Assistant Planner

The City of Salinas is accepting applications for Assistant Planner. The current vacancy is in the Current Planning division. The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Summary of Duties : To perform professional work in planning, environmental analysis and to assist in the administration of zoning and related development regulations.

Distinguishing Characteristics : This is the entry-level class in the professional planning series. Work includes assignments in the area of planning, environmental analysis and zoning administration, including the enforcement of zoning and related development regulations. Requires the application of fundamental planning principles. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher-level employees. However, as experience is acquired, the employee performs with increasing independence. This class is distinguished from that of the Associate Planner by less complex assignments received and less independence/discretion exercised.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general supervision from a Senior Planner or Planning Manager. No supervision exercised.

• Inspects properties to determine compliance with specific conditions of planned unit development permits, variances, and conditional use permits
• Reviews building permit applications, signs permit applications, business license applications and development proposals for consistency and compliance with zoning regulations
• Administers sign regulations
• Checks business license and liquor license applications for zoning compliance
• Administers sign regulations
• Assists in the review and processing of applications of planned unit development permits, conditional use permits, rezoning, variances and other permits
• Researches economic, population and land use data and trends; prepares written reports on various planning matters and elements of the General Plan
• Prepares initial studies and prepares or reviews environmental reports, including negative declarations and Environment Impact Reports
• Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies and prepares planning reports
• Prepares general plan amendment studies
• Issues Temporary Use of Land and Family Child Daycare Permits
• Recommends needed changes in zoning regulations and related policies and procedures
• Answers questions and provides zoning regulation information to business representatives, property owners and the public
• Researches and prepares technical and official reports on planning topics
• Conducts special studies, surveys, and projects, as assigned
• Performs related duties as assigned
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of urban planning, zoning, and land use regulations
• Applicable environmental laws and regulations
• Microsoft office
  
  

Ability To

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Read, understand, apply, and explain zoning and related regulations
• Read and interpret site and building plans
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, business representatives, coworkers, and the general public
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, written and oral reports
  
  

Education And Experience

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning or a closely related field; or

Sixty (60) units from an accredited college in planning or a closely related field and two (2) years of progressive experience in land use planning or a related field, performing duties that demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities required for this assignment; or

Four (4) years of experience in land use planning or a related field, performing duties that demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities required for this assignment.

Licenses and Certifications: A valid California Driver’s License.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions : Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computer, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read printed materials, visual display terminals, detailed fine writing on plans and specifications for development projects, and distinguish colors for design evaluation purposes; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead as needed; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift up to 20 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.

Business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal. Occasionally include driving to job sites, training and out-of-office meetings.

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Human Resources Manager, at (831) 758-7416 or patricia.penaloza@salinas.gov