Planner or Associate Planner - Urban Planning Partners (Oakland, CA)

Who: Urban Planning Partners is a small consulting firm with a diversity of clients and projects. The firm’s services include land use policy, environmental review, community engagement, contract planning, grant writing, and entitlement assistance. Learn more about the firm at www.up-partners.com.

What: Urban Planning Partners seeks a highly-motivated urban planner to join our team. The focus of this position could be either environmental or policy and entitlement management focused:

CEQA/Environmental Planning Focus: This position is more focused on CEQA work, but will also likely include some planning policy work. Some highlights of our current projects include the Downtown Oakland Specific Plan EIR and the Irvington BART Station and Station Area Plan EIR at the plan level; project level CEQA work includes several significant development projects in Downtown Oakland and West Oakland (adjacent to the BART station), the extension of BART to Livermore, mixed-use and biotech projects in Foster City, and streamlined CEQA review for several infill projects in Berkeley and Oakland. Successful candidates for this position will have:

• A solid understanding of CEQA and the CEQA review process and a basic understanding of zoning and the city planning process. 
• Experience working on or managing EIRs, Initial Studies, and other CEQA documents. 

Policy and Entitlement Management: This position is more focused on policy planning projects, contract planning, and entitlement project management, but will also do some CEQA work. Select project highlights include: Policy Planning - Irvington BART Station Site Plan and Station Area Plan, Specific Plan for the reuse of a naval air station; Entitlements and Project Management - several progressive TOD and micro-unit projects, remote parking facilities with autonomous vehicle connections, and Contract Planning – we are currently providing contract planning for several Bay Area communities including Berkeley and Foster City primarily on a project-by-project basis or limited duration (i.e., one or two days per week). Successful candidates for this position will ideally have:

Planner (Assistant, Associate or Senior DOQ), Metropolitan Planning Group - Mountain View, CA

Planner (Assistant, Associate or Senior DOQ)

Metropolitan Planning Group

April 23, 2015

Location: 

Mountain View, CA

M-Group exists to bring innovative and effective planning solutions to Bay Area cities. Since the creation of the firm in 2006, we have brought high-caliber planning services to over 40 Bay Area communities. M-Group’s planners have extensive experience working on large, complex and high-profile projects and our staff brings together a range of accomplishments and a wealth of real-world experiences. Visit us at http://www.m-group.us to learn more.

M-Group is looking to hire a well-qualified planner either in a part-time or full-time capacity. The candidates must have CEQA experience and experience working for a California municipal government, including policy planning, current planning, public counter and development review experience. The position may be located in any one of M-Group’s offices in Mountain View, Santa Rosa or Hayward.Job Criteria: Position is full time (40 hours/week) or part-time (minimally 20 to 30 hours/week). 

Responsibilities may include: 

• Consulting planning work at various City planning departments, including; review of development approval projects, plan-checks, permit processing, counter work, report-writing, public presentations. 
• Long-range planning work, policy planning, and business development efforts. 
• Evening meetings (Planning Commission / City Council).

Applicants must have/demonstrate: 

• An undergraduate degree in Urban Planning or related field. Master’s degree in planning or design field is preferred. 
• Assistant level requires a minimum of 1 year prior experience working for a local government planning department, preferably with a City jurisdiction, with at least 3 years at the Associate Planner level and 5 years at the Senior level. A Master’s degree may substitute for one of the required years of experience.
• Solid CEQA knowledge and experience. 
• The ability to work independently and also contribute as a team player. 
• Strong writing, presentation, and public speaking skills. 
• Strong organizational skills. 
• Attention to detail and ability to work under tight timelines. 
• AICP certification highly desirable.

Outstanding Benefits Including: 

• Health, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life 
• 401K Profit Sharing & Defined Benefit Retirement Plan 
• Vacation & Sick Pay 
• 12 Paid Holidays

How to Apply: Applicants must specify the level, classification (full or part time) and office location they are applying for.

Go to http://bit.ly/mgroupjobs and apply per instructions.

Planning Assistant - City of Los Angeles, CA

Planning Assistant 

City of Los Angeles

October 9, 2014 

Experience: 

3-5 years

Website: 

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/lacity/default.cfm

Location: 

Los Angeles, CA

                                                                                                           

ANNUAL SALARY

$58,088 to $84,960

NOTE:

The current salary range is subject to change. You may confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.

