JOB DESCRIPTION

This is an exciting time to join the City of San Juan Capistrano Team! Don't miss this opportunity to work alongside our talented and collaborative Development Services staff on a number of current and upcoming interesting developments that will enhance the San Juan Capistrano community.

The Assistant Planner performs general planning functions involving conducting studies, analyzing data, and preparing reports on current and long-range projects; provides a high level of customer service to the public, and processes entitlements through various Committees, Commissions, and the City Council; coordinates activities related to assigned projects; and provides information and assistance to developers, the business community and the public on planning and development related matters. Employees at this level receive regular instruction or assistance and are learning the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS: Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Performs general planning functions involving conducting studies, analyzing data and preparing reports on current and long-range planning projects.

2. Assists in the coordination of planning activities with other departments, divisions and outside agencies and organizations and provides assistance where needed.

3. Provides customer service at the Planning counter and responds to general planning inquiries received by phone and email.

4. Under general supervision, receives and reviews development proposals and applications and zoning and variance requests; learns compliance standards with appropriate regulations and policies; recommends modifications as appropriate.

5. Conducts a variety of current and long-range planning studies; researches, analyzes and interprets social, economic, land use and population data; identifies trends; prepares written reports and makes recommenda­tions on planning activities.

6. Processes environmental documents; assists in preparing agendas and reports on development applications for presentation to various commissions and committees.

7. Confers with and advises developers, contractors and the general public on acceptable site plans; reviews building plans, parcel maps, tract maps and subdivision proposals; learns compliance with regulations and ordinances.

8. Observes senior staff making public presentations; learns to explain planning and zoning regulations, and upcoming planning projects; responds to and resolves complaints and inquiries.

9. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.

10. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of an urban planning program.
• Principles and practices of urban and regional land use planning.
• Site planning and architectural design techniques and methods.
• Principles and practices of historic preservation.
• Methods and techniques of research and analysis.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Current literature and recent developments in the field of planning and zoning.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations underlying general plans, environmental matters, zoning and land division.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and explaining planning and zoning ordinances and regulations.
• Analyzing and compiling technical and statistical information and preparing reports.
• Preparing clear and concise analytical reports.
• Interpreting planning and zoning programs for the general public.
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines

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

Experience:
One year of experience in regional or urban planning in a public agency.

Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, architecture, political science, public administration or a related field.

Licenses or Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Office environment with occasional field inspections.

Physical Conditions:
Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.