City of Watsonville
Senior Planner/ Associate Planner/ Assistant Planner
City of Watsonville, Watsonville, California, United States, 95076
The City of Watsonville is looking for a planning professional to streamline current planning efforts and implement the recently adopted Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan and the 6th Cycle Housing Element. This plan focuses on increasing infill housing and promoting economic growth. The position can be filled at the Senior, Associate, or Assistant level. This recruitment will fill one current vacancy and establish a list for future openings.
Description of Basic Functions and Responsibilities Senior Planner To provide lead supervision to professional planning staff; and to coordinate and participate in the most complex and large scale planning projects such as development of the General Plan and major development proposals. Employees in this classification receive minimal supervision within a broad framework of policies and procedures. Employees in this job class direct, coordinate, and monitor the work of others in a lead capacity. This job class requires comprehensive mastery of the principles and practices of professional municipal and environmental planning and functions at an advanced journey/lead level of classification.
Plans, organizes, coordinates and provides lead supervision for the preparation and administration of the General Plan, General Plan Amendments, and Environmental Impact Reports
Plans, organizes, assigns, monitors and reviews the work of professional planning staff; provides staff training and development
Reviews and analyzes major development projects for conformance with state and local laws and standards; assigns advance planning projects and supervises preparation of reports
Oversees and participates in the preparation of the General Plan Environmental review
Directs environmental review of public and private projects for the City including consultant selection and preparation and monitoring of contracts for private consultants
Coordinates assigned planning activities with other City departments through the Development Processing Committee
Coordinates and processes tentative map applications with other City departments
Reviews and analyzes planning projects proposed by other agencies
Makes presentations of proposals, analyses, issues, and facts to elected and appointed officials, commissions, and others
Provides interpretations of the general plan and environmental, zoning, encroachment, flood protection, land use and related laws, codes, regulations and ordinances to the public, developers and other interested parties
Prepares comprehensive reports, technical studies and correspondence related to areas of responsibility using a variety of planning concepts and techniques
Conducts special studies as directed by the Planning Director, Planning commission or as issues require
Reviews local ordinances for consistency with state and Federal law and initiates changes to ensure conformance
Coordinates and performs research, administrative, and technical activities necessary to achieve project objectives and to maintain departmental programs
Associate Planner To perform a variety of difficult assignments in the preparation and presentation of planning reports; to perform technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, environmental impact reports, and construction projects; and to enforce zoning ordinances and regulations. Employees in this classification receive limited supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures.
Reviews applications for use permits, subdivision, and variances to determine environmental status and impacts
Provides interpretations of environmental, zoning, encroachment, land use and related laws, codes, regulations and ordinances
Prepares analyses of environmental impacts
Prepares revisions of site plans and summaries of mitigating measures to reduce adverse environmental impacts
Reviews and comments on environmental impact statements and reports prepared by others
Receives, documents, and investigates complaints concerning land use and failure to comply with zoning ordinances
Explains zoning ordinances, planning policies, and permit reviews to the public and advises on compliance procedures
Makes presentations of analyses, issues and facts to elected and appointed officials, commissions, the public, and others
Updates environmental guidelines to conform to legislative changes
Reviews covenants, conditions and restrictions for proposed planned developments and condominiums, suggesting revisions
Performs general reviews of use permit and subdivision applications
Gathers data and prepares reports for a variety of advance planning issues
Reviews and prepares ordinance changes and general plan amendments
Performs building plan checking for planning-related items
Performs final on-site inspections of building sites to ensure compliance with building plans and terms and conditions of approval
Gathers and organizes statistical data
Prepares graphic materials, visual aids, and displays
Prepares Capital Improvement reports
Performs design reviews and suggests modifications
Prepares background material for non‑compliance reports
Assigns street addresses
Operates computerized systems for various planning related applications
May issue abatements, notices of violation, and citations
Maintains records of zoning investigations
Pre prepares special reports, permits, and variances
Prepares a variety of correspondence and written reports
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required
Assistant Planner To perform professional planning work of average difficulty, and to assist higher level planners in the execution of their duties by providing technical and professional support.