DUTIES

A Planning Assistant does professional city planning work in long-range and policy planning, including citywide, community, and neighborhood planning; and project planning, including review, analysis, and clearance of land use proposals, development projects, and site plans. A Planning Assistant may have specialized expertise in historic preservation, environmental analysis, and/or zoning review and compliance.

REQUIREMENTS

1. A Bachelor's or Master's degree from a recognized four-year college or university in urban planning, urban studies, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, public administration, political science, environmental science, social ecology, economics, or historic preservation; or 
2. Four years of full-time paid experience with the City of Los Angeles as a Planning Aide.

NOTES:

1. Candidates who obtain a passing score in the examination will receive instructions regarding degree verification prior to appointment.
2. Applicants who are within one semester or one quarter of obtaining their degrees stated in requirement #1 may apply. Such applicants cannot be appointed until they have received their degrees.
3. Some positions may require a valid California driver's license. Candidates may not be eligible for appointment to these positions if their record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation (such as DUI).
4. In addition to the regular City application form, each applicant is required to complete the Planning Assistant Qualifications Questionnaire at the time of filing. The Planning Assistant Qualifications Questionnaire is located within the Supplemental Question Section of the City application. Applicants who fail to complete the Qualifications Questionnaire will not be considered further in this examination, and their application will not be processed.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

In accordance with Charter Section 1010(b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require special skills and/or training. Only persons possessing the following as of the close of the filing period may be certified in order of standing on the eligible list to fill such positions:

1. One year of full-time paid experience in the field of zoning review and/or code enforcement.
2. One year of full-time paid experience in the field of environmental policy and/or environmental analysis. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) experience is highly preferred.
3. One year of full-time paid experience in the field of historic preservation, including the implementation and application of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as to proposals affecting historic buildings; or an academic degree with a major or concentration specifically focused on historic preservation or historic preservation planning.

WHERE TO APPLY

Applications will only be accepted on-linefrom 8:00 a.m. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014 to MIDNIGHT, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014. Applicants may apply on-line beginning at 8:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014. Applications submitted before the start of the filing period will not be accepted. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the “Apply” icon.On-line job bulletins are also available at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/lacity/default.cfm  for Open Competitive Examinations.

NOTES:

1. Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.
2. All application materials must be complete at the time of filing for you to be considered a candidate in this examination.

 APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications will only be accepted on-line on the following three days: from 8:00 a.m. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014; WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2014; to Midnight THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the written test in the following order: 1) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles who meet the minimum requirements, or are on a reserve list; 2) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs in the order that applications were received. Applications submitted during the filing period will be kept on file for two years in the event that additional applicants need to be tested to meet hiring needs.

Additional details about the Los Angeles City Planning Department are available at http://cityplanning.lacity.org/PressRelease/ReshapingLA_Pamphlet.pdf.

EXPERT REVIEW COMMITTEE

Should a large number of qualified candidates file for this examination, an Expert Review Committee may be assembled to evaluate each candidate’s qualification for the position of Planning Assistant. In this evaluation, the Expert Review Committee will assess each candidate’s training and experience based upon the information in the candidate’s City employment application and the Qualifications Questionnaire. Those candidates considered by the Expert Review Committee as possessing the greatest likelihood of successfully performing the duties of a Planning Assistant, based solely on the information presented to the committee, will be invited to participate in the interview.

SELECTION PROCESS

The examination score will be based entirely on the interview.  In the interview, the following competencies may be evaluated: reading comprehension; analytical ability; fact finding; customer service; oral communication; and written communication.  Additional information can be obtained by going to http://per.lacity.org/eeo/JobAnalyses.htm and clicking on Competencies under Planning Assistant.

On the same day as the interview, candidates will be required to respond to an advisory essay related to the duties and responsibilities of a Planning Assistant.  This material will not be separately scored, but it will be presented to the interview panel for discussion with the candidate and consideration in the overall evaluation of the candidate’s qualifications. Candidates who fail to complete the advisory essay may be disqualified. Candidates may anticipate that PCs (personal computers) will be made available to type their advisory essay responses.

Candidates will be notified later by e-mail of the date, time, and location of the interviews, which will be held in Los Angeles. It is anticipated that interviews will begin during the period ofDECEMBER 1, 2014 to DECEMBER 12, 2014.

