Assistant Planner

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, research, analyze, and prepare reports and recommendations on planning related issues of minimal to moderate complexity; make oral and written presentations; provide information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public on planning and development related matters; and perform other related duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

The Assistant Planner is the entry level class in the professional planning series.   Incumbent performs a variety of planning tasks within defined procedural limits. Assignments may include work which is intended to give the incumbent on the job experience with more difficult planning work.  Positions at this level usually receive less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods; however, as experience is acquired, the employee performs with increasing independence on more difficult and complex duties.

Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job).

1. Research, compile, analyze, and interpret social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; prepare written reports on various planning and zoning matters of minimal to moderate complexity.
2. Assist with planning and zoning matters at the public counter; confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies, standards and application requirements; provide and clarify information related to zoning, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.
3. Review development proposals and work with developers to reach agreement on acceptable site plans; review building plans, parcel maps, and subdivision proposals for compliance with appropriate zoning codes and regulations; check commercial, industrial, and residential development proposals, plans, and applications for issuance of zone clearances; process permit applications and calculate appropriate fees.
4. Assist with preparing staff reports for presentation to the City Council, Planning Commission, committees, advisory boards, and other groups.
5. Conduct field visits; review and conduct inspections for compliance with certificates of use, occupancies, and requests for zoning or land use variances.
6. Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints concerning the City’s planning function.
7. Perform other related duties as assigned.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Fundamental principles, practices and legislation related to urban planning, California Environmental Quality Act requirements and the General Plan.
• Familiarity of current literature, information sources and research methods related to urban planning.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Safe work principles and practices.

Ability to:

• Research and analyze technical and statistical information related to urban planning issues.
• Interpret and explain minimally to moderately complex planning and zoning programs and requirements of the City.
• Learn and apply various codes, laws and regulations to planning projects.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Provide excellent customer service to the general public, providing information and assisting supervisor in resolving and/or directing inquiries or complaints.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Physical Requirements: Position requires the ability to perform light lifting and carrying; sitting for prolonged periods of time; occasional walking, standing and/or bending. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; and may require occasional pushing and pulling. This position also requires the ability to read architectural drawings, plans, specifications, technical reports, contracts and other records.  Good hearing is required when communicating on the telephone or in person.

Work Environment: Primarily office environment with controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Occasional field work where incumbent may be exposed to construction and traffic noise; dust, gas or fumes; walking on uneven ground; machinery and construction equipment.

Note: All employees of the City of Dana Point are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a declared emergency or an undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.