Assistant Planner Jobs

JOB
Small Team – Big OpportunityIf you are seeking a career in government where you can make a difference in the community every day and be part of a positive work culture that supports professional development, the City of Moorpark is the place for you. We are fresh off the adoption of General Plan 2050 and with a comprehensive update to our zoning code underway, we’re seeking a motivated Assistant Planner to join our team. Working at a small organization provides additional opportunities for exposure to City government and to participate in more complex planning projects than traditionally offered in an entry-level position. As an example, this position will present projects to the Planning Commission, coordinate directly with the Economic Development and Housing Divisions, and interface with department heads and City management. The City of Moorpark is a great place to make a big impact as part of a small team. We welcome your interest if this opportunity aligns with your career goals and experience. We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package comprised of 90% City paid health insurance for employee and dependents, 100% City paid dental, vision, life, short-term and long- term disability insurance for employee and dependents, CalPERS retirement, 2% City contribution of employee gross salary to deferred compensation, annual leave bank, 11 ½ days paid holidays, Flexible Spending Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), tuition reimbursement, voluntary life insurance and work/life balance e.g., flexible work schedule/remote work. (See and review the benefits tab). Here at City Hall, we have a mentorship program, an Employee Engagement Team, and we celebrate and recognize employees every quarter. This position may be eligible for a $2,500.00 signing bonus upon appointment to the position. About the City of Moorpark The City of Moorpark was incorporated in 1983 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. We are conveniently located in the southeastern part of Ventura County near the cities of Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley, within an hour’s drive to Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, and close to the Southern California beaches. Moorpark is nestled in a flourishing valley with spacious mountain views, a perpetual vacation climate, beautiful residential neighborhoods, cultural arts, shopping, a variety of restaurants, outstanding schools, and the exceptional Moorpark Community College. Moorpark also has 19 city parks with sport courts and fields, open grass, picnic areas, hiking, and viewpoints. Be a part of the exciting things happening in Moorpark. Some of our current projects include: a comprehensive zoning code update, the revitalization of our historic High Street in downtown Moorpark, a large Public Works project to improve Princeton Avenue, planning for a new library, and the developing of over 2,000 new housing units in the City.Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to“Strive to preserve and improve the quality of life in Moorpark.” Below are some employee comments on why they like working for the City of Moorpark: "As a parent, I like the flexible schedule. I can start at 7:00 a.m. and be done by 4:00 p.m. to be with my children”. “There is teamwork in my department. When I need help, there is someone always there to assist me”.“I like the All-Employee Meeting. The food is always good, and the City Manager gives updates on what is happening. We play games and recognize employees.”“I like working with professionals who are trying to do their best for the City.”“Flexibility in my schedule and easy-going employees. This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time. Prompt application submission is encouraged. The first review of applications: Monday, June 12th.You will perform professional work in the field of current and/or comprehensive planning; process permits and conduct research; and provide information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public on planning, housing, and development related matters. This position is not overtime exempt. The City has the discretion to make occasional adjustments of the work week, work day, or hours for this position to serve the interest of the City's operation and mission. The Assistant Planner position is an entry level class in the professional planner series. This class is distinguished from the Associate Planner I and Associate Planner II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series and this class still requires more supervision. Employees at this level may have limited development project case planner experience and receive immediate supervision from higher-level staff.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
What you will do: Confer with and advise other staff, architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; provide customer service at the public counter and over the phone. Provide responsible staff assistance and support to higher-level planning staff.Accept applications for development; enter data into a computer; check commercial, industrial and residential development plans to determine compliance with appropriate conditions of approval regulations and policies; process administrative and discretionary permits and minor variances. Participate in the preparation or review of environmental impact and planning reports, yearly Department of Finance Report, monthly census report of building activity, yearly infrastructure report and quarterly development status report; with supervision, prepare initial studies; may make recommendations on special studies and compile information. Participate in the environmental review process of proposed development.Conduct planning research; prepare reports; prepare and maintain graphics and maps.Collect, record, and summarize statistical and demographic information; establish and maintain a comprehensive database; research and draft various ordinances for review.Process minor lot line adjustment applications, sign permit applications, zoning clearances, and landscape plans and invoices.Perform site visits of proposed site projects; survey neighborhoods for land uses.Research and prepare a variety of documents, briefs, and correspondence on planning activities.As assigned, assume responsibility for code and condition compliance related duties.Process and issue home occupation, business registration and vendor permits, and develop and maintain related files and correspondence.Provide regular reports to the Department Head on the status of development applications and code compliance activities. Maintain organized and accurate records, files, and databases for entitlement processing, including key deadlines for action and expiration dates for permits.Marginal Functions: May make public presentations and present oral reports on planning information and activities.Serve as emergency response worker as necessary. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Experience: One year of planning technician-level experience working in municipal, county, or regional government community development/planning department or similar private sector experience is desirable. Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, architecture, geography, public administration, business management or a related field. License or Certificate: Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license. WORKING CONDITIONS Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens; exposure to outside atmospheric conditions, dust and noise; work on slippery or uneven surfaces.Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting, or walking for prolonged periods of time; travel to various locations; operating motorized vehicles; medium lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling; climbing; balancing; stooping; reaching; handling; use of fingers; talking; hearing; near and far acuity; depth perception.