NOTES:

1. This examination is based on validation study.
2. Upon appointment, Planning Assistants may be required to furnish their own automobiles, properly insured, for use in City service.  Mileage will be paid according to established rates.
3. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.  To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application.  The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
4. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met.  Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
5. A final average score of 70% in the interview portion of the examination is required to be placed on the eligible list.
6. Names will be removed from the eligible list after one year unless the eligibility of candidates on the list is extended.

 Notice:

If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment.  Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY

ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Principal Planner, City of Santa Clara Planning & Inspection Department - Santa Clara, CA

Principal Planner

City of Santa Clara- Planning & Inspection Department

October 3, 2014

Professional Area: 

Planning Management, Budgeting and Finance

Experience: 

5-7 years

Phone: 

408-615-2080

Website: 

http://www.santaclaraca.gov

Location: 

Santa Clara, CA

SALARY AND BENEFITS 
The Principal Planner Control Point 85% 100% 110% $116,160 $136,656 $150,324 $9,680 $11,388 $12,527

The City of Santa Clara offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package. The Principal Planner annual salary upon appointment is expected to be at approximately 85% of Control Point. The Control Point Salary provides a range for establishing the initial salary for unclassified managers when hired. Hiring above 85% of Control Point may be considered based on qualifications and years of experience. Through time the Control Point of an unclassified position has the opportunity to reach 110%. Appointment above the Control Point is subject to approval by the City Council. In 2014, the City opened Levi’s Stadium, a 68,500 seat NFL stadium. This $1.3 billion Stadium is the home of the San Francisco 49ers, as well as the site of Super Bowl 50 to be held on February 7, 2016. The City offers a number of benefits to management employees, including: CalPERS Retirement Plan/Social Security: California Public Employees’ Retirement System integrated with Social Security. CalPERS 8% employee contribution. Social Security, FICA employee contribution: 7.65% of earnings (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare). CalPERS Pension: 2.7% @ 55 for Classic Employees (no EPMC), 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS employees. For a complete list of benefits, please visit www.santaclaraca.gov. The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract

APPLICATION AND SELECTION 
To receive first consideration for the screening process, the Human Resources Department must receive completed resume packets no later than 4:00 p.m., October 30, 2014. Resume Packets must include a “Letter of Interest and Intent”, salary history (including current fringe benefits), and a detailed resume. Applicants may submit resume packets using the “Apply Now” feature from the job announcement on www.santaclaraca.gov or submit hard copies to the address below. Those with disabilities who are capable of performing the job duties of the position may request reasonable accommodation to help with the selection process by contacting the Human Resources Department at (408) 615-2080, or for those who are hearing impaired, call TTY (408) 984-3042. Only those applicants who show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Applicants must successfully pass a City background investigation, which may include, in the discretion of the City and/or as required by law, fingerprinting, criminal records search, credit check, DMV record check, workers compensation, academic and employment verification. Any information obtained will be used to determine eligibility for employment in accordance with the law, including but not limited to restrictions regarding employer use of arrest and/or conviction information. 

Additional information is available from: 
City of Santa Clara Human Resources Department 
1500 Warburton Ave. 
Santa Clara, CA 95050 
www.santaclaraca.gov 
10-3-2014 49-14-143U

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

The City of Santa Clara Invites Applications for the position of PRINCIPAL PLANNER PLANNING & INSPECTION DEPARTMENT Final Filing Date: October 30, 2014 THE CITY OF SANTA CLARA Located in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara promotes a high quality of life and strong economic climate for a population of 121,229 residents. Within the city limits are included attractive residential and vigorous industrial areas, beautiful parks, and excellent schools. Santa Clara is the home of Mission Santa Clara, Santa Clara University, Mission College and California’s Great America theme park. Santa Clara is a Charter City with a Council/Manager form of government. The city is a full service city with an annual budget of approximately $660 million. 

THE DEPARTMENT 
The mission of the Planning & Inspection Department is to plan for and review the development and maintenance of the privately owned, physical environment of the City.

