Associate Planner

Associate Planner (Full-Time)
Community Development Department

SALARY: $6,256 - $7,985 per month

FINAL FILING DATE: Open Until Filled. First review date of applications is April 28, 2022.

WORK SCHEDULE: 4 day workweek (Monday - Thursday)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:  The purpose of this position is to perform journey level professional duties in support of the Community Development Department including planning, development, economic development, housing, building and other development related services and functions; to serve as project manager on development related projects and issues; and to provide responsible staff assistance to the Planning Manager, Community & Economic Development Director, City Manager, Planning Commission and the City Council.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES: The following duties are normal for this position. These are not construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
  • Coordinate economic development efforts through communication with the business community, other City departments, and outside agencies; participate in administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Confer with professionals, agencies, and the general public to acquire information, coordinate community development matters provide information regarding City development requirements, and facilitate agreement on acceptable site plans.
  • Serve as liaison with various groups and organizations including business and community interest groups; assist business representatives with site selection in designated development project areas; attend and participate in professional groups and committees. Assist the public at the front counter and over the phone by providing information on development, planning and zoning regulations.
  • Conduct and supervise studies to gather data on issues; develop and present reports and recommendations on various issues related to assigned projects.
  • Research, analyze, and interpret fiscal, economic, business development, and housing data and trends; prepare written staff reports, financial statements and agenda items; and prepare and present reports to the City Council, commissions, committees, and boards.
  • Perform technical research related to the General Plan, land use, and other related development ordinances; interpret and apply laws and regulations.
  • Conduct needs assessments and determine program priorities; assist in identifying areas of economic and community development needs; analyze the effectiveness of existing programs.
  • Maintain current knowledge of best practices, trends and innovations in the field of development services and functions.
  • Prepare and disseminate press releases and notices and provide information to media representatives regarding public and private projects.
  • Participate in the preparation of grant funding applications for City projects and programs and in monitoring, and reporting grant funding activities.
  • Assist with budget preparation, reports, correspondence and other documents relevant to the development process.
  • Use a computer to perform job-related tasks.
KNOWLEDGE:
  • Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive Community Development program.
  • Organization and management practices for evaluation of programs and operational needs.
  • Principles and practices of project management, program development, and administration.
  • Recent developments, literature, and sources of information related to municipal planning, development, and administration.
  • Research and report preparation techniques related to a wide variety of community development, housing, building, and engineering programs and projects.
  • Development, planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, building, engineering, and environmental management principles and procedures.
  • General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and engineering as they relate to development services processes.
  • Accepted safety standards and methods of building construction for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
  • Complex principles and techniques of building inspection work. Principles of structural design and engineering mathematics. Major types of building construction, materials, and methods.
  • Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration, program analysis, and revenue forecasting.
  • Principles of supervision and training.
  • Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
  • Principles of business letter writing.
  • Principles and procedures of record keeping.
  • Principles of effective communication and practices used in dealing with the public.
  • Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentation, mapping, and database management.
  • Safe driving principles and practices.
ABILITIES/SKILLS:
  • Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
  • Provide administrative oversight and direction for assigned Community/Economic Development Department projects and activities.
  • Perform responsible and difficult development services work involving the use of independent judgment and initiative in the absence of supervision.
  • Develop, implement and administer goals, objectives, and procedures for providing effective and efficient development services.
  • Identify and respond to community, commissions, City Manager and City Council issues, concerns and needs.
  • Analyze site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities, and other development services, activities, and issues.
  • Read and interpret complex building plans, specifications, and codes.
  • Determine whether construction systems comply with City code requirements.
  • Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations and standard construction practices; enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact.
  • Compile and analyze technical and statistical information.
  • Evaluate and assess the impact of legislation on community development, housing, building, engineering, and redevelopment issues and activities.
  • Effectively administer a variety of land use and development programs and activities.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Analyze and develop policies related to land use and community development and economic development.
  • Prepare and administer budgets.
  • Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
  • Handle multiple concurrent projects and manage priorities and tasks.
  • Respond to requests and inquiries for information regarding Department services and activities and related policies and procedures.
  • Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/EDUCATION: Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
  • Four years of responsible professional urban planning, building, redevelopment, engineering, or related experience.
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, building, engineering, public administration, or a related field.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to work in a standard office environment requiring prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, crouching and stooping in the performance of daily activities.
  • Occasional pushing, pulling, dragging and lifting office items weighing 25 lbs.
  • Movements frequently and regularly require using the wrists, hands and fingers to operate computers and office equipment.
  • Willingness to work variable hours including weekends and/or holidays.
  • Ability to hear and convey detailed or important instructions or information verbally and accurately.
  • Average visual acuity to prepare and read documents.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with developers, City officials, the public and co-workers in a clear and concise manner.
  • Ability to travel to different sites and locations.
  • May be exposed to outdoor conditions.
  • Adapt to standard office sounds generated by office equipment as well as standard noise levels resulting from communication with co-workers and the general public.

NOTE:  The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provision contained herein may be changed without notice.

THE CITY OF STANTON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, genetic status or any other legally protected status.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE: Applications obtained at StantonCA.gov. A City Employment Application must be completed and submitted along with résumés to: Human Resources, City of Stanton, 7800 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680 or via e-mail to HR@StantonCA.gov. Résumés or references to a résumé will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Applications will be reviewed carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the process.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the application and selection process to accommodate persons with a qualified disability. Please advise the Human Resources Department in writing in advance of the selection process, including an explanation as to the type and extent of accommodations as well as documentation from a qualified authority of the requirements needed to participate in the selection process.

IMMIGRATION LAW: In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States is required prior to the employment start date.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Once an employment offer has been made, all candidates will participate in a confidential background investigation, have their fingerprints reviewed by the Department of Justice and be required to take a pre-employment medical exam which may include a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

ABOUT THE CITY: The City of Stanton, incorporated in 1956, is located in West Orange County and is adjacent to the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress and Garden Grove. The city has a land area of 3.1 square miles and a current population of approximately 39,000. The City of Stanton is a drug-free workplace and there is a no smoking policy within the City offices and vehicles.