Senior Planner
City of Irwindale
December 23, 2014
Professional Area:
Economic Planning and Development
Experience:
5-7 years
Location:
Irwindale, CA
ESSENTIAL DUTIES (Duties may include, but are not limited to the following):
- Assists the Director of Community Development in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and procedures related to the Planning Division.
- Reviews, coordinates, and administers land use entitlements; checks site and building plans for conformance with standards, and coordinates planning processes with other departments and the community.
- Performs research and analysis of complex assignments, or directs the work of others in the preparation and review of current or long range planning projects; monitors plan implementation for the General Plan, Housing Element, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Interim Management Plans pertaining to SMARA compliance; conducts and reviews comprehensive land development and planning studies for current and advance planning projects; analyzes applicability of planning, zoning, and building codes, and the types of modifications that might be needed to meet City requirements and other types of regulatory and design standards.
- Evaluates land uses and impacts in the context of site plan review and development standards.
- Maintains and updates a list of all Planning Division activities, pending permits, and meeting schedules; maintains and monitors tickler files.
- Manages the preparation of all CEQA (and NEPA, as applicable) environmental assessments (i.e., Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports); prepares environmental assessments; prepares environmental determinations, including but not limited to, NOI/NOAs, NODs, NOEs, as required by CEQA.
- Organizes, tracks, and reports upon the status of projects; assigns tasks involving members of professional and technical staff, and monitors progress while providing recommendations related to report content and recommendations; provides guidance in the research of codes, ordinances, development standards, and planning surveys.
- Negotiates and administers consultant contracts for planning studies and monitors project scope, task completion, and budget.
- Performs plan check functions for major development projects and permits for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with code requirements; conducts site inspections as needed to verify conformance with conditions for plan approval.
- Prepares and reviews staff reports and agenda items, including supporting exhibits and makes presentations to the Planning Commission and the City Council; compiles and reviews information related to plan check reports, resolutions, and permits.
- Confers with and advises architects, builders, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards for larger scale, historical, and ecologically sensitive projects.
- Reviews development proposals and works with developers to negotiate agreement on acceptable site and elevation plans; reviews building plans, parcel maps, and subdivision proposals for conformance with State and local regulations, and compiles reports containing recommendations.
- Coordinates regional planning activities with other City departments and with outside agencies as assigned; attends inter-agency planning meetings as the City’s representative.
- Researches issues and disputes involving the interpretation and applicability of zoning ordinances and other policies and presents recommendations to management representatives.
- Reviews miscellaneous applications such as Special Event Permits, Occupancy Permits, Business License Applications, and zoning letters to determine whether proposals can be approved.
- May assist with the supervision of staff in the absence of the Community Development Director or as needed.
- May attend Executive Staff meetings in the absence of the Community Development Director.
QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: Municipal Code, Zoning Code, California Environmental Quality Act, and Subdivision Map Act; land use and architectural design standards; state planning and zoning laws; historic preservation standards; project management practices; leadership techniques; report preparation and presentation methods; research methods; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, and/or social concepts in the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning and map drafting and geo-based information systems; working knowledge of office management and principles of supervision.Ability to:communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; understand, explain, and interpret local development standards and requirements; check architectural and building plans for conformance with land use, design, and zoning regulations; manage projects and administer contracts; understand and apply federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs, and statistical data; prepare, review and approve site and building plans and standards and prepare and use maps, graphs, and illustrations; organize tasks and set priorities to meet deadlines; operate office equipment and computer hardware; use word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and mapping software; prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials and make effective presentations; work extended hours including evenings and weekends; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, architects, developers, contractors, officials, general public, and other parties and provide excellent customer service in the performance of duties.
Education/Training/Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field, and five (5) years of professional planning experience, three (3) of which have been served in a journey-level position, are required. Experience should reflect the management of complex current and advanced planning projects and ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local codes and statutes; AICP certification is desirable.
Licenses: Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record and proof of insurance.
APPLICATION AND DEADLINE: To be considered for this position, please submit an application packet consisting of: (a) a City application form, (b) a resume, (c) answers to the supplemental questionnaire, and (d) five (5) professional references. Application forms including the supplemental questionnaire may be picked up from the City of Irwindale located at 5050 N. Irwindale Avenue, Irwindale, CA 91706. Application materials may also be downloaded from the City’s website at www.ci.irwindale.ca.us. Completed application materials must be submitted by the final filing date. Please note that postmarks, faxes, or e-mails will not be accepted. Applications will be screened and those applicants deemed best qualified will be invited for an oral interview. The final candidate must successfully complete a medical exam, drug screening, employment history verification, DMV check and may be fingerprinted for a criminal history check with the Department of Justice.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: OPEN UNTIL FILLED
All applicants must be legally eligible for employment in the United States. Applicants with legal disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources at least five (5) working days prior to the examination date. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The City of Irwindale does not discriminate and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
BENEFITS
Insurance Benefits:
Premiums are paid at 100% for employees and their eligible dependents for the following:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- AD&D Insurance (premium paid for employee coverage only)
Retirement Benefits:
- CalPERS – California Public Employees’ Retirement System
- Classic members: 2% @ 55 formula, employee pays 7% of employee contribution rate
- New members: 2% @ 62 formula, employee pays 50% of total normal cost
- CalPERS pension calculation based on three-year average final compensation
- Retiree medical benefit will be calculated based on employee’s years of service and in accordance with the CalPERS vesting resolution
Other Benefits Include:
- Monday through Thursday, 38-hour work week
- 96 hours of Vacation leave per calendar year
- 96 hours of Sick leave per calendar year
- 130 hours of Holiday per calendar year
- 30 hours of Administrative Leave per calendar year
- Bilingual pay for Spanish or Sign Language proficiency at 2½% of salary
- Education Incentive Pay
- Cell Phone Allowance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Deferred Compensation Plans
- Flexible Spending Account Program for medical and dependent care expenses
- Computer Loan Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program