Under general supervision, administers planning activities; provides technical direction to lower-level staff; provides information and assistance to property owners, developers, contractors, and the general public; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides professional assistance to the Senior Planner, City Council, Planning Commission, and others in areas of expertise; oversees, reviews, and performs a variety of studies; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Senior Planner.  May exercise technical and functional direction to paraprofessional and clerical staff.

Class Characteristics

This is the journey level class in the Planner series with responsibilities spanning the entire spectrum of the planning function, with a primary emphasis on current and advance planning, zoning, subdivision ordinance, and General Plan.  Successful performance of the work requires a broad professional background as well as skill in coordinating assigned work with that of City departments and public agencies.  Responsibilities may include assisting with performing specified departmental day-to-day administrative functions.  This class is differentiated from Senior Planner in that the latter has responsibility for planning functions and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

• Interprets and applies Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that public and private projects are in compliance, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, Public Resource Code, General Plan, and Design Specifications.
• Interacts and communicates with a variety of individuals and groups at the public service counter, in the field, over the telephone, at public hearings, and in discussion forums, including other City departments and public agencies, elected and appointed City officials, developers, consultants, architects, engineers, attorneys, appraisers, real estate agents, property owners, and the general public for the purpose of obtaining or providing information, coordinating activities, processing projects, negotiating plan changes, and formulating recommendations.
• Conducts plan check of building permit-level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements; conducts over-the-counter plan check of less complex development proposals and land uses; approves minor development plans.
• Reviews building permit applications, maps, and grading plans for compliance with zoning and land use regulations, and any applicable Conditions of Approval.
• Coordinates project reviews by other City departments and outside agencies and consultants.
• Evaluates the conclusions of initial studies, mitigated negative declarations, environmental impact reports, and uses the evaluation to formulate a recommendation on projects; monitors project compliance with environmental document mitigation measures and conditions of approval.
• Participates in General Plan review, amendments, and updates; participates in and makes recommendations regarding policy development; observes, identifies, and responds to policy and procedure-related questions and concerns; communicates any observed deficiencies to management; participates in creating new policies and procedures as necessary.
• Provides staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; provides technical and professional support to departmental management staff and other City departments and the public; advises other departments regarding planning and/or environmental review requirements, budgets, and timelines to facilitate adequate project planning.
• Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, regional/local boards, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities.
• Manages project deposit based on accounts; prepares supplemental fee requests, refunds; reviews deposit tracking log for accuracy.
• Prepares/writes and presents formal reports, approval letters, conditions of approval and CEQA documents; including presentations for the appropriate hearing body, applicants, etc.
• Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, electronic files, hardcopy files, and records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Modern principles, practices, and technical and legal issues of land use, zoning, subdivision, and urban planning regulations, natural resources protection, and environmental laws.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, environmental, and other elements related to city planning.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, traffic, and transportation engineering as they relate to the process of urban planning.
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive environmental planning program.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate operations and processes, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping, technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence and presentations.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Interpret and explain planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other municipal services.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
• Effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, architecture, public administration, or a related field and two (2) years of responsible professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities, preferably with a government agency.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment.

The deadline to apply is October 4, 2018 before 11:30 PM PST.

Applicant must answer supplemental questions with application.

Candidates who are most qualified will be invited to an Oral Interview Examination tentatively scheduled for October 25, 2018.

Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to Kristiana Harapan at RGSMenifee@cityofmenifee.us.  Neither Regional Government Services nor the City of Menifee are responsible for failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application.  Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing RGSMenifee@cityofmenifee.us.