Associate Planner

The Community Development Department is seeking an Assistant Planner with an interest in design and the built environment by joining the Design Review Section. This is a dynamic, fast-paced position that will review a variety of projects for conformance with Design Review Guidelines and Standards, General Plan and Zoning Code requirements citywide. The position will work with multiple departments and disciplines, community members, and neighborhood groups to achieve successful developments. This position performs a variety of tasks related to researching and writing staff reports; processes site development plans and designs; and provides planning information to the public.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT

The ideal candidate will have an eye for design, pays attention to detail, and is development oriented. They will have good interpersonal skills that can integrate into our positive team dynamics, supporting common Planning Division goals. The candidate should have a fundamental understanding of principles and practices of architectural design, site layout, and planning within urban environments. They will have the ability to demonstrate strong organizational skills, manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously, establish and maintain schedules, and contribute effectively as a collaborative team member.

 

ASSISTANT PLANNER / ASSOCIATE PLANNER
 
To perform professional, technical, statistical and analytical duties involving land use or other planning studies for a variety of public or private development projects. The scope of assignments includes project management work, land use studies, policy development recommendation, revision or implementation, and preparation of a variety of documents for compliance with state or federal environmental laws.
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
 
Assistant Planner
 
The class of Assistant Planner is distinguished from Associate Planner by performing less complex to moderately difficult project management work. Incumbents in this class may work independently on assignments but generally do not have the responsibility for team leadership. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Junior Planner class. 
 
Associate Planner
 
The class of Associate Planner is distinguished from that of Assistant Planner by the greater complexity of assignments received, and the advanced planning project management work. Associate Planners manage projects with greater independence and limited supervision and lead project teams made up of individuals from various technical disciplines. Positions are flexibly staffed and are normally filled from the Assistant Planner class.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
 
General direction is provided by a manager who is usually a Senior Planner. Associate Planners may provide direct or indirect supervision and training of other subordinate technicians, planners, or interns. The Assistant Planner usually does not perform direct or indirect supervision of staff.

Depending upon assignment, duties performed by the Assistant Planner may include, but are not limited to the following:

 

• Review and analyze proposed minor development projects for conformance with adopted City plans, design/architectural guidelines and standards, applicable codes and ordinances and other regulations, and prepares recommendations on approval of such projects.
   
• Review proposed tentative subdivision and parcels maps, and recommend necessary revisions to meet City requirements.
   
• Evaluate the environmental effects of proposed projects and prepare, or supervise the preparation of environmental documents.
   
• Conduct onsite investigations of proposed development projects or community areas.
   
• Provide information to the public on City of Sacramento requirements related to City planning, policies, and procedures.
   
• Prepare and present data in the form of written, graphic, or oral reports for use by elected and appointed officials, special committees, or community organizations involved in planning matters.
   
• Assist in the coordination of departmental activities with other City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies.
   
• Participate in special projects and perform related duties as assigned.
   
• Negotiate, prepare and manage consultant contracts.
   
• Facilitate discussion groups to aid in building consensus, and resolve conflicts on projects and policy matters, under supervision of a Planning Manager.
   
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed may necessarily be performed by each individual holding this classification.