Assistant Planner - City of Davis, CA : Job Details

DEFINITIONUnder general supervision, performs professional current planning work; reviews development and land use applications, and zoning and site plans; assists the public at the front counter and on the phone, answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, development standards, approved development proposals, and the City's entitlement process; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; and performs related work as required.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is the entry-level classification in the Planner series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine professional and technical planning work in current planning activities. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Planner level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.* Reviews and analyzes proposed development projects for conformance with adopted City plans, design/architectural guidelines and standards, applicable codes and ordinances, and other regulations; prepares recommendations on approval of such projects.* Assists the public at the front counter and on the phone, answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, development standards, approved development proposals, and the City's entitlement process; performs plan check functions for various projects; receives and reviews applications for building permits for completeness; receives and records zoning and code compliance complaints, and establishes files; reviews and recommends approval on plans submitted for building plan check and permits.* Reviews permit applications and building plans for completeness and compliance with current City codes and regulations; provides interpretations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, and local environmental guidelines; identifies corrective actions to be taken by owners; recommends improvement and rehabilitation programs; conducts follow-up and re-check and recommends approval or denial of submittals.* Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to land use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.* Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; assists in reviewing environmental impact reports; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters; participates in the implementation and administration of the City's General Plan and development regulations.* Researches, collects, records, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes statistical and demographic information; prepares spreadsheets and establishes and maintains a comprehensive database.* Assists in preparing staff reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, Historical Resources Management Commission, and various other committees and advisory boards as directed; prepares research, reports, and maps.* Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.* Performs other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of:* Operations and services of comprehensive municipal planning programs.* Modern principles and practices of urban planning and zoning.* Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to municipal planning.* Principles of plan review and approval.* Planning permit processing actions.* Site planning and architectural design principles.* General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation as they relate to urban planning.* Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.* Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.* Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.* Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.* Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.* Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.* Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.* Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.* The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.* Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.Ability to:* Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.* Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services for plan review and acceptance.* Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.* Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.* Read and understand technical drawings, plans and specifications.* Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.* Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies.* Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.* Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.* Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.* Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.* Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.* Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.* Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Education and Experience:Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:Education:* Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, regional planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field.Experience:* One (1) year of professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.Licenses and Certifications:* Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.Physical DemandsMust possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.Environmental ElementsEmployees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.WORKING CONDITIONSOccasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.