Planner - Assistant

JOB

Under general supervision, to perform professional planning assignments in the County planning Department; to assist with and perform planning studies, environmental reviews, community design, and general plan preparation; to assist with planning policy formulation and implementation; to perform zoning enforcement; to explain planning ordinances, regulations, and policies to the public; and to do related work as required.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is the first experienced working level in the professional Planner class series. Incumbents are expected to perform a broad range of planning and zoning enforcement assignments. This class is distinguished from Associate Planner in that Associate Planners are expected to perform more complex, specialized planning work requiring more in-depth knowledge of County planning policies.REPORTS TOAssigned supervisory or management staff.CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISEDThis is not a supervisory class. TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONSWork is performed in an office environment; occasionally works outside; continuous contact with other staff.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)Gathers data and information for planning studies and policy development. Performs a variety of professional planning work including both current planning and preparation of general plan elements, as assigned. Assists with and prepares project reports. Conducts research and performs data analysis. Processes applications for land use projects, such as special use permits, zoning changes, and site development. Coordinates application reviews with other County departments, as necessary. May be assigned to staff support for LAFCO and perform projects related to annexations, consolidations, and district changes. Performs zoning enforcement work, including the conduct of site inspections to ensure compliance with General Plan and Zoning Codes. Assists with the preparation and prepares environmental studies. Assists with public presentations. Participates in the environmental review of proposed land use projects. Assists with the revision of planning ordinances and general plan elements. Interprets use permits in accordance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. Performs reviews of site development plans. Prepares and presents staff reports on items for elected or appointed boards and commissions which hear and act upon public planning issues and matters.Prepares and assists with preparation of maps, graphs, and information summaries. May receive and respond to zoning violation complaints. Answers public inquiries regarding planning issues, permit procedures and requirements, and zoning.Other duties as assigned.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Knowledge of: General theory, principles, and practices of land use planning and their application to a variety of planning problems. Laws, rules, regulations, and policies affecting land use and zoning. Research methods and statistical analysis. Environmental impacts of changes in land use. Graphic illustration and presentation. Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet software. Ability to: Perform professional planning studies, environmental reviews, and zoning enforcement.Read and interpret laws, ordinances, general plan elements, environmental impact statements, and other documents related to community planning and land use.Collect, compile, and analyze technical, statistical, and other information related to public planning.Read and interpret maps.Prepare a variety of planning, environmental, and zoning reports.Make effective oral and written presentations.Effectively represent the Planning Department in responding to inquiries, providing assistance, and dealing with public and community organization concerns about planning, land use, and zoning.Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Selection Process: All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed. Depending upon the number of applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process may include a screening committee (pass/fail) and/or an oral examination (100%) which may include a written practical component to determine placement on the eligible list. In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.