Planner I (IE) - (Los Angeles & Orange Counties) - Generous Compensation

Purpose

Perform planning-related activities for residential, commercial, and public land development projects for municipal and private clients

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Direction

• Receive general instruction on key objectives for execution. Receive directions as needed, and especially on difficult assignments and possible solutions. Work is completed using standard engineering techniques and design principles and is reviewed by more senior staff to ensure application of sound professional judgement.

At the Operational and Company Level

• Work closely with more senior staff members to learn about and assist with planning work. 
• Assist with the marketing of the firm’s capabilities to establish new clients and enhance relationships.

Do the Work

• Plan, organize, conduct research, and prepare reports for development proposals involving current planning and development applications (plot plans, subdivisions, and model home complexes).
• Participate in the review, development, amendment, or revision of various elements of the Entitlement Process while ensuring compliance with the City’s General Plan, specific plans, municipal codes, and other policies and procedures.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret data to define social, economic and housing trends, as well as environmental conditions, community needs, and zoning problems.
• Prepare maps, graphs, charts, and other visual aids to illustrate planning studies.
• Review development proposals for conformance with City ordinances and codes.
• Communicate with and assist developers, property owners, the public and elected officials regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards, and procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements.
• Determine conformity with codes, policies, regulations, and procedures.
• Recommend approval or identify problems and assess alternatives for projects.
• Review environmental studies and impact reports from other City departments and external agencies and prepare environmental documentation for development proposals.
• Review, analyze, and make recommendations regarding conditional use permits, home occupancy permits, variances, zone changes, lot line adjustments, lot mergers, certificates of compliance, temporary use permits and sign permits.
• Manage and work the Public Counter to assist applicants in navigating the Entitlement Process; Answer questions and assist the public in person, on the telephone, and in writing.
• Prepare a variety of written communication, including analytical reports, correspondence, and drafts of revisions to local ordinances and planning policies and procedures.

Success Metrics and Competencies

Ideal candidate will consistently demonstrate…

• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
• High degree of discretion and ability to manage highly confidential information.
• Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.
• Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
• Self-reliance and ability to operate independently with limited direction.  
• Commitment to promoting the reputation of the company through quality of work.
• Aspirations to grow professionally and advance within the company.
• Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.
• Commitment to becoming a “citizen” of the broader organization, breaking down barriers and silos.
• Commitment to working in partnership with others inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Perform other duties in support of the planning department's goals and objectives.
• Basic interpretation of maps, site and building plans, design concepts, and municipal code.

Education, Work Experience, Licensure/Certifications, and Technical Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering or related field required.
• Entry level position, no prior experience required. Planning or similar relevant experience in the land development industry a plus.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility, including the Subdivision Map Act and the California Permit Streamlining Act.
• Experience in navigating the Entitlement Process, Conditional Use Permits (CUPS), Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Basic Plan Checks, and Counter Experience within the public sector.
• Working knowledge of: implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; community trends and market analysis techniques; statistical analysis techniques relevant to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques, and instruments used in planning; methods used in developing information for General Plan modifications and municipal code amendments; and local government organization and the functional practices of a municipal planning function.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).  

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Primarily indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.
• Mobility around an office environment.
• Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
• Occasional outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.
• Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Occasional use of data collection equipment and/or drones, necessitating walking the assigned study area to complete data collection over the course of several hours.
• Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.
• Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.

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