Assistant Planner

Position Summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic, team and service oriented individual to add to our team!

If you like a fun and fast-paced work environment, the City of La Mesa has an exciting opportunity to join our Community Development Department as an Assistant Planner to perform a variety of professional level duties and responsibilities in support of the City's current and advanced planning functions. The ideal candidate will process development and architectural review permit applications, as well as, serve as liaison and provide assistance and information to applicants, developers, consultants, the general public, and outside organizations and agencies regarding City codes, policies, standards, and processes.

This is the entry level class in the professional Planner series. Positions in this class will usually perform most of the duties required of an Associate Planner, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent direction and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits a structured and established pattern. Generally, changes in procedures or exceptions are explained in detail as they arise. Under the flexible staffing concept, positions assigned to the Assistant Planner class may reasonably expect to progress to the Associate level with training, experience and satisfactory job performance.

This position will have a 3.5% salary increase effective the first pay period on on after July 1, 2024.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Serve as liaison to and provide information and assistance to City staff, applicants, developers, consultants, the general public, and outside organizations and agencies regarding City plans, zoning matters, and development requirements over the phone or at the public counter.

• Perform plan check of proposed commercial, industrial and residential projects to determine compliance and consistency with applicable City codes, policies, and standards as well as approved planning permit conditions.

• Serve as staff to a variety of boards, commissions, and committees involved in the development, adoption, and implementation of City plans and planning regulations.

• Participate in specialized planning studies such as preparation of environmental evaluations and environmental impact reports, and the development of ordinances, resolutions, and regulations.

• Conduct independent and team research and analysis including that for long term planning issues; assist in the preparation of advanced planning reports and amendments including updates of the General Plan, preparation of specific plans, and zoning and subdivision amendments.

• Perform related duties as required.

For more details regarding the duties, responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this position, please select the followinglinkto the job description.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, architecture, or a related field.

Experience:

One (1) year of responsible professional urban planning and zoning experience is highly desirable.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.

Examination Process

Interested applicants must submit acover letter,on-line application and a completed supplemental questionnaireby theclosing deadline,11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.Unless specifically stated otherwise in this announcement, all requirements must be met at the time of application, and all required licenses and certificates must be current and valid.

Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position. The examination process may consist of any or all of the following components: Appraisal interview and skills test.

• SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 3, 2024 - Recruitment Closes

Week of May 27, 2024 - Initial Interview Panel and written exercise - In-person

• Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.

NOTE:

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation.

The City of La Mesa is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employer. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!