The top salary range for this position currently reaches $72,285.86, 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 $83,679.88.
**THIS POSTING MAY CLOSE ONCE A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS IS RECEIVED. PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY.**
Under general supervision, the Planning Technician 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 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.)
Provides technical assistance and information to customers at the public counter, via telephone, and email; processes minor planning applications such as business licenses, zoning clearances, sign permits, room additions, accessory dwelling units; assists in the preparation of reports, resolutions and/or ordinances for submittal to the City Manager, City Council, Commissions and/or other City departments; may make oral presentations to the Planning Commission or Design Review Board; researches, analyzes and interprets social, economic, population and land use data trends; participates in CEQA environmental reviews and zoning code and General Plan amendment studies; assists with the review of development proposals for commercial, industrial and residential development plans, parcel maps and subdivision proposals for compliance with appropriate regulations; operates a computer terminal to prepare correspondence and respond to zoning inquiries in a timely manner; conducts site visits; provides customer service to members of public at the Planning and Building counter; deals tactfully and effectively with others in controversial and/or conflict situations; may be required to attend evening and/or weekend meetings; and performs other related duties assigned. Maintains regular attendance.
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:
Education and/or Experience:
Associate’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, geography, political science, business, landscape architecture or a related field; a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Planning/Design, or a closely related field is desirable or experience commensurate in planning, administrative, public counter support experience.
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; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; business letter writing and basic report preparation; record keeping and reporting procedures; 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; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; interpret planning and zoning codes for the general public; and attend evening meetings on an as needed basis.
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid Class “C” California Driver’s License is required.
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.
The City of Alhambra is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