Assists in the review of applications for use permits, subdivisions, and variances to determine environmental status and impacts
Reviews and comments on environmental impact statements and reports prepared by others
Presents environmental analyses at study sessions and formal meetings of the Planning Commission
Performs general reviews of use permit and subdivision applications
Gathers data and prepares reports for a variety of advance planning issues
Reviews and prepares ordinance changes and general plan amendments
Explains zoning ordinances, planning policies, and permit reviews to the public, developers, and others, and advises on compliance procedures
Operates computerized systems and maintains databases for various planning related applications
Prepares Capital Improvement reports
Performs design reviews and suggests modifications
Receives, documents, and investigates complaints concerning land use and failure to comply with zoning ordinances
Prepares background materials for non‑compliance reports
Gathers and organizes statistical data
Prepares graphic materials
Prepares a variety of written studies, reports, and correspondence
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required
Employment Standards Senior Planner
Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's license including a safe driving record
Knowledge of objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information services, and trends in the field of municipal planning
Land use law, zoning law, and the California Environmental Quality Act
Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, and social/economic concepts applied to municipal planning
Application, modification, and interrelationships between ordinances, policies, standards, procedures, and practices associated with the planning function
Mathematical and statistical concepts and techniques used in the planning process
Laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances affecting zoning and land use
Terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning and map drafting
Purposes, roles, and authorities of councils, commissions, and others involved in the planning process
Computerized applications for planning uses
Provide lead direction, project coordination, and instruction to professional staff
Conduct the most complex planning studies and activities
Formulate, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding zoning policies, land use ordinances, and environmental review
Coordinate and participate in major projects including collection and analysis of data, and preparation of reports and recommendations pertaining to the planning process
Interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, regulations, specifications, site and building plans, environmental impact reports, data, and maps
Make effective and persuasive oral presentations to elected and appointed officials, the general public, developers, vendors, and others
Analyze complex planning issues and problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective courses of action
Prepare clear, concise, and complete technical documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials
Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those in the performance of required duties
Associate Planner
Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver’s license, including a safe driving record
Principles, practices and trends of public planning
Statistical and research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of data affecting public planning
Environmental impacts of changes in land use
Laws, codes, regulations and ordinances affecting zoning and land use
Purposes, roles, authorities, and general procedures of councils, commissions and others involved in the planning process
Computerized applications for planning and general uses
Graphic illustration and presentation
Interpret, apply, and enforce complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances related to planning and zoning
Collect, analyze and compile technical, statistical and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research
Conduct environmental impact reviews and analyses
Prepare concise and comprehensive planning reports
Make effective presentations to elected officials, the public, commissions, and others
Observe and record findings during investigations
Explain planning issues, land use and zoning ordinances, and environmental impact problems to members of the public concerned with land use and development projects
Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
Assistant Planner
Principles, practices and trends of public planning
Statistical and research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of planning related data
Environmental impacts of changes in land use, and mitigating measures
Laws, codes, regulations and ordinances affecting zoning and land use purposes, roles and authorities of councils, commissions and others involved in the planning process
Computerized applications for planning uses
Graphics and mapping skills
Interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances related to planning and zoning
Collect, analyze and compile technical, statistical and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research
Conduct environmental impact reviews and analyses
Prepare concise and comprehensive planning reports
Prepare graphics and a variety of maps
Make effective presentations to elected officials, the public, commissions, and others
Observe and record findings during investigations
Explain planning issues, land use and zoning ordinances, and environmental impact problems to members of the public concerned with land use and development projects
Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
Speak English/Spanish highly desirable
Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Senior Planner
Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with academic coursework in planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, economics, environmental studies or closely related courses. A master's degree in planning is desirable and three years of professional planning experience in city, county or regional planning at the Associate Planner level.
Associate Planner
Considerable advanced education in planning or a closely related field or three years of professional planning experience.
Assistant Planner
Considerable advanced education in planning or a closely related field or four years of work experience providing technical planning assistance in a public agency, and one or two years successful performance as a Junior Planner with the City of Watsonville.
License: A valid Class C California Driver’s License and a safe driving record.
The candidate selected will be appointed for a 12‑month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list that normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Mid Management bargaining group.
Prior to appointment to the position of Senior Planner, Associate Planner, or Assistant Planner, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.
The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.
Supplemental Information: The candidate will be appointed for a 9‑month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list that normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Prior to appointment to the position of Assistant Planner, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.
NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.
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Description of Basic Functions and Responsibilities Senior Planner To provide lead supervision to professional planning staff; and to coordinate and participate in the most complex and large scale planning projects such as development of the General Plan and major development proposals. Employees in this classification receive minimal supervision within a broad framework of policies and procedures. Employees in this job class direct, coordinate, and monitor the work of others in a lead capacity. This job class requires comprehensive mastery of the principles and practices of professional municipal and environmental planning and functions at an advanced journey/lead level of classification.
Plans, organizes, coordinates and provides lead supervision for the preparation and administration of the General Plan, General Plan Amendments, and Environmental Impact Reports
Plans, organizes, assigns, monitors and reviews the work of professional planning staff; provides staff training and development
Reviews and analyzes major development projects for conformance with state and local laws and standards; assigns advance planning projects and supervises preparation of reports
Oversees and participates in the preparation of the General Plan Environmental review
Directs environmental review of public and private projects for the City including consultant selection and preparation and monitoring of contracts for private consultants
Coordinates assigned planning activities with other City departments through the Development Processing Committee
Coordinates and processes tentative map applications with other City departments
Reviews and analyzes planning projects proposed by other agencies
Makes presentations of proposals, analyses, issues, and facts to elected and appointed officials, commissions, and others
Provides interpretations of the general plan and environmental, zoning, encroachment, flood protection, land use and related laws, codes, regulations and ordinances to the public, developers and other interested parties
Prepares comprehensive reports, technical studies and correspondence related to areas of responsibility using a variety of planning concepts and techniques
Conducts special studies as directed by the Planning Director, Planning commission or as issues require
Reviews local ordinances for consistency with state and Federal law and initiates changes to ensure conformance
Coordinates and performs research, administrative, and technical activities necessary to achieve project objectives and to maintain departmental programs
Associate Planner To perform a variety of difficult assignments in the preparation and presentation of planning reports; to perform technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, environmental impact reports, and construction projects; and to enforce zoning ordinances and regulations. Employees in this classification receive limited supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures.
