Definition
The top salary range for this position currently reaches $92,743.82, PLUS, an excellent benefits package! The position will receive a 5.0% salary increase in July 2025, July 2026, and July 2027; bringing the top step salary to $107,362.46.
Under general supervision, the Assistant Planner is responsible for the application of routine planning principles and techniques; performs professional level work in the field of planning, zoning, and environmental analysis; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Supervision Received And Exercised
Supervision is provided by Director of Community Development, Principal Planner or their designee.
Essential Job Functions
Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (
These functions may not be present in all positions in this classification. When a position is filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.)
Researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data trends; prepares written reports on various planning matters and elements of the General Plan; prepares and/or reviews initial studies and environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies and prepare complex planning reports; participates in zoning and code enforcement and administration; prepares zoning code and General Plan amendment studies; reviews development proposals and works with developers to reach agreement on acceptable site plans; reviews building plans for conformance with the City’s zoning and the General Plan, as well as related ordinances, policies, and guidelines; reviews parcel maps and subdivision proposals for compliance with appropriate regulations; reviews and assists in the preparation and submittal of, and evaluates and processes certificate of occupancy, conditional use permit, variance, subdivision, design review, and other similar planning applications; prepares recommendations on planning related matters; prepares staff reports and makes presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, various committees, and advisory boards as directed; checks commercial, industrial and residential development plans for issuance of zone clearance; researches and drafts ordinances for review; confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; responds to, and resolves, difficult citizen inquiries and complaints regarding the City’s planning function in a timely manner; participates in coordinating City planning activities with internal and outside departments and agencies; and performs other related duties as assigned. Maintains regular attendance.
Qualification Guidelines
Education And/or Experience
To qualify for this classification, an individual must possess any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the required knowledge and abilities; and enable the individual to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position. A typical combination is:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Planning/Design, Architecture, or a closely related field or a minimum of one year of experience in planning and/or technical work, conducting planning studies, and assisting with project reviews is required. Local government experience is desirable.
Knowledge Of
Principles and practices of urban planning and development; California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning; modern office practices, procedures, methods, and equipment; general office computer skills; permitting software system; and GIS.
Ability To
Learn to apply laws underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions; apply environmental laws and regulations and methods of assessment; analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports; prepare maps and graphics for reports and presentations; understand and carry out oral and written directions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; prepare clear and concise technical and administrative reports including accurate tables, schedules, summaries and other materials in narrative form, establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; establish and maintain various data collection record keeping, tracking, filing, and reporting systems; maintain office and specialized files; interpret planning and zoning codes for the general public; and attend evening meetings on an as needed basis.
Licenses and Certificates
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License is required. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.
Physical Demands
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds is required. Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, crouching, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading work related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.
Work Environment
Employee generally works indoors. Environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, or odors. Employee may perform field inspection and other outdoor reconnaissance, travel to different locations, and may be exposed to inclement weather conditions, noise, vibration, or dust. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but the employee may occasionally be exposed to loud talking and interruptions from telephones and/or members of the public.
Selection Process
Applicants must complete an application online prior to the final filing date. Applications will be screened for qualifications, appropriate background, and only the most qualified will be invited to participate in the examination process. Successful candidates must achieve a minimum passing score in each of the test components. Applicants will be notified by e-mail as to the test date, time, and location. The examination process will include an oral interview weighted at 100%.
Candidates will be required to pass a City administered pre-employment physical and may be required to pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination as part of the selection process. Candidates who do not pass will be disqualified and removed from the eligibility list.
Accommodation
Applicants with legal disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact the Human Resources Department at least five (5) business days prior to the examination date.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
Effective January 1, 2013, new members to CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity will be subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive 2% @ 62 benefit formula underwhich the employee pays 7.75% as a contribution to the PEPRA plan. Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS' reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2.7% @ 55 benefit formula underwhich the employee pays 8% of the employee contribution to PERS. The City offers a Section 125 cafeteria benefit plan. The City does not participate in the Social Security System. City paid leave time (sick, vacation and holiday) available in accordance with City policies.
For our detailed benefits information, please see the Alhambra City Employees' Association MOU.
01
Please Select The Highest Level Of Education You Have
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- Some college or certificate(s)
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- I do not have education equivalent to the 12th grade
02
Please select the field in which your degree was awarded in:
- Planning
- Urban Planning/Design
- Architecture
- Other field
- I did not obtain a degree
03
If you selected "Other field" for question 2, then please specify.
04
Please select the response that best describes your experience in planning and/or technical work, conducting planning studies, and assisting with project reviews.
- 2 or more years of experience
- 1 - 2 years of experience
- 1 year of experience
- Less than 1 year of experience
- No experience within the designated fields
05
Do you have any local government experience as it relates to this position?
06
Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable for this position. Do you possess such certificate? If yes, please attach to your application.
