DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs technical support duties to assist in the day-to-day operations of the Planning Department; reviews and processes land use applications; reviews planning projects for consistency with City standards and applicable planning regulations; provides assistance to the public at the front counter, over the phone, or via email with planning issues, projects, policies and procedures; assists with gathering, reviewing and summarizing data required by professional planning staff; and performs related duties as assigned.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

Has knowledge of land use planning laws and practices, and knowledge of California local government and coastal planning.
Understands the concepts of environmental resource planning, building and/or engineering concepts.
Has the ability to interpret topographic maps, architectural drawings, and site plans.
Possesses expertise using Microsoft programs, and has experience using GIS, Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop and/or Google SketchUP.
Must have excellent customer service skills and be able to effectively interact with the public in a positive and helpful manner in addition to handling multiple projects while working comfortably in a fast-paced team environment.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, and the public.

Provides appropriate information and assistance at the front counter, on the phone, and through email communication by answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, the City’s General Plan, current projects, and departmental policies and functions.
Provides administrative support to professional planners on basic current and advanced planning projects, coordination with project applicants, preparation and posting of legal notices, and conducting background research.
Prepares charts, diagrams, and maps for illustration in planning studies, public hearings, presentations, and board and commission meetings.
Performs routine plan check functions for various projects to ensure compliance with regulations, municipal code, and policies; identifies necessary corrections and notifies customers of required actions.
Receives and reviews applications for planning permits for accuracy and completeness; routes applications to appropriate planning staff.
Performs administrative duties including typing, filing, copying documents, and record keeping; prepares forms, studies, and staff reports, as assigned.
Maintains and updates zoning and General Plan maps.
Performs site visits to verify site conditions with respect to plan checks or zoning compliance.
Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs related duties as required.

Education and Experience:

Education:

Equivalent to an associate degree in urban planning, land development, or a related field.

Experience:

One (1) year of experience providing technical support to a planning or land development program.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, a satisfactory driving record, and a properly registered and insured vehicle, to be maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge of:

Municipal planning principles, techniques, practices and procedures including knowledge of general plans, zoning ordinances, specific plans and development standards and practices.
Practices of researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective technical staff reports.
Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
Operational characteristics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and their application to planning processes.
Methods and techniques of reviewing a diverse range of applications for accuracy and completeness.
Terminology, symbols, methods, techniques, and instruments used in planning and map drafting.
Graphic illustration and presentation techniques.
Basic organization and function of public agencies, including the role of an elected City Council and appointed boards and commissions.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

Interpret and explain planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Receive and respond to a variety of questions from the general public, contractors and developers or refer to higher level planning staff.
Review applications for accuracy and completeness; process and/or submit to planning staff for action.
Conduct routine research on planning and zoning related matters and prepare findings.
Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
Interpret topographic maps and site plans.
Deal constructively with conflict and develop creative solutions.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Malibu, City of (CA) jobs

Planning Technician