Planner Jobs

In addition to the responsibilities of the Planning Associate, this mid-management position performs difficult, professional level work of a more independent and responsible nature in one of the aforementioned areas of specialization.
Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ensures Department services are provided with the highest customer service and ethical standards.
Plans, prepares and manages planning projects and assignments such as surveys, studies, investigations, large development project processing, Glendale Municipal Code revisions, General Plan elements, community plans, specific plans, design guidelines, neighborhood and focused studies and similar projects either independently or as a member of a team.
Prepares staff reports and delivers presentations to Boards, Commissions, and City Council at televised meetings.
Represents the Community Development Department at public meetings, workshops, focus group discussions, charrettes, or before Boards and Commissions or as a liaison with other City Departments presenting staff work.
Carries out original research, surveys, staff reports, and investigative or assumes fact finding assignments in areas such as general plan preparation, environmental and land use analysis, statutory planning, development application processing (including zoning entitlements, design review, environmental review, zone changes, and subdivisions), urban design analysis and development, economics and social studies.
Inspects development projects to ensure compliance with planning, urban design, historic preservation, and zoning requirements and conditions of approval, including architectural design requirements set by the City’s Design Review Boards and other relevant review authorities, including environmental review.
Keeps current on legislation, case law, and urban design concepts and principles affecting land-use planning, physical form, and environmental review and applies changes to procedures as necessary.
Processes applications and provides public information and counseling, exercising professional judgment on planning, urban design, environmental review, and land use issues to professionals, clients and citizens. Supervises or directs the work of hourly staff and volunteers.
May be responsible for the preparation and processing of amendments to the Glendale Municipal Code.
May supervise and assist in the evaluation of other professional staff.
May serve as court witness on planning, zoning, and code enforcement cases.
May be responsible for conducting urban form, transportation and/or design analyses and preparation of design guidelines and standards.
May manage contracts for professional planning or environmental services.
May serve as staff liaison for various Boards and Commissions.
May serve as hearing officer for planning and code enforcement cases.
Drives on City business as necessary.
Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe efficient manner.
Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Planning, architectural and urban design principles.
Knowledge of and a specialized familiarity with:
Current planning functions, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Permit Streamlining Act, Subdivision Map Act, comprehensive and community planning, design review practices, historic preservation, transportation, the processing of municipal permits and/or computer programming for planning issues. Specific positions in any of the classifications of this occupational series may require expertise in any of these areas of specialization at a level commensurate with the classification.
Skill in:
Making independent judgments and defensible decisions based on established guidelines.
Written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to:
Provide exceptional customer service practices to those using the services of the Community Development Department.
Describe and analyze design elements on development plans and assist applicants with the application of City architectural and site planning design standards and policies.
Effectively interact with the public in a positive, helpful manner.
Effectively read and understand architectural and building plans and maps.
Effectively supervise others.
Establish and maintain smooth and effective working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Foster a teamwork environment.
Manage projects in a timely, efficient manner consistent with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Plan, manage and complete projects individually or in conjunction with others, including plan elements, special studies, independent research and analysis.
Prepare accurate, reliable and error-free reports.
Prepare and deliver presentations to the public at community meetings, and to various Boards, Commissions, and City Council at public hearings.
Prepare graphic presentation material for television, public meetings, and community workshops.
Read, write, communicate effectively and comprehend directions in English.
Review and evaluate employees' job performance.
Review plans for consistency with code requirements.
Understand and apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping for planning projects and application processing.
Work effectively as a member of a team with other Community Planning Department staff, other City staff, or citizen groups.
Other Characteristics
Willingness to:
Work overtime as necessary.
Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and/or training to stay abreast with planning theory, legislative changes, urban design and architectural principles, and case law affecting land-use planning, design, and environmental review.
Experience
Four years of increasingly responsible professional experience in a public planning agency or a private firm with direct experience on public planning, environmental, historic, transportation or urban design/architectural issues.
Education/Training
Bachelor's Degree in City Planning, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Sustainability/Environmental Studies, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Economics, Public Administration or a closely related field.
A Master's Degree in City or Urban Planning, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Public Administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
License(s)/Certification(s)
Valid Class C California Driver's License.
Exceptional Customer Service Policy
The City of Glendale places a high importance on quality customer service and prides itself for the high level of services it provides by every employee of the organization. As employees of the City of Glendale, we are committed to providing our diverse community and each other with courteous, considerate, and personal attention.
Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy.
Note
An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: Submitted Application will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements. All applications, resumes and submitted reference materials will be reviewed and evaluated and only the best-qualified candidates based on applicable experience will be invited to the selection process. The evaluation will be based on the candidate's education and experience as related to the position.
Candidates must pass each exam component with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.
ORAL INTERVIEW: (Weight of 100%) Approximately the top 12 scoring candidates who achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the essay will be invited to the oral interview exam.
TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. Any evaluation will be based on the candidate's education and experience as related to the position. Any examination will be to evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills for the position. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the above stated examination components and/or weights. Should this be necessary, the candidates will be notified of the specific examination components and weights prior to the administration of any examination. The selected candidate will be subjected to a background check including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale conforms with State and Federal obligations to make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. The Human Resources Department asks that it be advised of special needs at least five days prior to the first test part so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Glendale requires that all new employees provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity.

The City of Glendale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.
The above listed benefits apply to full-time, salaried positions only.