Planner (Assistant/Associate/Senior)

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the CalOpps job posting, which you may access at the following link: Planner (Assistant/Associate/Senior) | CalOpps.

The City of Lincoln is hiring a Planner in the Community Development Department.

The recruitment is open until filled.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately for consideration.  The position will be filled within the class series at the Assistant, Associate or Senior level dependent on qualifications.  The salary for each level is:

• Assistant Planner: $5,126.39 - $6,869.85
• Associate Planner: $6,231.16 - $8,350.36
• Senior Planner: $7,494.84 - $10,043.80

Under general supervision, this position performs professional land use and urban planning work, including current and future planning, housing, community development, historic preservation, parks and open spaces; reviews complex zoning and development applications; environment review and coordination; coordinates special projects; performs other related duties as required.  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Assistant Planner is the entry-level class in the professional planning series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities in the field of municipal planning.  Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of fundamental support activities in the area of current and future planning.  This classification is alternatively staffed with the Associate Planner and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating a level of proficiency that meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.

The Associate Planner is the journey-level class in the professional planning series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties.  Incumbents in this position work independently in the research, analysis and coordination of planning, housing and community development, as well as parks and open space issues, and in the preparation of a variety of reports, studies and recommendations.  This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Planner in that the latter is responsible for the more complex and difficult duties within the Community Development Department and may exercise lead supervision over assigned staff.

The Senior Planner is the lead/advanced journey level classification in the professional planning series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. Incumbents in this position work independently in the research and analysis of planning issues, in the preparation of planning reports, studies and recommendations and in the supervision and coordination of assigned planning functions and processes. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Planning Manager in that the latter is responsible for broad management within the department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

The Assistant Planner receives immediate supervision from the Planning Manager. Incumbents in this classification do not routinely exercise supervision.

The Associate Planner receives general supervision from the Planning Manager. May exercise functional and technical supervision over assigned staff.

The Senior Planner receives direction from the Planning Manager. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over assigned staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The essential functions of the Assistant/Associate Planner include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plans, organizes and conducts research studies; prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, parks, open spaces, housing and environmental issues; recommends the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial and community uses.
• Maintains, updates and analyzes demographic and other data required for community planning; participates in the review, development, revision and maintenance of general plan elements, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances and other policies and procedures.
• Reviews and processes various plans and applications for subdivision, housing and commercial developments; reviews and processes variances, conditional use permits and building permits; determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval, identifies problems and analyzes alternatives; conducts project site inspections.
• Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements; investigates and responds to complaints of zoning code violations; communicates and coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies; coordinates the development review process on public and private projects.
• Assists in the preparation of meeting agendas for various commissions, boards and community groups, including reviewing draft materials and preparing comments; organizes meetings and work sessions ensuring timely notification of appropriate parties; makes presentations and prepares material for the City Council, commissions, boards and community groups.
• Performs a wide range of staff assignments for the Planning Commission; may provide work coordination and project direction for other planning personnel and contract consultants; may serve as community development, housing services or code compliance coordinator if assigned.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff and the public.

In addition to the above, the essential functions of the Senior Planner also include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned functional areas; plans, coordinates, directs and processes complex projects and conducts research studies, including phases of the General Plan, current plans and special studies; negotiates, prepares and administers consultant services contracts; prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, housing and environmental issues; recommends the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial and community uses.
• Provides lead direction to professional, technical and office support staff in assigned functional areas; instructs staff in work procedures and reviews and evaluates work performed; confers with personnel from other departments and agencies in coordinating work activities; meets with representatives of community organizations and other groups to encourage cooperative action or to resolve problems.
• Coordinates and participates in the review and processing of various plans and applications for subdivision, housing and commercial developments; reviews and processes variances and other development permits and applications; collects and evaluates information related to the application process and determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or alternative approaches; conducts project site inspections.
• Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements; investigates and answers the more complex questions from the public regarding planning, zoning and environmental issues.
• Supervises, coordinates, and participates in code enforcement duties as they relate to zoning matters.
• Supervises, coordinates and participates in the update and implementation of the General Plan, environmental review and compliance, development review and citywide pre-application review; serves as staff to Committees, Commissions and the Council; manages complex and controversial current and future planning projects.
• Writes and edits reports and agendas for Committees, Commissions and Council; coordinates, prepares and provides meeting support services to the groups, including reviewing draft materials and preparing comments; drafts hearing notices, organizes meetings and work sessions ensuring timely notification of appropriate parties; makes presentations and prepares material for the City Council, Commissions, boards and community groups.
• Serves as technical advisor to City staff and officials, public agencies and members of the public.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff and the public.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on slippery, level and uneven surfaces, kneeling, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities.  The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard.  The position also requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents.  Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service.  The incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold.  The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles.  The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS

