Description

Purpose

Perform planning-related activities for residential, commercial, and public land development projects for municipal and private clients.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Receive general instruction on key objectives for execution. Receive direction as needed, and especially complex assignments, modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria. Work is completed using advanced techniques and principles and is reviewed by more senior staff to ensure application of sound professional judgement. Review work produced by junior staff for quality assurance.

At the Operational and Company Level

• Work closely with more senior staff members to learn about and assist with Planning work. 

• Assist with the marketing of the firm’s capabilities to establish new clients and enhance relationships.

Do the Work

• Receive, review, investigate, and process various plans and applications for subdivisions, housing, and commercial developments, general and specific plan amendments, environmental clearances, variances, and use permits.

• Determine conformity with laws, policies, regulations, and procedures.

• Recommend approval, identify problems and alternatives.

• Provide information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding provisions of the jurisdictional Zoning Code and other planning laws, policies, and regulations related to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements.

• Lead planning projects such as CUPs, ADUs, and Design Review applications.

• Monitor status of development applications from acceptance to issuance of final permit and conduct periodic reviews of conditional permits, variances, minor deviations, design review, and other planning entitlements.

• Gather and evaluate data, assist with the review, development, or revision of various elements of the jurisdictional General Plan, environmental impact report and negative declarations, plans, ordinances, and other policies and procedures.

• Provide assistance to Planner III on an as-needed basis in the areas of research, data collection and preparation of reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, redevelopment and community service needs.

• Perform plan check reviews of commercial, industrial, public, and residential development plans for conformance with development standards and project approval.

• Ensure implementation of the provisions of the jurisdictional Municipal Code and other municipal regulations as they apply to planning matters.

• Prepare and assemble maps, tables, charts, and technical reports on planning projects.

• Ensure that reports are prepared in accordance with policy and practices; present technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence, as necessary.

• May prepare and present material for oral and graphic presentation to jurisdictional boards, commissions, and community groups.

• May act as liaison with other agencies, departments, and planning sections.

Success Metrics and Competencies

Ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate…

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

• High degree of discretion and ability to manage highly confidential information.

• Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.

• Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.

• Self-reliance and ability to operate independently with limited direction.  

• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.

• Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.

• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.

• Commitment to becoming a “citizen” of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.

• Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.

• Data analysis and interpretation skills.

• Perform other duties in support of the planning department's goals and objectives.

• Basic interpretation of maps, site and building plans, design concepts, and municipal code.

Education, Work Experience, Licensure/Certifications, and Technical Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering or related field required.

• Three or more (3+) years of planning or similar relevant experience in the land development industry, with experience in current planning and advanced (long-range) planning.

• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the principles and methodology of Land Use Planning.

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility, including the Subdivision Map Act and the California Permit Streamlining Act.

• Experience in navigating the Entitlement Process, Conditional Use Permits (CUPS), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Basic Plan Checks, and Counter Experience within the public sector.

• Working knowledge of: implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; community trends and market analysis techniques; statistical analysis techniques relevant to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques, and instruments used in planning; methods used in developing information for General Plan modifications and municipal code amendments; and local government organization and the functional practices of a municipal planning function.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).  

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Primarily indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.

• Mobility around an office environment.

• Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

• Occasional outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.

• Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Occasional use of data collection equipment and/or drones, necessitating walking the assigned study area to complete data collection over the course of several hours.

• Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.

• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.

• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.

• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

Salary and eligible variable compensation (if any) commensurate with experience. Range $75,000 - $95,600 and includes a comprehensive benefits package

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

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Qualifications

Behaviors

Preferred

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Motivations

Preferred

• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)