Assistant Planner (Design And Historic Preservation)

The Planning and Community Development Department is excited to announce an immediate opening for an Assistant Planner. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing routine planning work in the Design and Historic Preservation section.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a customer-focused team player who possesses excellent written, organization and interpersonal skills, with knowledge, education, and experience in design review and historic preservation.

The ideal candidate will also have the knowledge and/or experience with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and the Illustrated Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. Knowledge and/or experience with historic resource surveys, National Register criteria, and can evaluate the historical and architectural significance of properties.

Please note: this recruitment is open continuous with first consideration given to those who apply by February 1, 2024. This recruitment may close at any time. Apply today!

Essential Functions

The following list represents some of the essential functions of the position. Assignments may vary. For more detailed information, please refer to thejob description.

Performs professional planning in the field of design review and historic preservation.

Researches, collects and analyzes data; prepares reports and presents recommendations on historic resource evaluations, historical designations; researches property development and ownership history and other related tasks.

Conducts a variety of assignments involving new development projects or building alterations that require Design & Historic Preservation review pursuant to the requirements in the City's Zoning Code; confers with applicants and agency representatives to identify problems; evaluates data and proposes methods to resolve conflicting issues of plan implementation, zoning requirements, design guidelines and environmental impact.

Evaluates current development projects undergoing plan check review by conducting detailed reviews of plans to determine whether design and historic preservation requirements apply; performs field surveys to identify problems and upon completion of projects to ensure conformance with applicable requirements; discusses recommendations with builders, developers, architects and real estate professionals.

Reviews and processes applications for design review and Certificate of Appropriateness, including preparing legal notices and project descriptions; reviewing for completeness and consistency with design guidelines and historic preservation ordinance; conducting site visits and meeting with applicants, coordinating reviews by other City departments, preparing decision letters, and recommending alternative solutions consistent with design guidelines and historic preservation ordinance to achieve compliant projects.

Prepares staff reports for public oral presentation to the Historic Preservation Commission, Design Commission, and other commissions as directed by City Council.

Contributes to the review and revision of local ordinances; conducts research; assist in the preparation of complex planning reports including staff reports, EIR'S, negative declarations and special studies.

Confers with and advises architects, engineers, attorneys, developers, and the general public regarding City development procedures and processes.

Responds to inquiries, both orally and in writing; applies planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, or explains procedures; provides assistance to the Planning Commission, Hearing Officer, Design Commission and other committees and commissions; may conduct presentations to City Commissions, committees, residents and neighborhood groups.

Employs sound and independent judgement consistent with the goals, policies, and departmental practice.

Qualification Guidelines

CORE COMPETENCIES

The following list represents some of the core competencies for this position; see the job description for more detailed information:

• Attention to Detail

• Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.

• Self- Management

• Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.

• Writing- Communicating effectively in writing.

• Relationship Building- Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.

• Teamwork- Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.

• Legal & Regulatory Navigation- Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, geography, public administration, or a closely related field.

• Two years of recent planning experience in one or more of the following areas: zoning, historic preservation, design review, redevelopment and/or planning research.

• Candidates who possess the education, knowledge and/or experience with design review and historic preservation will be deemed most qualified.

SELECTION PROCESS

The examination process may consist of: An education, training, and experience evaluation; a written test of related skills; a performance exercise; an interview; and an online job suitability assessment.

This position is part of the Pasadena Management Association bargaining unit. The probationary test period is one year.

VACANCY INFORMATION

As a result of the selection process, an eligible list of candidates will be established which will be used to fill this vacancy and other similar vacancies that may occur in future. There is currently one vacancy in the Planning and Community Development Department, Design and Historic Preservation Section.

Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record may be required for some assignments.