The City of Richmond is seeking highly motivated, dependable and hardworking candidates to fill the position of Planner I. If you're someone who enjoys conducting research studies regarding land use, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, redevelopment and community service needs, this position could be for you!


CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Under general supervision, performs professional municipal planning work, including the conducting of planning studies, the collection and presentation of data and the preparation of reports; performs related work as assigned.

Planner I is the entry-level class in the professional planning series. Planners are responsible for providing assistance to higher-level planners in the areas of research, data collection and preparation of reports. Assignments are intended to provide background experience in the fundamental principles and practices of municipal planning which are a prerequisite for professional-level work. Initially, incumbents work under close supervision and are expected to become increasingly knowledgeable and capable of carrying out assignments with increasing independence. This class is alternatively staffed with Planner II, and incumbents may advance to the higher-level class.

Position Description and Duties
(Illustrative Only)

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Plans and conducts research studies and prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, redevelopment and community service needs.

2. Maintains updates and analyzes demographic and other data required for the planning function.

3. Assists with the review, development or revision of the various elements of the General Plan, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances, and other policies and procedures.

4. May use computers and software programs for various technical planning projects and studies.

5. Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the general public regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards, and procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications and the implementation of requirements.

6. Reviews, investigates and processes various plans and applications for subdivisions, housing and commercial developments, variances, use permits and business licenses; determines conformity with laws, policies, regulations and procedures; recommends approval, identifies problems and alternatives.

7. Coordinates the preparation of meeting agendas for various commissions, boards, and community groups.

8. Organizes conferences and work sessions and ensures timely notification of appropriate parties.

9. Prepares a variety of communications, including analytical reports, commentaries, and correspondence, and drafts revisions to local ordinances, policies, and procedures.

10. Compiles, analyzes and interprets data to define environmental conditions, social, economic and housing trends, community needs and zoning problems.

11. Makes field surveys and investigations related to planning and zoning projects or requests.

12. Makes presentations or prepares materials for presentation to the City Council, Boards, Commissions, and community groups.

13. Answers questions and provides information and assistance to the public, and may act as liaison with other agencies, departments, and planning sections.

14. Prepares maps and other visual aids to illustrate planning studies findings; develops and prepares materials for pamphlets, brochures, and publications.

15. May provide direction to others on a project basis and instruction for others on work procedures.

16. May be required to walk on rough unpaved areas such as fields or construction zones.
Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: principles, procedures, standards, practices, and trends of municipal urban planning; methods for implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental and social concepts to the planning process; techniques of developing information for general plan modifications; housing trends, market analysis techniques, programs, and financing mechanisms for low and moderate-income families; mathematical concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulas relevant to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods and instruments used in planning and map drafting; and local government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning unit.

Skill in: performing increasingly responsible independent and varied assignments under decreasing degrees of supervision; understanding and applying those aspects of federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the planning process; interpreting maps, site, and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data; researching, analyzing and summarizing planning data into draft and final report formats; working under deadlines; making persuasive presentations of ideas; preparing clear, concise and complete technical documentation and reports; exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines; instructing others in work procedures and providing specific project direction; using tact and diplomacy in dealing with difficult people; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; and utilizing computer applications related to plans, specifications, graphs and statistical data, including standard PC software and database systems. Geographical Information System (GIS) is highly desirable.

Other Requirements: Work involves off-hours attendance at meetings and field investigative work in potentially unsafe areas. Work is deadline orientated to meet City Council, Planning Commission, and community information requirements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a four (4) year college or university with major course work in city, regional, or urban planning or a closely related field. Sub-professional or professional planning experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

License: A valid California Driver's License is an ongoing requirement.

A Planner I with the above experience may be promoted to Planner II on a flexibly staffed basis.
Additional Information

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

TO APPLY:
All candidates must apply online and submit a fully completed City of Richmond Employment Application, including responses to the supplemental questions, before the final filing date. Please fill out the Employment Application in its entirety, including places of employment with complete addresses (i.e., number and street name, city and state), names of supervisors with telephone numbers, etc.

APPLICANTS QUALIFYING ON THE BASIS OF A COLLEGE DEGREE(S) ARE REQUIRED TO INCLUDE DOCUMENTATION OF THE STATED DEGREE.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE SUBJECT TO REJECTION.

APPLICATION SCREENING:
All completed employment applications will be evaluated based on job-related qualifications criteria (QUALIFYING ONLY).

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS:
Candidates identified as better-qualified will be asked to respond to an additional set of supplemental questions. An Employment List will be established, and your placement on this list will be determined solely (100%) by the responses to these supplemental questions. Having all of the minimum qualifications guarantees neither advancement nor placement on the Employment List.

EMPLOYMENT LIST
A ranking of "A" (Best Qualified), "B" (Well Qualified), or "C" (Qualified) is required to achieve a position on the Employment List. This Employment List will be in effect for a maximum of two (2) years; however, the list may be canceled, without notice, after six (6) months.

IMMIGRATION REFORM CONTROL ACT: In compliance with the Immigration Reform Control
Act of 1986, individuals offered employment by the City of Richmond will be required to show documentation of eligibility to work in the United State as a condition of employment.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: The City's policy prohibits discrimination against any applicant on the basis of race, color, age, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.

EEO/ADA/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
WEBSITE: www.ci.richmond.ca.us

Analyst: J. Somera
06/2021