Assistant/Associate Planner

Assistant Planner / Associate Planner

The City of Seal Beach is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Planner / Associate Planner in the Community Development Department. This recruitment will be used to fill one position, with the appointment made at either the Assistant Planner or Associate Planner level based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

The position performs professional field and office planning work related to current and advance planning, including development review, zoning, site plans, building plans, environmental review, staff reports, public counter assistance, and related planning activities.

The Assistant Planner is the first experienced-level classification in the professional planning series and performs planning assignments under closer supervision while gaining experience and independence.

The Associate Planner is the full journey-level classification and performs the full range of professional planning duties with greater independence, judgment, and project responsibility.

Receives direct or general supervision from the Senior Planner or Planning Manager, and the Director of Community Development. The Assistant Planner exercises no supervision of staff. The Associate Planner may provide limited technical and functional direction and training to lower-level staff.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reviews residential, commercial, and industrial development proposals, plans, and applications for compliance with City codes, ordinances, standards, laws, regulations, and policies.
• Reviews permit applications and building plans for completeness and zoning compliance.
• Provides information to the public, applicants, developers, contractors, and other City staff regarding zoning, land use, development standards, permits, and entitlement processes.
• Performs plan check functions and assists with building permit review.
• Reviews and interprets applicable planning documents, including the General Plan, Municipal Code, California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, Coastal Act, specific plans, and related regulations.
• Serves as project manager on planning and development projects, including application review, applicant coordination, environmental review, legal notices, staff reports, meetings, hearings, and project implementation.
• Conducts research, analyzes land use and development data, and prepares reports and recommendations.
• Prepares and presents staff reports to department management, City Council, Planning Commission, Environmental Quality Control Board, Historic Preservation Committee, and other committees or advisory bodies as assigned.
• Conducts site inspections and field visits related to planning applications, permits, and zoning or code compliance matters.
• Assists in the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, maps, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Coordinates planning and development activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of principles and practices of urban and regional planning, zoning, land use, environmental planning, and development review. Current planning processes, entitlement review, site planning, and architectural design principles. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures. California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, Coastal Act, General Plan, Municipal Code, and related planning documents. Research methods, report preparation, and staff report presentation. Modern office practices, computer equipment, and software applications related to planning work. Customer service techniques for working with the public, applicants, developers, contractors, City staff, and other agencies.

Ability to interpret, apply, and explain planning and zoning regulations. Review plans, specifications, technical drawings, maps, and development proposals. Conduct research, analyze information, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations. Prepare clear, concise, and logical written reports, correspondence, and presentations. Organize work, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records. Exercise tact, initiative, sound judgment, and professionalism. Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and in writing. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with City staff, applicants, public agencies, community groups, and the public.

At the Associate Planner level, candidates are expected to demonstrate stronger independent judgment, project management ability, and readiness to handle more complex planning assignments.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Assistant Planner Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field. One year of professional experience in planning, zoning, or related community development activities.

Associate Planner Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field. At least three years of professional experience in planning, zoning, or related community development activities; or two years of experience as an Assistant Planner with the City of Seal Beach. License Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.

Supplemental Information

Applications will be reviewed to determine whether candidates meet the minimum qualifications for the Assistant Planner or Associate Planner level. The most qualified candidates may be invited to participate in one or more selection components, which may include an interview, written exercise, practical exercise, or other job-related evaluation. The final appointment level will be determined by the City based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, demonstrated competencies, and performance in the selection process.

The City of Seal Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the recruitment process and perform the essential functions of the position.