THE POSITION 
This is a management position in the Unclassified Service responsible for overseeing a variety of programs and activities of the Planning and Inspection Department. The Principal Planner will be focused primarily on policy planning and other advanced planning projects, in addition to special projects as assigned. The position’s major responsibility will be to ensure timely and efficient completion of projects such as the City’s General Plan updates, Housing Element updates, zoning code revisions, specific plan creation, updates of various City design guidelines, and some larger development projects. An incumbent in this classification exercises independent judgment and discretion not of a routine or clerical nature, and will have skills in coordinating, efforts across City departments and outside entities, and will be results-driven. The successful candidate will be expected to focus on three key responsibilities that include: 1) taking the initiative to prepare and complete periodic amendments to the City’s Land Use, Housing Element and other General Plan elements, 2) directing and managing the development of land use plans for specific areas of the City, and 3) working with city planners and applicants in coordinating and advancing development projects that require interpretation, implementation or amendment to land use policies of the City’s General Plan. As a member of the City’s unclassified service, this is an “at will” position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City’s Code of Ethics and Values.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education and Experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in city planning; 
• Four years of professional municipal or closely related planning experience; 
• Experience with computer software programs commonly used by the City and by the Planning & Inspection Department such as Microsoft Word, Excel, permitting software and Geographic Information System (GIS); 
• Experience working with senior managers on significant policy planning, General Plan updates, creation of specific plans, writing municipal code, and other advanced planning projects; 
• Experience in managing consultants on large and complex projects involving significant public outreach, steering committees, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); and 
• Experience in collaboration with local, regional and state agencies and organizations in complex current and/or advanced planning projects

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience coordinating multiple disciplines involved in urban development and/or policy planning if desirable. 
• Experience with governmental decision making bodies, including making presentations to, working with and providing support for these entities is desirable. 
• California professional municipal or closely related planning experience is desirable.

LICENSE 
Possession of an appropriate, valid California Class C driver’s license is required at time of appointment and for duration of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods and procedures of city planning and the administration thereof; 
• Physical, social and economic, implications involved in city planning, including the development of urban, environmental and aesthetic needs; 
• Research methods, including statistics; 
• Governmental, organization, transportation, communications and public utility systems as related to planning; and 
• Legal considerations and provisions of planning law, environmental law, zoning administration and subdivision regulations. 

Ability to:

• Manage, organize and conduct planning research studies and reports; 
• Draw logical and perceptive conclusions from factual data; 
• Define alternative actions and creative solutions; 
• Develop well-supported recommendations; 
• Work cooperatively with others and maintain a collaborative approach for resolving complex planning and development projects; 
• Speak and write effectively; 
• Supervise preparation of maps, charts and other graphic materials; and 
• Train and supervise the work of others in a team environment. 

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: With general direction: 
• Manage policy planning projects and programs within the Department of Planning and Inspection, under the general direction of the City Planner and the Director of Planning and Inspection 
• Gather, analyze and present data in the form of written, graphic, or oral reports for use before commissions and public hearings; 
• Plan, manage, and participate in the preparation of advanced planning projects; 
• Prepare statistics and other information for general distribution; 
• Technical and management advisor to subordinate personnel in solving difficult assignments and in reviewing objectives, techniques of execution, and findings; 
• Assist in the review of the City’s General Plan and preparation of new ordinances to effectuate the same; 
• Research, planning and technical analysis for complex planning projects and preparation of reports including recommendations; 
• Coordinate California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), environmental consultants, mitigation monitoring or reporting program requirements associated with advanced planning projects 
• Plan and participate in meetings of various civic, business and community organizations; 
• May be responsible for assisting the City Planner in the staffing of the Planning Commission, the Permit Center and the allocation of budget and staffing resources as directed; 
• May lead a team on a planning initiative as assigned; 
• May act for the City Planner or the Director in their absence; 
• May represent the Department at the Architectural Committee, Historical and Landmarks Commission, and other planning advisory committees as needed; and 
• Performs related work as assigned by the City Planner and/or the Director

SUPERVISION RECEIVED 
Works under the administrative direction of the City Planner, Director of Planning and Inspection and/or the City Manager, as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED 
May supervise and train personnel in the Planning Division and others as assigned. May be responsible for evaluating and reporting on the work efforts of employees, in recommending to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward or discipline other employees, in weighing the economic impact of deploying or directing employees, or in adjusting employee grievances.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 
Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS 
Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest Statement upon assuming office, annually and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager’s Directive 100.