Senior Planner / Associate Planner

CITY OF BENICIA

Benicia, CA

The City of Benicia is currently seeking a Senior/Associate Planner (can be filled at either level depending on experience).

CLOSING DATE: 7/28/2016

SENIOR PLANNER

Under general direction of the Community Development Director, serves as a project manager for complex planning projects; a primary staff person to City boards and commissions; and serves as a project coordinator providing lead direction to other staff members and performs related work as required.

This is the advanced journey level class in the professional Planner series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Associate Planner by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including complex projects, technical and functional (lead) supervision. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

The incumbent must possess sound knowledge and practical experience in applying the fundamentals of urban planning to issues faced by the community. This position is distinguished from the Associate Planner by the greater responsibility, experience and discretion required and greater involvement in major projects. Incumbent independently applies the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and other relevant regulations to determine conformance. The incumbent makes independent decisions regarding the appropriate level of review for assigned projects. Work also involves assisting with the training of new staff members, providing lead direction and supervision of subordinate staff.

The representative duties listed include essential and marginal functions that vary by position. Individuals with disabilities will be considered for placement into positions in this class based upon assessment of the essential functions of the particular position.

Serves as a project manager for complex planning projects including analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review for project plan and applications, and making recommendations.

Coordinates and performs research and analyses pertaining to the General Plan, area plans, grant programs, related municipal ordinances and policies; prepares related reports and recommendations; and renders professional advice regarding planning issues.

Performs technical research, analysis, and report writing.

Critiques development proposals.

Creates and updates long-range planning documents such as the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.

Coordinates activities of consultants preparing reports required by the California Environmental Quality Act; manages related contracts.

Reviews Initial Studies; coordinates the preparation of environmental impact reports; reviews environmental documents of other agencies.

Provides lead direction to subordinate planners on assigned projects; coordinates and reviews the preparation of various reports, correspondence, tabulations, and summaries; provides input regarding the quality of performance to supervisors.

Coordinates and attends various meetings for the purpose of providing and receiving information regarding projects and proposals; as assigned, attends and represents the City's interests or policy position on issues including making presentations before authoritative bodies such as the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Review Commission (HPRC), City Council, and the boards, task forces, and legislative bodies of other governmental agencies.

Conducts site inspections, including determining if projects are in compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances; makes recommendations regarding proposed changes.

Performs related work as required.

Promotes the City's Mission to serve and enhance the City of Benicia with Care, Commitment and Pride; understands and subscribes to the Vision and Values Statement adopted by the City.

QUALIFICATIONS::

Knowledge of:

The objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, and trends in the field of city planning.

Relevant land use, physical design, historic preservation, economic, environmental, and social concepts.

Project management techniques.

Supervisory theories and principles.

Software applications used in planning.

Relevant mathematical concepts.

The application, modification, and interrelationships among ordinances, policies, standards, procedures, and practices.

Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations.

The terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in Planning.

Common reference sources.

Local government organization.

The functions and practices of City and other governmental work units with which coordination is required.

Ability to:

Perform varied and responsible assignments involving the use of initiative and judgment under minimum supervision.

Manage multiple priorities, multitask, and work under quickly changing priorities.

Provide lead direction and coordinate the work of other professionals.

Monitor and evaluate professional staff.

Perform and coordinate activities, such as the collection, analysis, and preparation of reports and recommendations pertaining to complex issues.

Interpret laws, policies, procedures, regulations, maps, specifications, site and building plans, graphs, and statistical data.

Make and defend decisions.

Prepare visual displays, such as PowerPoint presentations.

Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those encountered in the course of work.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that would likely provide the relevant knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience involving general plan, zoning and development services; which includes at least two (2) years of project management and two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Planning, Architecture or related field.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Under general direction of the Community Development Director or their designee, performs complex professional work involving a broad spectrum of planning assignments; responsible for current and advanced planning projects and performs related work as required.

This position is typically the journey-level professional classification in the Planning Division. The incumbent must possess sound knowledge of and practical experience in applying the fundamentals of urban planning to complex planning issues. In consultation with supervisors, this position will compose staff reports, and may make recommendations and present staff findings to the City Council, boards, and commissions.

The representative duties listed include essential and marginal functions that vary by position. Individuals with disabilities will be considered for placement into positions in this class based upon an assessment of the essential functions of the particular position.

Reviews and analyzes applications for consideration by the City Council, commissions and senior staff.

Prepares complex staff reports for appropriate review bodies, including commissions and the City Council, and makes recommendations to the Community Development Director, Zoning Administrator, boards and commissions.

Plans, directs, coordinates and participates in the work of subordinate professional and technical employees in data collection, analyses, plan formation and implementation of a wide variety of planning, zoning and environmental review activities.

Acts as Zoning Administrator as assigned.

Assists developers, and citizens in complying with City ordinances and policies regarding design, architecture, landscaping, historic preservation and other criteria.

Prepares or assists in the preparation of planning studies such as General Plan amendments, zoning amendments, specific plans, and other studies as assigned.

Performs environmental analyses on proposed projects, reviews project plans for completeness and accuracy, and issues zoning permits.

Conducts field inspections related to project applications, to ensure conformance to approved plans and code enforcement.

Researches and analyzes demographic, land use, economic and other data related to planning activities.

Provides information to the general public and other City and State agencies regarding zoning, development and design, interpretation of planning documents, interpretation of State documents, City permits and all other related activities.

Represents the Community Development Department at public meetings and presents planning and development matters to the City Council, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Review Commission, and other commissions as requested.

Coordinates planning activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of urban planning, land use and environmental planning.

Current literature and informational sources in the field of planning and zoning.

Statistical and research methods relating to planning.

underlying general plans, environmental matters, zoning and land division and related planning matters.

Working knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

and

Ability to:

Compile, analyze, interpret and apply technical reports and data.

Review and evaluate land use maps, design and construction plans.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, the general public and other City personnel.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Prepare and analyze planning issues as well as development applications; communicate findings clearly and concisely.

Complete routine tasks with minimal supervision.

Exercise independent judgment and initiative at staff level.

Apply principals and practices of customer service.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible professional experience in urban planning. A Master's Degree may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a degree in urban or environmental planning, architecture, landscape architecture, or closely related field.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:

Must posses a valid California driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Most work is performed, sitting at a desk and/or standing at a front counter for long period of time. Work involves reaching office equipment, bending and twisting. Employee will write, use a keyboard, and other standard office equipment to communicate; may lift light weight objects; walk on uneven surfaces. Work is conducted primarily in an office setting, but may include visits to existing and potential businesses and to proposed development sites. It also involves frequent attendance at meetings, including many that are conducted on weekends or during the evening. The work also involves irregular hours and some out-of-town travel.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

If interested in applying for this career opportunity, It is preferred you apply through the NeoGov system. Individuals wishing to file a paper application in lieu of the on-line application process should contact the City of Benicia Human Resources Department at 250 East L Street, Benicia, CA 94510. Business hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, and from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

Applicants are expected to accurately document their related experience and any training, education, and/or skills relevant to this position. Applicants should respond to all supplemental questions, even if the information is also contained in the application.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Application materials will be carefully evaluated; applicants who document possession of experience and education which most closely meet the requirements of the position will be invited to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which may include an assessment center and interview process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to future steps in the process.

Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a thorough background investigation and a pre-placement medical screening, including a drug screen.

If, due to a disability, you need accommodations at any point during the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 746-4766.