Description

ABOUT THE POSITION: The City of Monterey is looking for a dynamic Assistant Planner to join the Community Development Department. In this key position, the Assistant Planner will assist the public with planning and zoning related inquiries while providing staff support to the Planning Division. This entry-level position is a fantastic opportunity to launch your career in urban planning while gaining valuable experience in reviewing planning and permit applications, project plans, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, as well as city policies.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY: Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES: The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and a federal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems.

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Monterey provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

SUMMARY: Under close supervision, the Assistant Planner greets the public and assists them with planning and application information. This position reviews planning and permit applications, project plans, reports, and verifies compliance with Federal and State laws, as well as City policies and procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Assistant Planner is a journey-level classification and is the entry level of the planning series. The Assistant Planner supports senior level staff as needed and differs from the higher classes of Associate and Senior Associate Planner in that the Assistant Planner performs entry level duties under close supervision of upper-level staff. The Associate Planner and Senior Associate Planner perform the more difficult professional planning work and projects and functions as a lead and supervisor over subordinate staff.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Staff the public counter and answer general inquiries regarding planning, zoning, land use, City policies and procedures, and the issuance of pertinent licenses/permits.
Provide customer service, information, and recommendations within scope of authority.
Review planning and permit applications, and architectural/engineering plans for compliance with state and federal laws, and City codes, policies, and procedures within scope of authority.
Respond and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints.
Collect, record, and summarize statistical and demographic information; establish and maintain a comprehensive database; research and draft various ordinances for review.
Review technical documents and prepare reports.
Assist with professional planning, research, analysis of data, and report writing.
Keep abreast of new trends, legislation and developments in municipal planning and economic development.
Support the relationship between the City of Monterey, and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff;
Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information
Performs other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Completion of a Bachelor's degree from a college or university in Urban Planning or a closely related field

Experience: No experience necessary.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Info

Knowledge And Skills

Knowledge of

Basic federal and state regulations, and City codes, policies and procedures governing planning and development.
Basic principles of urban planning, growth management, community development, land use, and permitting.
Policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions including GIS software applications.
Applicable environmental laws and regulations and methods of assessment.
Analyzing and compiling technical and statistical information and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.
Planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
Customer service techniques and methods.

Skill in

Understanding and interpreting land use and zoning regulations and state and federal laws.
Establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with co-workers.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Collecting, organizing, analyzing and presenting data and information.
Learning to interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Modern office equipment including computer equipment.
Establishing, maintaining and foster positive harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands

Standing and Walking - Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
Lifting - Ability to safely lift 20 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines; writing.
Visual - Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
Mobility - Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Education Incentive Program: If you have a college degree, you may qualify for 5% premium pay on base salary (for a Baccalaureate degree) or 7.5% premium pay (for a Master's degree) upon completion of probation if your classification does not require one.

Bilingual Pay: $100 per month stipend ($1,200 per year), for up to ten (10) GEM represented employees who meet the testing criteria for being bilingual in Spanish.

Bicycle Commuter Program: An employee who regularly commutes by bicycle between home and work may be reimbursed for some of their bicycle commuting expenses. With receipts, an employee can be reimbursed up to $20.00 for each "qualifying month" and up to $240 in a calendar year.

Tuition Reimbursement: $2,000 per fiscal year.

Deferred Compensation: City will match employee paid contributions to a maximum of $150.00 per month.

Retirement: CalPERS 2.7 % @ 55 with highest year formula is provided for current City of Monterey employees or new employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2013 and who are currently active or have been active within six months of the date of hire in the CalPERS retirement system. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 11% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis.The retirement formula for new employees who do not meet the criteria stated above is 2% @ 62 with highest three year compensation. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 7.75% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The City participates in the Medicare portion of Social Security.

Health Plan Spending Fund: A minimum of $914.82 per month up to $2,540 per month, dependent upon level of participation (cash-in-lieu of benefits is $300) may be used to purchase medical benefits for the employee and dependents through the PERS Health Plan Program, dependent dental, additional life insurance, dependent care, and/or health care expenses through a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.

Dental: Fully paid employee premium by the City.

Vision: Fully paid premium for employee and eligible dependents.

Life Insurance: $20,000 policy paid by the City, with an option to purchase additional coverage up to $350,000.

Short Term / Long Term Disability Plan: The City provides a Short Term/Long Term Disability Plan.

Flexible Spending Account: The Section 125 Plan provides for an employee to set pre-tax dollars aside, through a payroll deduction, for reimbursement of health care and dependent care expenses.

Group Legal: Subject to provider limitations, the City will continue to provide a Group Legal Services Plan for employees represented by GEM through an employee-paid premium. Participation in the program shall be voluntary and consistent with the provider's requirements that the potential pool of participants must include a minimum of 200 employees

City Recreation Program Fees: Resident Rates for City Recreation classes and programs for employees and immediate family household members.

Voluntary Unpaid Leave: With advance approval, an employee may take up to forty (40) hours of unpaid leave per calendar year.

Fitness Pass: Fitness Pass Program available to use the City of Monterey Sports Center.

Fitness Activity Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in a Fitness Activity Plan where they work out off-duty in exchange for leave time accrued in a Fitness Leave bank. Each year, a maximum of 40 hours can be accrued (10 hours per quarter) with a maximum of 80 hours allowed in the bank. The Fitness Leave bank does not have cash value, and time accrued has no expiration date.

Employee Assistance Program: Fully paid confidential counseling and referral service for employee and eligible dependents.

Holidays: 14 paid days annually plus 1 floating holiday.

Sick Leave: 12 days per year.

Vacation: 1-5 years/10 days; 6-10 years/15 days; 11-15 years/ 17 days; 15+ years/20 days; 20+ years/23 days.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Candidate selected will serve up to one-year probationary period.
Candidates who pass the testing process will be placed on an eligibility list. This list may be used to fill additional positions (including subordinate positions) that become available during the life of the list.
This bulletin is for informational purposes only and does not supersede rules regulations, ordinances and resolutions currently in effect.
Pursuant to the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, employees must show proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
The City of Monterey is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

01

Please indicate your highest level of education.

Master's degree or higher in a related field
Master's degree or higher in a non-related field
Bachelor's degree in a related field
Bachelor's degree in a non-related field
Associate's degree in a related field
Associate's degree in a non-related field
High School Diploma or GED
No High School Diploma or GED

02

If you selected an Associate's degree or higher, please state what field your degree/certification was obtained in.

03

In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process. The Assistant Planner is an entry-level position that assists the public with planning and application inquiries under close supervision. This role involves reviewing planning and permit applications, project plans, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and city policies. Please describe your relevant education or experience as it relates to the Assistant Planner position.

04

Please select the number of years of experience you have in the field of Urban Planning.

Less than 1 year
1 - 2 years
2 - 3 years
3 -4 years
4 years or more

05

In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process. Please discuss a planning project at work or a school project that involved planning issues. Specifically discuss your role and how you contributed to the ultimate outcome.

Required Question

Employer City of Monterey

Address 735 Pacific Street; Suite B

Monterey, California, 93940

Phone 831-646-3765

831-646-3765

Website http://www.monterey.org

City of Monterey

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Assistant Planner