Under general supervision, demonstrates a basic knowledge of municipal zoning codes, performs professional land use and urban planning work, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and environmental documents; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, permits, and environmental review; acts as project planner for smaller development projects, including soliciting project review comments from other departments; prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related work as required.   

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class within the professional Planner series.  Incumbents of the Assistant Planner classification initially perform routine and professional planning work under close supervision. However, as experience is acquired, incumbents are expected to progress to a journey level and perform a full range of planning duties with ever-increasing independence.

• Prepare and make presentations to a variety of community groups.
•  Perform various related duties as required.

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, geography, architecture, or related field.

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year recent paid experience performing responsible urban planning, preferably in a municipal agency.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.

• Principles and practices of urban planning.
• Current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of city planning.
• Statutes related to general plans, zoning and land divisions.
• Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
• Computer software programs, such as I-worqs, Blue Beam, and GIS tools maintained by outside agencies.
• Utilization and care of various types of office machinery and equipment.

• Ability to operate a variety of automated office machines, including a calculator, copier, personal computer.
• Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing slightly skilled movements.
• Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, typically involving lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, sitting and/or walking.
• Ability to maneuver and steer equipment and machinery requiring simple, but continuous adjustments, such as the operation of an automobile.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Ability to calculate decimals, ratios, percentages, fractions, volumes, present values and spatial relationships.
• Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.
• Ability to read and comprehend development plans.

• Ability to utilize functional reasoning and apply rational judgement in performing diversified work activities.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria.
• Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives; ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data, as well as assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information; ability to classify, compute, tabulate and categorize data.
• Ability to multi-task on a daily basis and perform calmly and professionally to meet project and public meeting timelines.

• Ability to utilize a wide variety of descriptive data and information, such as regulations, electronic plans, correspondence and general operating manuals.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and communicate effectively with coworkers, consultants, developers, elected and appointed officials, and the general public, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to advise and provide interpretation how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

• Ability to work in an office environment.