Associate Planner
Town of Windsor
September 25, 2014
Professional Area:
Economic Planning and Development
Experience:
3-5 years
Location:
Windsor, CA
The Associate Planner is a full journey-level class in the professional planning series that performs various professional field and office planning work related to current and advance planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans and environmental documents; provides project management and administration; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; provides environmental review and project analysis for Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and special projects in advance planning; provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, permits and environmental review; provides complex professional staff assistance to the Community Development Director, other departments and the public in areas of expertise; and performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports.
Duties related to Planning
- Review routine to complex commercial, industrial and residential development proposals, plans and applications for issuance of zoning clearance and for compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, standards, laws, rules, regulations and policies.
- Reviews permit applications and building plans for completeness and compliance with current Town codes and regulations; provides interpretations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act and local environmental guidelines.
- Reviews and signs off on plans submitted for Building Plan Check and permits.
- Prepares or assists in preparing and reviewing environmental impact reports; prepares written initial studies, negative declarations and staff reports related to development projects or Town projects.
- Serves as project manager on planning and development projects.
- Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports.
- Prepares and presents staff reports for the Town Council, Planning Commission, Staff Review Committee and various committees and advisory boards as directed.
- Participates in the implementation and administration of the General Plan and development regulations.
- Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers and the general public regarding Town development policies and standards.
- Researches and assists in preparing ordinances for review.
- Performs various duties related to alcoholic beverages control (ABC) and other types of business licenses.
- May provide technical direction and training to other planning and technical staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Duties related to Sustainability
- Coordinates plans, policies and programs to promote sustainable practices in municipal operations and the Windsor community.
- Promotes energy and water conservation programs for businesses and residents offered by local utilities.
- Responds to inquiries regarding sustainability efforts and initiatives by the Town.
- Coordinates and serves as Town liaison for sustainability activities with regional agencies and organizations.
- Conducts surveys and other research efforts.
- Coordinates the preparation/implemental of special projects, events and information related to sustainability.
* For a complete list of duties and qualifications please see the Associate Planner job description on the Town website.
Knowledge of:
- Modern principles and practices of technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, and environmental planning and program management.
- Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
- Site planning and architectural design principles.
- General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and traffic and transportation engineering as they relate to the process of urban planning.
- Applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organization policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
- Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning and environmental review.
- Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and Town staff.
- Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, Town Council, and other boards and commissions.
- Read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
- Assess, monitor and report environmental impact on and of various Town programs and services.
- Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities and other urban services.
- Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives and make sound recommendations.
- Interpret, apply, explain and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
- Read and understand technical drawings and specifications. Effectively represent the department and the Town in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals. Coordinate assigned activities with other Town departments and agencies as required.
- Direct the work of contract consultants.
- Prepare and present clear, concise and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education, training and experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field and three (3) years of professional experience in planning, zoning and related community development activities.