Assistant Planner / Associate Planner I / Associate Planner II

Job Description:

Assistant Planner / Associate Planner I / Associate Planner II

Description

Description

San Clemente is hiring a Planner for our Community Development Department to join our collaborative and professional team!

The City of San Clemente reserves the option to hire at the -

Assistant Planner ($37.38 - $45.44 Hourly range)
Associate Planner I ($42.22 - $51.32 Hourly range)
or Associate Planner II ($44.33 - $53.89 Hourly range)
level based on candidate qualifications and selection process.


Scheduled Salary Increases:

Effective July 2025 - 3.0%

Effective July 2026 - 3.0%

Effective July 2027 - 2.5%

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION
Under general supervision/direction, to perform a variety of general and specialized professional planning functions, involving conducting studies, analyzing data, and preparing reports on current and long-range projects; to coordinate and manage all activities related to assigned projects; and to provide information and assistance to developers and members of the business community and the public on planning and development related matters.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Assistant Planner:
This is the entry level class within the professional Planner series. This class is distinguished from the Associate Planner classifications in that Assistant Planners perform the more routine professional planning functions within the series.

Associate Planner I:

This is the full journey level class within the professional Planner series. Associate Planners I perform the full range of duties as assigned, including assuming responsibility for advanced planning projects, management of planning entitlement projects, and preparation of complex planning reports for administrators, commissions, and city council. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Associate Planner II :

In addition to the characteristics of the Associate Planner I, employees at the Associate Planner II level assist with more complex and higher-level planning projects in support of the Senior Planner, Principal Planner, and/or the City Planner.

Essential Functions

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions – Assistant Planner, Associate Planner I, and Associate Planner II

• Responds to questions and provide information to members of the public at the counter, over the phone, and in the field.
• Conducts reviews and checks construction plans to determine compliance with City codes and conditions of approval; and inspect construction projects.
• Coordinates planning activities with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies and organizations.
• Uses specialized computer applications, such as inter-departmental GIS, to develop exhibits, such as maps, data reports, databases, and tools to track projects.
• Performs professional level planning functions in support of assigned projects involving conducting studies, analyzing data, and preparing reports
• Receives and reviews development proposals and applications for Planning permits; ensures compliance with appropriate regulations and policies; recommends modifications as appropriate.
• Performs environmental review of projects; and analyzes architectural, site planning and use merits of projects.
• Conducts a variety of current and long-range planning studies; researches, analyzes and interprets social, economic, land use, and population data; identifies trends; prepares written reports and develops recommendations on planning activities; and delivers presentations to members of the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Serves as project manager for complex advanced planning projects.
• Confers with and advise developers, contractors and the general public on acceptable site plans; reviews building plans, parcel maps, tract maps, subdivision proposals; ensures compliance with regulations and ordinances; and recommends modifications, as appropriate.
• Conducts field inspections for development proposals, land use surveys, and related planning studies; and ensures compliance with applicable codes and ordinances
• Develops and delivers presentations to members of the public; interprets and explains planning and zoning regulations, and upcoming planning projects; and responds to, and resolves complaints and inquiries.
• Provides staff assistance to members of boards and commissions, including the Zoning Administrator and Planning Commission; and prepares and presents staff reports to members of boards and commissions.
• Conducts inspections in the field relating to assigned planning and development projects, in order to ensure compliance with conditions of approval and regulations.
• May serve as a lead worker or project leader over departmental staff; may exercise technical and functional supervision over departmental staff.
• Researches various grants; prepares grant applications and writes reports, and monitors and evaluates progress of grant programs.

• Performs related work as required.

Typical Qualifications

Assistant Planner

Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, concepts, and terminology pertaining to urban planning and development.
Modern computer operations and software applications.
Ability to:

Follow verbal and written directions and instructions.

Read, understand, interpret, and apply pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures related to municipal planning, general plans, zoning, environmental matters, land division, coastal issues, historic preservation, and other land use issues.

Learn current literature and recent developments in the field of planning and zoning.

Learn site planning and architectural design techniques and methods.

Learn to collect, compile, review, analyze, and organize technical and statistical information; and prepare reports.

Learn technical report writing techniques.

Visual acuity to see/read documents and computer screen.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Use computer software, hardware, and modern office equipment in an effective and safe manner.

Closely review and prepare reports, studies, presentations, records, and files that are up-to-date, complete, and accurate.

Associate Planner I and Associate Planner II

In addition to the qualifications for Assistant Planner:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of planning, architecture, and building construction.

Site planning and architectural design techniques and methods.

Methods and techniques pertaining to conducting research and writing technical reports.

Laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to general plans, zoning and land divisions.

Applicable environmental laws and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related computerized or automated applications

Concepts, methods, and techniques pertaining to reviewing and processing applications for development projects, including reviewing environmental related documents.

Ability to:

Complete work independently under minimal supervision.

Serve as an effective lead worker over departmental staff.

Serve as project manager for complex advanced planning projects.

Multi-task, plan, and complete work assignments in an effective and timely manner, while working in a setting with shifting priorities and frequent interruptions.

