Adopted CC: 04-16-08

Definition

Under general direction, performs professional tasks related to municipal planning, zoning, housing,
economic development and environmental analysis; researches and analyzes a variety of planning data;
prepares various studies and recommendations; prepares and reviews environmental documents; reviews
development and subdivision proposals, building plans, permits, and parcel maps; works with developers,
architects, attorneys, and the public regarding City standards and policies; may serve as staff to various
Commissions and/or committees; and does related work as required.
This classification is the entry level class in the professional planning series. With the requisite
experience, the incumbent can independently assume responsibility for more complex projects and
specialized assignments. The Assistant Planner classification is distinguished from higher level positions
by the nature of the work as entry level, of lesser scope, and/or moderately difficult and complex
assignments. The incumbent may work independently with supervision or as part of a team.

Supervision Exercised and Received

General direction is received from the Planning Manager and other Planners. Direct supervision and
supervision through secondary managers may be provided with specific project assignments in the
Community Development Department.

Essential and Important Duties

• Conducts assigned planning projects involving land use, populations, structures, economic activities,
  housing, transportation, environmental and related subjects; conducts research, and confers with
  applicants, interested parties, and agency representatives to identify problems and opportunities.
• Analyzes data with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies; determines
  methods to reconcile project conflicts with local and state law.
• Prepares professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations; makes
  oral presentations to the public and elected and appointed decision makers.
• Receives and reviews planning applications; coordinates review with various City and outside
  agencies; may lead a team on complex applications and long range planning projects; responds to
  inquiries both orally and in writing; interprets planning policies, state laws and local ordinances,
  within established parameters; explains City procedures in person, over the phone and in writing.
• Drafts resolutions, findings, ordinances and amendments to them, and California Environmental
  Quality Act documents.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of graphs, charts and other displays.
• Provides information on city, regional and state environmental, zoning, and subdivision requirements
  to consultants, developers, property owners and the general public.
• Works extensively on the computer to manage current planning case-loads, produce written
  documents, prepare maps and graphics, analyze data, create graphics, research on the Internet, and
  communicate with others through e-mail.
• May administer contracts and oversee the work of consultants.
• May provide staff support to city agencies, commissions or ad-hoc advisory groups.
• Performs duties consistent with the City’s commitment to exceptional customer service.
  

Job-Related and Essential Qualifications

Knowledge of: Principles, practices and purpose of municipal planning; site and project design review;
nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques and instruments used in planning, drafting and
mapping; statistics and statistical analysis as applied to land use, transportation, zoning and master plan
studies; principles and techniques of developing and maintaining a master plan; site planning and
architectural design; laws and other regulations relating to municipal planning; knowledge of or capacity
to learn Geographic Information System software, database software, and graphics software.

Ability to: Operate personal computers and utilize planning applications; analyze and compile
statistical, economic and technical data; read, understand and apply state laws, local ordinances and
guidelines to permit applications; prepare well written reports and oral presentations; establish and
maintain effective working relationships with other employees, developers and the public; read and
interpret architectural and construction plans; communicate clearly, concisely and tactfully with a
variety of audiences; learn, retain and apply knowledge of laws and ordinances.

Skills in: Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data pertaining to planning and zoning situations; applying urban,
environmental, housing, zoning, and transportation planning principles and methods to local problems;
establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; communicating effectively,
orally and in writing; understanding and interpreting maps, plans, building elevations, specifications, and
legal descriptions; creating word processing documents, sending e-mails, and researching topics on the
Internet.

Education and Training

Any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the best qualified candidates.
A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Experience: Some experience in land use planning and/or regulations desirable.

Education: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in city or regional
planning, urban planning, public policy or a closely related field.

Training: Any recent training such as, academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to
this job classification.

License: Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, as determined
by the City.

Special Requirements

Speak clearly and understandably; operate standard computer programs. Ability to travel to various
locations within and outside the City of San Carlos to meet program needs and fulfill the job
responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a California driver’s license and
satisfactory driver’s record is required. Must be able to actively participate in evening meetings.
Other Requirements: Must have the willingness and ability to: work the hours necessary to accomplish
the assigned duties, including evening and week-end hours; attend evening meetings; travel out of town
and attend workshops, conferences, seminars during work and non-work hours.