$34.18 - $41.54 Hourly
THE POSITION
The City of Morro Bay's Planning Division is looking for a dynamic applicant to join us as an Assistant Planner!
The Planning Division of the Community Development Department prepares and administers the zoning and subdivision ordinances and reviews development projects in compliance with the City's ordinances. The Planning Division ensures all projects comply with the California Environmental Quality Act and provides the community with long-range planning in order to coordinate and monitor growth and development. It is also charged with updating and implementing the General Plan.
There is a lot going on in Morro Bay! This is an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated Assistant Planner to gain experience and develop work habits that will pay dividends long after launching a career in this highly-competitive profession.
DEFINITION
Under direction to perform a wide variety of technical and professional planning tasks
related to the general plan, advance planning activities, and current planning; and to
perform related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a entry level position in the planner series. Incumbents, under direction, are responsible for conducting a variety of routine and complex technical and professional work in the current and/or long-range planning of the city. The position receives considerable immediate supervision from senior planners and requires review and coordination of development projects through the entire application process, and is the primary public information source in regard to zoning information.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult proposals and site development plans for conformance with codes, plans and regulations.
- Collects, summarizes and develops planning studies and reports for new and updated plans, programs and regulations.
- Interprets the general plan and its mandated elements.
- Evaluates proposals for environmental impact.
- Reviews applications for lot mergers and lot line adjustments, variances, conditional use permits, coastal development permits and similar requests; responds to public inquiries concerning regulations, ordinances, and procedures.
- Provides information to the public regarding development regulations.
- Confers with developers and their representatives, other city departments, and the general public.
- Prepares graphics, updates mapping, and performs field inspections.
- Presents reports and recommendations to Planning Commission, City Council, and other public entities.
- Assist with code enforcement activities.
- Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Typical Knowledge:
Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning; knowledge of a relevant specialization such as transportation, land use, or affordable housing is desired; knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection; and knowledge of effective writing techniques. Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations; knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, and GIS.
Typical Skills:
Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public; creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems. Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions; ability to create graphic designs, development strategies, and render site plans via sketches and/or computer graphics highly desirable. Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously; ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed; ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
Education and Experience:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in urban Planning or closely related field. Some planning experience, preferably at the community level, is required. A graduate degree in Planning (or related field) may substitute for required experience. Valid California Driver's License.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED
Personal computer, including word processing; motor vehicle; calculator; telephone; copy and fax machine.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud in the office, and moderate in the field.
Apply Here: Individuals can apply through the city website at https://www.morrobayca.gov/832/Employment-Opportunities
Application Deadline: Position is open until filled with the first review of applications on 7/15/24
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the City's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity for all persons seeking employment or promotion to assure equal employment opportunity based upon ability and fitness to all persons regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, childbirth, breast-feeding, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic characteristics or information, military or veteran's status, and/or any other category protected by federal and/or state law.