Associate Planner

Associate Planner Anticipated Pay Range - $44.57 - $48.00/Hourly The City of Wildomar is recruiting an Associate Planner to join the Planning Division within the Community Development Department. The role involves supporting city development and contributing to projects that shape Wildomar’s future. The City provides health benefits, a 4/10 work schedule, generous annual leave, and participation in the CalPERS Pension Retirement System. New members benefit from a 2% @62 retirement formula while classic members benefit from a 2.7%@55 formula with the City covering 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 planning data. Provides land use and zoning information for the city’s zoning counter and assists with planning matters for the public and City staff. Ensures compliance with the city’s development standards and performs related work as required. Distinguishing Characteristics The Associate Planner is a journey level position in the Planner series. Incumbents perform complex professional planning tasks with greater independence and judgment, focusing more on projects than on counter work. They receive general instruction and are fully familiar with the unit’s operating procedures and policies. Supervision Received and Exercised Receives general supervision from the Principal Planner, Planning Manager, or Department Director, as assigned. Essential Functions Statement Collect, record, and summarize statistical and demographic information; maintain a comprehensive database. Research, analyze, and interpret social, economic, population, and land‑use data and trends. Interpret the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance for project compliance with city plans, ordinances, and codes. Check sign proposals, review business registrations, and process permit applications. Assist in reviewing development proposals for conformance with general‑plan and zoning regulations. Review and approve or deny plan checks for building projects. Compile information, recommend special studies, and prepare technical reports. Make presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, Planning Director, developers, community groups, and agencies. Check commercial, industrial, and residential development plans for zoning clearance; process clearances and permit applications. Advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public on development policies, standards, and guidelines. Perform field inspections and related work. Handle public inquiries and provide counter assistance. Prepare staff reports and resolutions on development projects. Research and draft ordinances for review. Attend City Council and Planning Commission meetings and pre‑development meetings. Attend professional group meetings, maintain awareness of new planning trends and developments. Conduct environmental assessments, provide comments on declarations and reports. Perform related duties as required. Knowledge of Urban and regional planning principles, practices, methods, and procedures. Applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances related to planning, zoning, and environmental analysis. The relationships and responsibilities of federal, state, regional, and local agencies in land planning and regulation. Research and investigation procedures. Drafting and graphic presentations. Statistical and research methods for collecting, analyzing, and presenting planning data. Record‑keeping and report‑preparation techniques. Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Municipal government operations and organizational structure. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Filing and record‑keeping principles. 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 Conduct technical research and provide reliable advice on planning problems. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy with the public. Work with people and manage a public counter and telephone service calmly and confidently. Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, brokers, appraisers, and the public to solve problems. Read maps and learn the city’s geography. Follow department policies and procedures. Prepare reports and graphic presentations. Explain laws underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions. Prepare and interpret maps, site and building plans, specifications, charts, and tables. Apply environmental laws and regulations. Analyze, interpret, and compile technical and statistical information; produce reports. Operate office equipment including computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications. Provide excellent customer service to the public and other agency personnel. Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Build effective working relationships with contacts. Demonstrate cultural diversity awareness and appreciation. Deliver quality customer service. Work independently and as a team member. Maintain safe work practices and procedures. Experience and Training Guidelines Experience: at least two (2) years of responsible professional municipal or county planning experience. Training: 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. Licenses and Certifications: possession of a California driver’s license. Special Requirements: employees may be required to work varying shifts and extended hours, including evenings and weekends. Working Conditions Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily in an office setting with moderate noise, controlled temperature, and no direct exposure to hazardous substances. Occasional outdoor exposure may involve varying temperatures, moderate traffic noise, dust, and fumes. Physical Demands: Requires mobility in a standard office setting, operation of office equipment, assessment of documents, and use of a computer. Ability to move, lift, and carry up to 20 pounds. Primarily sedentary with occasional standing and walking. Mental Demands: Utilizes written and oral communication skills; analyzes data and solves problems; adapts to changing priorities; interacts with multiple stakeholders. #J-18808-Ljbffr