Assistant Planner

Assistant Planner

This is an on-site position 5-days a week. After the initial probation period, this position is eligible for remote work one day a week on Fridays subject to the public counter hours and City's telework policy. Under general direction of the Planning Manager, the Assistant Planner performs professional municipal planning work, including the conduct of planning studies, the collection and presentation of data and the preparation of reports; performs related work as assigned. The Assistant Planner is an entry-level professional class responsible for providing general assistance to higher level planners in the areas of research, data collection and preparation of reports, as well as conducting independent planning assignments. Initially work is performed under close supervision. Incumbents are expected to become increasingly more knowledgeable and progressively able to carry out assignments with increasing independence. This class differs from that of Associate Planner in that the latter performs more complex planning studies and broader professional assignments independent of close supervision.

Examples Of Duties

• Provides information and assistance in-person, by telephone and via email to developers, property owners, contractors, architects, and the general public regarding the Emeryville General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, other planning regulations, with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and the implementation of requirements.
• Reviews building permit plans for conformance with planning requirements, and approves such plans on behalf of the Planning Division with notations for revisions as appropriate.
• Reviews applications for business licenses to determine whether applicable planning requirements are met; if so, approves application on behalf of Planning Division; if not, advises applicant of procedures for obtaining planning approval.
• Reviews, investigates, and processes various plans and applications for residential, office, and commercial developments; processes use permit, design review, variance, and subdivision applications; determines conformity with laws, policies, regulations, and procedures, including field trips as necessary; recommends actions, identifies problems and alternatives.
• In consultation with the Planning Director, processes, makes decisions, and issues decision letters on "minor", design review, sign, and subdivision applications.
• Prepares staff reports and makes presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council regarding less complex "major" planning application
• Must be able to attend evening and weekend meetings as required.
• Conducts initial environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for development projects; determines the level of environmental review required; participates in the drafting and implementation of mitigation measures and monitoring programs; works with consultants in preparation of Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports.
• Assists with the planning, organizing, and conduct of research and preparation of reports and recommendations regarding land use, urban design, zoning, population trends, transportation, and community service needs; provides professional and technical assistance to the Associate Planner and Senior Planner.
• Assists with the review, development, revision and maintenance of the various elements of the General Plan and related long-range planning studies, plans, and programs.
• Prepares a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, commentaries, correspondence, and drafts of proposed revisions to ordinances, policies, and procedures; prepares maps, graphs, charts and other visual aids to illustrate planning issues; develops and prepares materials for pamphlets, brochures and publications.
• Confers with and makes presentations to community groups, other government organizations, other City departments, advisory boards, and other formal and informal groups; ensures timely notification of appropriate parties.
• Assists and coordinates activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Assists in administration of the cost recovery program.
• Creates or assists in the development of electronic logs and/or computerized permit tracking systems of planning applications, permits, and other planning documents; ensures that planning application forms and related information is kept updated on the City's website.

• Uses computers and software programs for various technical planning projects and studies including Microsoft Office 365 Apps, Acrobat Adobe, and Canva and is familiar with data management and analysis applications.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education Equivalent to Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in city or regional planning, urban planning, architecture, urban design, or a closely related field such as geography or environmental studies. And Experience Customer service experience and internship experience in a related field is desirable. Licenses and Certifications Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable but not required.

Supplemental Information

Stage I: Application Review – The first stage in the selection process will consist of an application and supplemental questionnaire appraisal review (pass/fail). Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire will not be given further consideration. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to the next stage.

Stage II: Assessment Examination – The second stage of the selection process may consist of a combination of job-related situational project exercises and an oral panel interview designed to assess technical knowledge and any additional KSAs. Job-related situational project exercises may consist of written exercises, performance exercises or other situational exercises that would assess the KSAs. The Assessment Examination is designed to test the applicant's overall aptitude for the position.