Associate Planner

Associate Planner Anticipated Pay Range: $44.57 – $48.00 per hour. Salary offerings are based on the City's Pay Plan and the applicant’s experience and qualifications. The City of Wildomar is currently recruiting for an Associate Planner to join the Planning Division within our Community Development Department. As the City continues to grow, we are seeking an individual who is motivated and ready to support the City's development and contribute to projects that shape Wildomar's future. The City provides great health benefits and a welcoming work environment. The City offers a 4‑10 work schedule, generous annual leave, and participates in the CalPERS Pension Retirement System,with a 2% @62 retirement formula for new members and a 2.7% @55 formula for classic members. The City pays 100% of the employee contribution rate. Definition Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties related to the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of technical land use, environmental, zoning, and other City planning data; provides land use and zoning information as part of the city’s zoning counter efforts, and assistance on planning-related matters to the general public and other City staff; ensures compliance with the City’s development standards; and performs related work as required. Distinguishing Characteristics This is the journey level class in the Planner series. Incumbents require demonstrated ability to perform a variety of professional planning tasks with greater independence and judgment, more complexity, and a greater focus on planning projects rather than counter work. Supervision Received and Exercised Receives general supervision from the Principal Planner, Planning Manager, or Department Director, as assigned. Essential Functions Collects, records, and summarizes statistical and demographic information; establishes and maintains a comprehensive database. Participates in the research, analysis, and interpretation of social, economic, population, and land use data and trends. Interprets the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance for project compliance with City plans, ordinances, and codes. Plan checks sign proposals, reviews business registrations, and other permit applications. Assists in reviewing development proposals and other requests for conformance with appropriate general plan and zoning regulations. Reviews and approves or denies plan checks for building projects. Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies; prepares technical reports. Makes presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, planning director, standing and ad hoc committees, developers, community groups, and outside agencies. Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Checks commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning clearance, processes zoning clearances, temporary use, sign and other permit applications. Advises and confers with architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies, standards, guidelines, and current and approved projects. Performs inspections and related field work. Takes phone calls and inquiries from the public and other agencies; provides assistance to walk‑in customers at the counter. Prepares staff reports and resolutions related to development projects and graphic displays. Researches and drafts ordinances for review. Attends a variety of meetings, including City Council and Planning Commission meetings and pre‑development meetings. Performs environmental assessments, providing detailed written comments on negative declarations, mitigated negative declarations, environmental impact reports and special studies performed by outside consultants. Performs related duties as required. Typical Qualifications Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and procedures of urban and regional planning. Application of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances related to planning, zoning, and environmental analysis. Understanding of the relationship and responsibilities of federal, state, regional, and local government agencies in land planning and regulation. Research and investigation procedures. Drafting and graphic presentations. Statistical and research methods for data collection, analysis, and presentation. Record keeping and report preparation and writing techniques. Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and software such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Operations and organizational structure of municipal government. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Principles and practices of filing and record keeping. Public relations and customer service techniques. Safe and efficient work practices related to code enforcement. City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Ability To Perform technical research and provide reliable advice on planning problems. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy with the public. Work well with people and handle a public counter and telephones of a public agency calmly, self‑assured, and confidently. Use knowledge and experience to work with architects, engineers, contractors, real‑estate brokers, appraisers, and the public to solve problems and foster cooperative relationships. Read maps and learn the City’s geography. Maintain and follow department policies and procedures. Prepare reports and graphic presentations. Interpret and explain laws underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions. Prepare and interpret maps, site and building plans, specifications, charts, and tables. Learn applicable environmental laws and regulations. Analyze, interpret, and compile technical and statistical information; prepare reports. Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting applications. Provide excellent customer service to all members of the public and City and other public agency personnel. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Deliver quality customer service. Work independently and as a team member. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures. Experience and Training Guidelines Minimum of two (2) years of responsible professional municipal or county planning experience. Equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related field. Possession of a State of California driver's license and ability to make reasonable and timely transportation accommodations as needed. Employees may be required to work varying shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Working Conditions Employees generally work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with staff and/or the public and private representatives in various settings, including the field or remote offices for meetings. Incumbents will occasionally be outdoors, exposed to varying temperatures, moderate exterior noise, and limited dust and fumes. Physical Demands Must possess mobility to work in standard office settings, use office equipment, and operate a motor vehicle to visit City sites. Color vision is required for print and screen. Hearing and speech are required for communication. Touch and finger dexterity are required for handling documents, using a computer, and operating standard office equipment. The role is primarily sedentary but may involve standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects up to 20 pounds is required. Mental Demands Effective written and oral communication, reading and interpreting data, information, and documents, analyzing and solving problems, understanding people and situations, learning new information and skills, detailed work, handling changing priorities, interruptions, and multiple concurrent tasks, and interacting with others. The City of Wildomar provides a robust benefits package to all full‑time staff, including generous health coverage for medical, dental, and vision, and participation in the CalPERS retirement system. #J-18808-Ljbffr