Assistant Planner

ABOUT THE POSITION: The City of Monterey is looking for a dynamic Assistant Planner to join the Community Development Department. In this key position, the Assistant Planner will assist the public with planning and zoning related inquiries while providing staff support to the Planning Division. This entry-level position is a fantastic opportunity to launch your career in urban planning while gaining valuable experience in reviewing planning and permit applications, project plans, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, as well as city policies.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY: Nestled along California’s Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES: The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process
A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and a federal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems.

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.
Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Monterey provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

SUMMARY: Under close supervision, the Assistant Planner greets the public and assists them with planning and application information. This position reviews planning and permit applications, project plans, reports, and verifies compliance with Federal and State laws, as well as City policies and procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Assistant Planner is a journey-level classification and is the entry level of the planning series. The Assistant Planner supports senior level staff as needed and differs from the higher classes of Associate and Senior Associate Planner in that the Assistant Planner performs entry level duties under close supervision of upper-level staff. The Associate Planner and Senior Associate Planner perform the more difficult professional planning work and projects and functions as a lead and supervisor over subordinate staff.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Staff the public counter and answer general inquiries regarding planning, zoning, land use, City policies and procedures, and the issuance of pertinent licenses/permits.
Provide customer service, information, and recommendations within scope of authority.
Review planning and permit applications, and architectural/engineering plans for compliance with state and federal laws, and City codes, policies, and procedures within scope of authority.
Respond and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints.
Collect, record, and summarize statistical and demographic information; establish and maintain a comprehensive database; research and draft various ordinances for review.
Review technical documents and prepare reports.
Assist with professional planning, research, analysis of data, and report writing.
Keep abreast of new trends, legislation and developments in municipal planning and economic development.
Support the relationship between the City of Monterey, and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff;
Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information
Performs other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university in Urban Planning or a closely related field

Experience: No experience necessary.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Info
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

Basic federal and state regulations, and City codes, policies and procedures governing planning and development.
Basic principles of urban planning, growth management, community development, land use, and permitting.
Policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions including GIS software applications.
Applicable environmental laws and regulations and methods of assessment.
Analyzing and compiling technical and statistical information and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.
Planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
Customer service techniques and methods.
Skill in:
Understanding and interpreting land use and zoning regulations and state and federal laws.
Establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with co-workers.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Collecting, organizing, analyzing and presenting data and information.
Learning to interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Establishing, maintaining and foster positive harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Demands
Standing and Walking – Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
Sitting – Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
Lifting – Ability to safely lift 20 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
Manual Dexterity – Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines; writing.
Visual – Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
Hearing and Speech – Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
Mobility – Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.