The ideal candidate is a problem solver who takes initiative, has experience in Architecture review, CEQA, and GIS software usage, is customer-service focused, and can work independently as well as with a team. Be part of something great and join San Dimas today!

Interviews are tentatively scheduled for July 24, 2024.
 

ASSISTANT PLANNER:

Under general supervision, performs entry level professional planning functions in support of staff and management; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Assistant Planner class is responsible for providing assistance to higher-level planners in the areas of research, data collection and report preparation. The Assistant Planner is distinguished from the Associate Planner in that it requires less specialized knowledge of statutory requirements and planning standards and receives greater direction.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER:

Under general supervision, performs varied and responsible professional planning work; administers and performs work on relatively difficult current and advance planning projects; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

The Associate Planner class is the full professional, journey-level class in this series. The incumbent conducts planning research and analysis on moderate to difficult short and long range projects. The work requires independence in preparing planning studies and reports and making presentations on such projects. Work may include assisting with the work instruction or project direction of lower level professional and para-professional staff members. 

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

ASSISTANT PLANNER:

1. Conducts research studies and prepares reports and findings regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing and environmental needs; maintains, updates and analyzes demographic and other data required for the planning function; reviews environmental documents, plans, ordinances and other policies and procedures.
2. Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding basic laws, regulations, policies, standards and procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements.
3. Reviews and processes various plans and applications for subdivision, housing and commercial and industrial developments, variances, conditional use permits and business licenses; determines conformity with laws, policies, regulations and procedures.
4. Assigns and routes plan checks, structural, grading, and landscape plans to City staff; reviews plan checks for conformity.
5. Prepares staff reports and recommendations for review by senior planning staff and management for presentation to various commissions, boards and community groups.
6. Prepares a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, commentaries, and correspondence; assists with drafts or revisions to local ordinances, policies and procedures.
7. Compiles, analyzes and interprets data to define environmental conditions and community and zoning projects or requests.
8. Answers questions and provides information and assistance to the public in person, on the telephone and in writing.
9. Prepares maps, graphs, charts and other visual aids to illustrate presentations of planning studies; develops and prepares material for pamphlets, brochures and publications.
10. Uses computers and software programs for various technical planning projects and studies.
11. Attends Planning Commission, City Council, and other meetings as required.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER: 
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.

1. Coordinates the preparation of meeting agendas for various commissions, boards and community groups; reviews draft materials and prepares comments; organizes conferences and work sessions and ensures timely notification of appropriate parties.
2. Prepares and edits a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, commentaries, correspondence and drafts of revisions to local ordinances, planning policies, and procedures.
3. Assigns and routes plan checks, structural, grading and landscape plans to City staff; reviews plan checks for conformity.
4. Plans, organizes, and conducts research studies and prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing and environmental needs
5. Maintains, updates and analyzes demographic and other data required for the planning function; participates in the review, development or revision of the various elements of the General Plan, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances and other policies and procedures.
6. Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards and procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements.
7. Reviews, investigates and processes various plans and applications for subdivision, housing, commercial and industrial developments, variances, use permits, and business licenses; determines conformity with laws, policies, regulations and procedures; recommends approval or identifies problems and assesses alternatives.
8. Prepare and make staff presentations to the City Council, boards, commissions and community groups; answers questions, and provides information and assistance to the public in person, on the telephone and in writing.
9. Coordinates, reviews and administers contracts for planning and environmental consulting services.
10. Prepares maps, graphs, charts and other visual aids to illustrate planning studies.
11. Uses computers and software programs for various technical planning projects and studies.
12. May instruct others in explaining work procedures and supporting other staff on a project basis.
13.Attends Planning Commission, City Council, and other meetings as required.
 

ASSISTANT PLANNER:

Knowledge of:

Principles, procedures, standards, practices, and information sources associated with municipal urban planning; implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; methods used in developing information for General Plan modifications; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, and/or social concepts to the planning process; community trends; mathematic concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulae relevant to the planning process; terminology, symbols, and methods used in zoning policies, General Plan interpretation and subdivision maps; applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Ability to:

Understand and apply federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, standards and procedures pertaining to the planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, and graphs and statistical data; research, analyze and summarize planning data; operate computer terminal and use word processing, spreadsheet and planning-based software applications; prepare clear visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and illustrations; make presentations of ideas and recommendations; prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials; exercise sound judgment within established guidelines and supervisory direction; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work.

Education/Training/Experience:

Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in urban planning, architecture, environmental design, public administration, or a related field.

Experience: One or more years of professional or technical planning experience is preferred. Experience with a local government entity is desirable.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

A valid Class C California driver’s license and ability to maintain insurability under the City’s requirements to complete site visits and off-site work-related meetings on City business.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER:

Knowledge of:

 Objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices and information sources of urban planning; implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; methods used in developing information for General Plan modifications; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, architecture and/or social concepts to the planning process; applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, including the Subdivision Map Act, the California Environmental Quality Act and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act; community trends and market analyses techniques; math concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulae relevant to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning and map drafting; local government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning unit.

Ability to:

Understand and apply aspects of federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data; research, analyze and summarize planning data; operate computer terminal and word processing, spreadsheet and use planning software applications; prepare clear visual displays, such as maps, graphs and illustrations; present ideas persuasively; prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials; exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines; instruct others in work procedures and provide specific project direction; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of the work.

Education/Training/Experience:

 Any combination of experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in urban planning, architecture, environmental design, public administration, or a related field.
 
Experience: Three or more years of professional planning experience is required, preferably with a local government entity. Licenses; Certificates
 

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

A valid Class C California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s Vehicle Insurance Policy in order to complete sit visits and attend off-site work related meetings on City business.
 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms.   Employees occasionally stand and walk and lift and move records and documents weighing up to 20 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; attend hearings and meetings; and interact with staff, officials, architects, contractors, residents, and the public.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee works under typical office conditions; the noise level is usually quiet below 80 decibels. The employee occasionally works outdoors conducting site inspections of properties for projects being reviewed for development and land use actions.