Assistant Planner I or II

$34.91 - $42.43/hour (Steps 1 - 5)

OR

$40.49 - $49.21/hour (Steps 1 - 5)

The City of Santa Clarita is hiring for one position at either an Assistant Planner I or Assistant Planner II level.

The Assistant Planner I is an entry-level position responsible for assisting customers at the public counter; reviewing subdivisions, zoning, and development requests; and performing basic planning studies.

The Assistant Planner II is a journey-level position responsible for assisting customers at the public counter, reviewing subdivisions, zoning, and development requests; performing mid-level planning studies; and assisting on planning projects.

• Responds to questions pertaining to subdivision, zoning, and development requests; provides assistance to customers on the phone and at the public counter; confers with developers, building designers, contractors, architects, and the general public on planning-related matters

• Interprets planning policies, laws, and ordinances; reviews planning proposals; establishes conditions for project approval to ensure compliance with these policies, laws, and ordinances

• Issues home occupancy permits, conditional and minor use permits, oak tree permits, and other over-the-counter permits

• Performs planning studies, conducts research and analysis, and writes technical planning reports pertaining to the General Plan, Unified Development Code, environmental assessments, annexations, and population projections

• Prepares planning documents. including staff reports, resolutions, and environmental review documents

• Conducts site surveys and formulates site design alternatives within the regulations of the Unified Development Code

• Attends community meetings, City Council meetings, and Planning Commission meetings, and makes presentations on a variety of planning issues

• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives from developers, community organizations, state and local agencies, City staff, and the public

Assistant Planner I

• A Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license

• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered

Assistant Planner II

• One year of planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience reviewing development proposals and land use documents

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license

• Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable

• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered

• Knowledge of land use, planning, and zoning policies and processes and the ability to use this knowledge to explain regulations and policies to customers and review and evaluate development plans

• Familiarity with the subdivision map act and the California Environmental Quality Act

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage time, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work in an environment with constant interruptions, consistently meet deadlines, and be flexible to changing priorities

• Strong computer skills and the ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to create planning-related correspondence, reports, and presentations

• Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare technical correspondence, reports, and PowerPoint presentations pertaining to planning principles

• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to make clear presentations regarding complex planning issues, and communicate effectively with employees and the public in a way that represents a positive City image to the public, employees, and the development community

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact with people in a tactful, professional, and helpful manner

• Strong conflict management skills and the ability to effectively address and resolve customer issues at the counter, on the phone, and by email

• Strong work ethic and the ability to conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with developers, community organizations, state and local agencies, City staff, and the public

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to review and evaluate planning, and development plans, prepare graphic displays to illustrate planning data, and recommend workable solutions

• Strong mathematical skills and the ability to read figures quickly and accurately and solve mathematical calculations

• The ability to drag, push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds

An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.

All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, and successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen, and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm the work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.

As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.

Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees’ Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.

The City of Santa Clarita is an Equal Opportunity Employer.