Assistant Planner I or Assistant Planner II

The City of Santa Clarita is hiring one position at either an Assistant Planner I or Assistant Planner II level.

Assistant Planner I

$5,132 – $6,238/month Steps A-E

The Assistant Planner I is an entry level position responsible for assisting customers at the public counter; reviewing subdivisions, zoning, and development requests; and performing basic planning studies.

Assistant Planner II

$5,951 – $7,234/month Steps A-E

The Assistant Planner II is a journey level position responsible for assisting customers at the public counter, reviewing subdivisions, zoning, and development requests; performing

mid-level planning studies; and assisting on planning projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responds to questions pertaining to subdivision, zoning, and development requests; provides assistance to customers on the phone and at the public counter; confers with developers, building designers, contractors, architects, and the general public on planning-related matters

• Interprets planning policies, laws, and ordinances; reviews planning proposals; establishes conditions for project approval to ensure compliance with these policies, laws, and ordinances

• Issues home occupancy permits, conditional and minor use permits, oak tree permits, and other over-the-counter permits

• Performs planning studies, conducts research and analysis, and writes technical planning reports pertaining to the General Plan, Unified Development Code, environmental assessments, annexations, and population projections

• Prepares planning documents including staff reports, resolutions, and environmental review documents

• Conducts site surveys and formulates site design alternatives within the regulations of the Unified Development Code

• Attends community meetings, City Council meetings, and Planning Commission meetings, and makes presentations on a variety of planning issues

• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives from developers, community organizations, state and local agencies, City staff, and the public

Education and Experience:

Assistant Planner I

• A Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field

• Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license

Assistant Planner II

• One year of planning experience in the public or private sector including experience reviewing development proposals and land use documents

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field

• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered

• Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable

• A valid Class C California driver’s license is required

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of land use, planning, and zoning policies and processes and the ability to use this knowledge to explain regulations and policies to customers and review and evaluate development plans

• Familiarity with the subdivision map act and the California Environmental Quality Act

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage time, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work in an environment with constant interruptions, consistently meet deadlines, and be flexible to changing priorities

• Strong computer skills and the ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access to create planning-related correspondence, reports, and presentations

• Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare technical correspondence, reports, and PowerPoint presentations pertaining to planning principles

• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to make clear presentations regarding complex planning issues, and communicate effectively with employees and the public in a way that represents a positive City image to the public, employees, and the development community

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact with people in a tactful, professional, and helpful manner

• Strong conflict management skills and the ability to effectively address and resolve customer issues at the counter, on the phone, and by email

• Strong work ethic and the ability to conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with developers, community organizations, state and local agencies, City staff, and the public

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to review and evaluate planning, development plans, prepare graphic displays to illustrate planning data, and recommend workable solutions

• Strong mathematical skills and the ability to read figures quickly and accurately and solve mathematical calculations

• The ability to drag, push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds