Associate Planner

The City of Dana Point is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated professional to join our Planning Division as an Associate Planner. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical skills, communicates effectively, and thrives both independently and collaboratively in a team environment. A commitment to public service, community engagement, and thoughtful planning is essential to help shape and maintain a vibrant, well-designed city.

This is a Continuous Recruitment and may close at any time once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received — early application is strongly encouraged.

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 direction, conduct studies, analyze data, and prepare reports on current and long-range projects in areas of planning, zoning, and redevelopment; 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 Associate Planner is the full journey level class in the professional planning series.   Incumbent performs a full range of duties as assigned, working independently and exercising judgment and initiative.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

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 matters and the general plan.
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 and 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 and graphic displays and making presentations 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:

• Principles, practices and legislation related to urban planning, architectural design, California Environmental Quality Act, and the General Plan.
• Current literature, information sources, and research methods related to urban planning.
• General site planning and architectural design.
• Laws and ordinances applicable to urban planning, community development, and zoning processes.
• 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 planning and zoning programs and requirements of the City.
• Perform professional planning work with limited supervision.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Provide excellent customer service to the general public, providing information and resolving and/or assisting with 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.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

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 to moderate lifting and carrying of items such as computer hardware; sitting for prolonged periods of time; frequent walking and occasional standing and/or bending. Continuous hand use and finger dexterity needed to use computer keyboard and operate standard office equipment; and occasional pushing and pulling. This position also requires the ability to have near vision for reading correspondence, 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 exposure to environmental factors and hazardous physical substances are minimal and pose little to no risk of injury.  Occasional driving to meetings and/or events may be required.

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.

Salary : $84,888 - $120,444