Coordinate work with other City divisions and departments, or outside agencies in an effective manner.

Research, analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports;

Develop logical and sound findings, conclusions, and recommendations, based on studies and research

Develop and deliver clear, concise, and understandable presentations to the public in an effective and compelling manner.

Interpret planning and zoning programs to members of the general public.

Respond to difficult, complex, and sensitive public inquiries.

Coordinate and implement the City's affordable housing strategy; evaluate proposed low and moderate income housing projects; collects and reviews legal information; make recommendations.

Participate in preparing Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for professional or technical services; review proposals, and assist in conducting interviews; participate in the selection of consultants.

Assist in administering and managing consultant contracts; review work progress; ensure compliance with contract specifications; and recommend adjustments as necessary.

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

Assistant Planner

Experience:

One year of experience in urban planning or redevelopment at a technician or intern level of responsibility.

Education/ Training:
Possession of Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, with a major or course work in planning, architecture, civil engineering, biology, environmental science, geography, political science, public administration, or a related field.

Associate Planner I

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible professional level experience in urban planning with an agency, company or organization; or one year of experience as an Assistant Planner with the City of San Clemente along with one year previous experience in urban planning.

Education/Training :

Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, architecture, civil engineering, biology, environmental science, geography, political science, public administration, or a related field.

Associate Planner II

Experience:

Three years of increasingly responsible professional level experience in urban planning with an agency, company, or organization; or one year of experience as an Associate Planner I with the City of San Clemente.

Education/Trainin g:

Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, architecture, civil engineering, biology, environmental science, geography, political science, public administration, or a related field.

Certifications/Licenses:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Driver License within six months of appointment.

Special Requirements:

• May be required to operate a vehicle to travel to locations within or outside of the city.
• May be required to attend meetings during non-business hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment:

The primary work setting takes place indoors within an office environment. Work may require traveling outdoors in the field to participate in site visits or field inspections on an occasional basis.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed in an indoor office environment, which may require sitting, standing or walking for prolonged periods of time.
• Work involves occasional reaching, stooping, kneeling, and bending.
• Moderate lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of items or sets of plans of moderate weight.
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; and handle blueprints, plans, files and documents.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
• Visual acuity to see/read documents and computer screen.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURE

All applicants must submit a completed City of San Clemente application form and supplemental questionnaire in order to be considered. Applications will not be accepted by fax or email.

Applications must be submitted via the City's web site at http://san-clemente.org/jobs. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience.

Prior to employment, the prospective candidate must successfully complete a background review, medical examination, including drug screen, and be fingerprinted, all at City expense. If selected, written identification showing entitlement to legally work in the United States will be required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or age.

In accordance with the ADA, candidates that require accommodation to perform the tasks of this position should contact Human Resources to inform them of the accommodation requested.

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of San Clemente provides excellent benefits which include:

FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULE -Most positionswork a 9/80 work schedule.

HOLIDAYS - The City presently recognizes 12 regular holidays, plustwo floating holidays.

VACATION - Employees accumulate vacation at the rate of 104 hours per year increasing to a maximum of 176 hours based on years of service.

SICK LEAVE - Accrual of 8 hours per month.

INSURANCE - The City provides a comprehensive benefit package including employee medical, dental, vision.

LIFE INSURANCE - Value equal to two times annual earnings up to a maximum of $100,000.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION - Employees may elect to enroll in a voluntary plan and defer up to the IRS permitted annual maximum. Employees may defer up to a maximum of $23,500 annually in 2025. Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute up to $7,500 in catch-up contributions to these plans.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in either or both of the Health Care or Dependent Care programs.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - The City offers full-time employees and their dependents an EAP program which provides a variety of professional services.

ON-SITE FITNESS CENTER -The City provides a no fee on-sitefitness center with state of the art equipment located in City Hall.

RETIREMENT - The City of San Clemente is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), and is subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). The retirement formula for new employees is based on the category below that the new employee falls under. Employee contribution rates will be determined by the employee's classification and requirements under PEPRA.
NOTE: The City is also a member of the Social Security system. As such, Full Time employees make contributions to Social Security in addition to their CalPERS contributions.

Classic Member:

Retirement Formula: 2% @ 55

Definition:

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the PEPRA definition of a "new member" as "classic members" who are subject to the Public Employees' Retirement Law (PERL). PEPRA allows a member after January 1, 2013, to retain his/her classic member retirement benefit status if the member continues his/her membership in all previous California Public Retirement System(s) by leaving his/her service credit and contributions (if any) on deposit, and the member enters into employment that results in CalPERS membership within six months of separating from the most recent California Public Retirement System. Classic member status also requires the membership date to be on or before December 31, 2012, in a California Public Retirement System in which reciprocity is established.

New Member:

Retirement Formula: 2% @ 62

Definition: A new member is defined in PEPRA as any of the following:

• A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
• A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, who has a break in service of greater than six months with another California Public Retirement System that is subject to Reciprocity.
• A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months.

Closing Date/Time: 3/2/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$77,750.40 - $112,091.20 Annually