Assistant Planner or Associate Planner

THE POSITION:

The City of Union CIty is currently seeking ONE highly energetic, highly motivated individual for the postion of Assistant Planner or Associate Planner. 

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Under the general direction of the Planning Manager and the Economic and Community Development Director, performs planning work including research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing per the policies and provisions of the General Plan and zoning ordinance, preparation of environmental documents, and other planning and development projects.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Under the general direction of the Planning Manager and the Economic and Community Development Director, performs planning work of substantial professional difficulty, including research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing per the policies and provisions of the General Plan and zoning ordinance, preparation and administration of area and specific plans, preparation of environmental documents, and other complex planning and development projects. 

 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

ASSISTANT PLANNER

The Assistant Planner is the entry-level flexibly staffed classification within the professional planning series. Work is reviewed upon completion of assignments, assessing draft reports for adequacy, factual content, presentation, and the soundness of interpretations and conclusions. The Assistant Planner classification is distinguished from the Associate Planner as the former is expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment as the Associate Planner and would receive direction and assistance as they progress in the position.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

The Associate Planner is the journey level flexibly staffed classification within the professional planning series. Positions in this class require substantial professional planning experience. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Planner by assignment of the full range of professional planning duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the workplace. This role involves undertaking planning work of substantial professional difficulty, requiring a high level of expertise in research, data gathering, analysis, design, and report writing. The Associate Planner is responsible for overseeing the preparation and administration of area and specific plans and managing other complex planning and development projects. Assignments are usually broad in scope and require the use of judgment base on experience in making complex technical decisions. Assignments may require technical or functional supervision of technical and/or clerical positions. 

 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

ASSISTANT PLANNER ($7,332 – $8,910)

• Under direction, reviews building, site and architectural plans, use permits, code amendments, variances, development proposals, and other related documents for conformance to City standards and other applicable state and federal rules and regulations; may serve as primary point of contact to developers and property owners in meeting these standards.
• Assists in preparing environmental documents per the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act for both public and private projects, including negative/mitigated negative declarations and/or environmental impact reports, notices, and mitigation measures.
• Prepares and updates maps, visual exhibits and other graphics for use in reports and public presentations.
• Under direction, may present to the City Council and Planning Commission, and other committees and advisory groups regarding land use applications, general plan amendments, code amendments, area and specific plans, and related studies.
• Assists in reviewing plans submitted for building permits for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and conditions of approval.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Coordinates planning related programs or projects involving multi-department and multi-jurisdictional review, participates in project review as member of the Development Review Committee; provides professional planning guidance in responding to questions or inquiries.
• Assists with researching, analyzing, and interpreting social, economic, population, and land use data and trends.
• Performs related work as required.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER ($8,532 – $10,365)

• Reviews building, site and architectural plans, use permits, code amendments, variances, development proposals, applications and other related documents for conformance to City standards and other applicable state and federal rules and regulations; serves as primary point of contact to developers and property owners in meeting these standards.
• Prepares environmental documents per the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act for both public and private projects, including negative/mitigated negative declarations and/or environmental impact reports; works with consultants in facilitating preparation of environmental documents and related findings and mitigation measures.
• Prepares amendments and updates to the General Plan and Municipal Code in conformance with State law.
• Prepares and updates maps, visual exhibits and other graphics for use in reports and public presentations.
• Conducts office and field studies, researches and prepares recommendations for all types of development applications based on local and state planning laws.
• Reviews and analyzes development proposals and works with developers, the public and other agencies regarding various land use permits, general plan amendments, and zone changes.
• Makes presentations to the City Council and Planning Commission, and other committees and advisory groups regarding land use applications, general plan amendments, code amendments, area and specific plans, and related studies.
• Lead and facilitate planning initiatives or projects that require multi-departmental and multi-jurisdictional evaluation, actively participates in project reviews as a member of the Development Review Committee and offers professional planning advice when addressing questions or inquiries.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Researches, drafts, and prepares updates to the Zoning Ordinance and amendments to the General Plan.
• Reviews plans submitted for building permits for conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and conditions of approval.
• Reviews and finalizes research, analysis, and interpretation of the social, economic, population, and land use data and trends.
• Serves as liaison to appointed hearing bodies.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, public administration, architecture, geography or related field.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

• Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university, with major work in urban planning, public administration, architecture, geography, or related field;

AND

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible full time planning experience in a municipal planning department, private consulting for public agencies, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Possession of an appropriate master’s degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

 

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Knowledge of:  

• Planning and zoning principles, methods, practices and trends of urban planning and zoning administration.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to land use and planning.
• *Environmental laws and practices per the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and related state laws and regulations. 
• *Site planning and architectural design principles and practices. 

Ability to:  

• Compile, comprehend, analyze, interpret, prepare, and present complex technical reports and statistical data.
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports orally and in writing to various groups of elected or appointed officials, consultants, and interested citizens.  
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other employees, consultants, elected and appointed officials, and the public. 

*COMPETENCIES EXPECTED OF THE ASSOCIATE PLANNER.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The City of Union City is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Union City will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.       

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature.

Travel: Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

 

BENEFITS:

Retirement:  CalPERS enrollment in one of the following retirement formulas, dependent on the individual’s eligibility, as per AB 340: 1) 2.5% @ 55 (Class Employees – Tier 1; Employee Rate 8%), 2) 2% @ 60 (Classic Employees – Tier 2; Employee Rate 7%), or 3) 2% @ 62 (PEPRA; Employee Rate 7%). The City does not participate in Social Security therefore there are no Social Security tax deductions (except 1.45% Medicare).

Life Insurance: Premium is paid by the City.  Life insurance and AD&D is equal to $100,000 each.  Long-term and short-term disability insurance premium is shared by the City and employee.  Additional voluntary supplemental life insurance is available.

Medical/Dental: The City provides up to $2,000/month to purchase medical, dental and vision benefits.

Leaves:  8 hours of sick leave/month with no limit on accumulation; 10 days of vacation per year for the first three years of service; 12 paid holidays per year plus 24 hours floating holidays.

Other:  Educational Reimbursement for approved coursework; 9/80 work schedule, with alternate Fridays off. Deferred Compensation Plan available. 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The selection process may consist of, but limited to one or more of the following components:

1. Screening for Best Qualified
2. Supplemental Questionnaire
3. Written Exam
4. Performance Exam
5. Oral Interview
6. Resumes may not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Applicants who are invited to continue in the selection process will be notified by e-mail. Successful candidates’ names will be placed on an employment eligibility list. The eligibility list will remain in effect for a minimum of one year from the date the list is established. Additional vacancies that occur for this classification may be hired from the list.

 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

The City of Union City provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities, upon request. Please contact the Human Resources Department (hr@unioncity.org) if you will need reasonable accommodation for any aspect of the selection process.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Union City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.

 

RECRUITMENT CONTACT:

Contact phone: (510)675-5339

Contact email: hr@unioncity.org