Assistant Planner

Job Title

This position is 100% in-person at Malibu City Hall and is not eligible for hybrid remote work.

Job Description

Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of professional and technical routine to complex activities in the field of current and advance planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plan and environmental review; may serve as project manager for development applications; completes technical assessments, prepares written project analyses and provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, permits and environmental review; assists with and completes preparation of City Ordinances; and performs related work as required.

The ideal candidate has knowledge of land use planning laws and practices, development and zoning administration, and California local government and coastal planning. Knowledge of site planning and architectural design principles, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are required. Has the ability to conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports, interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public, and prepare clear and concise reports and other written materials. The ability to effectively interact with the public in a positive and helpful manner and to handle multiple projects while working comfortably in a fast-paced team environment are critical. Skill in Microsoft programs is required; optional skills include ArcView (GIS), Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop and/or Google SketchUP.

Examples of Duties

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Reviews commercial, industrial, and residential development proposals, plans, and applications for conformance with City policies and ordinances, the General Plan, and State and Federal laws.

• Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, developers, engineers, architects, and the public regarding conformance to standards, plans, specifications, and codes; explains codes, requirements, and procedures and evaluates alternatives.

• Conducts site visits to assess property conditions and/or compliance with current City zoning codes and regulations; identifies corrective actions to be taken by owners; conducts follow-up inspections and rechecks as required.

• Serves as project manager for routine application projects, including analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review, and making recommendations, ensuring plans and applications receive appropriate signatures, coordinating in-house review with contractors, administering contracts, and giving approval for payment on projects.

• Receives and processes permit applications; reviews applications for completeness and conformity to policies and procedures; calculates appropriate permit fees and processes payments.

• Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population and land use data and trends; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters and elements of the City's General Plan.

• Assists with the revision, implementation, and administration of the City's General Plan; assists in preparing draft ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items for council approval.

• Prepares staff reports and various technical and informational reports; prepares presentations and presents to City Council, boards, commissions, committees, various groups, and other jurisdictions interested in or affected by City planning and development.

• Participates in coordinating City planning and development related activities with other City departments and outside agencies.

• Maintains accurate records and files.

• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration or a related field.

Experience:

One (1) year of professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record to be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• Municipal planning principles, techniques, practices, and procedures including knowledge of general plans, zoning ordinances, specific plans and development standards and practices.

• Methods and techniques of reviewing a diverse range of applications for accuracy and completeness.

• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political and other elements related to city planning.

• Local coastal planning.

• Site planning and architectural design principles.

• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.

• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning and zoning.

• Basic organization and function of public agencies, including the role of an elected City Council and appointed boards and commissions.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to assigned area of responsibility.

• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Basic project management techniques.

• Practices of researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.

• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Receive and respond to a variety of questions from the general public, contractors, and developers; interpret planning and zoning programs, policies, processes, codes, and regulations.

• Review applications for accuracy and completeness; process and/or submit to other planning staff for action.

• Read and understand technical drawings, plans and specifications and make conduct effective site visits.

• Conduct research, compile technical and statistical information to evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.

• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Enforce ordinances and regulations effectively and tactfully.

• Make effective public presentations.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.