The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position. The level and scope of the knowledge and abilities listed below vary between the levels within the Planner classification series.

Knowledge of:  Principles, practices and techniques of current and advanced planning; land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning; grant writing and administration; contract negotiation and administration; basic principles and practices of program development, administration and evaluation; statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including the City Municipal Code, C.E.Q.A. and California laws relating to subdivisions, annexations, zoning and land use; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment; modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to:  Apply policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data; read and interpret maps, sketches, drawings, specifications and technical manuals; learn more complex principles, practices, techniques and regulations pertaining to assigned duties; plan, organize, evaluate and direct work of assigned staff; develop and coordinate work programs; negotiate and oversee contracts; attend evening meetings as required; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; make adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate; implement, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue, and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to:  Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications, including graphic and presentation programs.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

The process may include an in-basket exercise, individual interviews, panel interviews and/or other related components.  Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. The candidate selected for the position will be required to complete a background check including reference checks, fingerprint check, medical exam, drug-screening and/or other related components.

Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of five days in advance of the selection process exam by calling (916) 434-3229 or emailing hr@lincolnca.gov. The City of Lincoln is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Ideal Candidate

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must have any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for this position. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

Assistant Planner:  One year of professional planning experience, and a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning or a related field.  A master’s degree in urban or regional planning may be substituted for the required experience.

Associate Planner:  Three years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience, and a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning or a related field.  A master’s degree in urban or regional planning may be substituted for up to one year of required experience.

Senior Planner:  Four years of increasingly responsible experience in urban or regional planning, including one year in a lead capacity, and a bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, or a related field. A master’s degree in urban or regional planning is desirable.

License/Certification

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license.

Benefits

This position is in the Professional/Administrative, Local 39 employee group.  The probation period is 12 months.

The City of Lincoln offers benefits that deliver value and provide options when planning for retirement. Below are the highlights of our employee benefits.  For specific benefit information, view the employee group's MOU and benefit summary at the link below:

• Memoranda of Understanding
• Benefits and Compensation

RETIREMENT

PERS 2% at 60 for classic members and 2% at 62 for new members. Members pay employee portion plus 3% employer share.  The City participates in Social Security and offers voluntary deferred compensation accounts.

HEALTH AND LIFE INSURANCE

Lincoln offers medical plans through CalPERS.  The City pays the majority of the premiums and offers a cash benefit for waiving medical coverage.  Employees are eligible for full retiree health through the Public Employee Medical and Health Coverage Act (PEMHCA) vesting schedule per GC 22893.

Dental premiums are paid by City for employee and dependents; the City pays vision premium for employee, any dependent premiums paid by employee.  Voluntary medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts are available.  Employer-sponsored life insurance benefit paid by City and optional voluntary life insurance, critical illness and accident plans available for employee purchase.

ANNUAL PAID LEAVES

Vacation accrues based on years of service and starts at 88 hours.  Sick leave accrues at 96 hours. The City offers 10 city-paid holidays and 16 hours of floating holiday; floating holiday has a cash out option if unused.

Recruitment Contact

Contact phone: (916)434-2456

Contact email: hr@lincolnca.gov

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• City of Lincoln

• 9164343229