Reviews applications for use permits, subdivision, and variances to determine environmental status and impacts
Provides interpretations of environmental, zoning, encroachment, land use and related laws, codes, regulations and ordinances
Prepares analyses of environmental impacts
Prepares revisions of site plans and summaries of mitigating measures to reduce adverse environmental impacts
Reviews and comments on environmental impact statements and reports prepared by others
Receives, documents, and investigates complaints concerning land use and failure to comply with zoning ordinances
Explains zoning ordinances, planning policies, and permit reviews to the public and advises on compliance procedures
Makes presentations of analyses, issues and facts to elected and appointed officials, commissions, the public, and others
Updates environmental guidelines to conform to legislative changes
Reviews covenants, conditions and restrictions for proposed planned developments and condominiums, suggesting revisions
Performs general reviews of use permit and subdivision applications
Gathers data and prepares reports for a variety of advance planning issues
Reviews and prepares ordinance changes and general plan amendments
Performs building plan checking for planning-related items
Performs final on-site inspections of building sites to ensure compliance with building plans and terms and conditions of approval
Gathers and organizes statistical data
Prepares graphic materials, visual aids, and displays
Prepares Capital Improvement reports
Performs design reviews and suggests modifications
Prepares background material for non‑compliance reports
Assigns street addresses
Operates computerized systems for various planning related applications
May issue abatements, notices of violation, and citations
Maintains records of zoning investigations
Pre prepares special reports, permits, and variances
Prepares a variety of correspondence and written reports
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required
Assistant Planner To perform professional planning work of average difficulty, and to assist higher level planners in the execution of their duties by providing technical and professional support.
Assists in the review of applications for use permits, subdivisions, and variances to determine environmental status and impacts
Reviews and comments on environmental impact statements and reports prepared by others
Presents environmental analyses at study sessions and formal meetings of the Planning Commission
Performs general reviews of use permit and subdivision applications
Gathers data and prepares reports for a variety of advance planning issues
Reviews and prepares ordinance changes and general plan amendments
Explains zoning ordinances, planning policies, and permit reviews to the public, developers, and others, and advises on compliance procedures
Operates computerized systems and maintains databases for various planning related applications
Prepares Capital Improvement reports
Performs design reviews and suggests modifications
Receives, documents, and investigates complaints concerning land use and failure to comply with zoning ordinances
Prepares background materials for non‑compliance reports
Gathers and organizes statistical data
Prepares graphic materials
Prepares a variety of written studies, reports, and correspondence
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required
Employment Standards Senior Planner
Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's license including a safe driving record
Knowledge of objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, information services, and trends in the field of municipal planning
Land use law, zoning law, and the California Environmental Quality Act
Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, and social/economic concepts applied to municipal planning
Application, modification, and interrelationships between ordinances, policies, standards, procedures, and practices associated with the planning function
Mathematical and statistical concepts and techniques used in the planning process
Laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances affecting zoning and land use
Terminology, symbols, methods, and techniques used in planning and map drafting
Purposes, roles, and authorities of councils, commissions, and others involved in the planning process
Computerized applications for planning uses
Provide lead direction, project coordination, and instruction to professional staff
Conduct the most complex planning studies and activities
Formulate, evaluate, and make recommendations regarding zoning policies, land use ordinances, and environmental review
Coordinate and participate in major projects including collection and analysis of data, and preparation of reports and recommendations pertaining to the planning process
Interpret and apply laws, policies, procedures, regulations, specifications, site and building plans, environmental impact reports, data, and maps
Make effective and persuasive oral presentations to elected and appointed officials, the general public, developers, vendors, and others
Analyze complex planning issues and problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective courses of action
Prepare clear, concise, and complete technical documents, reports, correspondence, and other written materials
Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those in the performance of required duties
Associate Planner
Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver’s license, including a safe driving record
Principles, practices and trends of public planning
Statistical and research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of data affecting public planning
Environmental impacts of changes in land use
Laws, codes, regulations and ordinances affecting zoning and land use
Purposes, roles, authorities, and general procedures of councils, commissions and others involved in the planning process
Computerized applications for planning and general uses
Graphic illustration and presentation
Interpret, apply, and enforce complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances related to planning and zoning
Collect, analyze and compile technical, statistical and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research
Conduct environmental impact reviews and analyses
Prepare concise and comprehensive planning reports
Make effective presentations to elected officials, the public, commissions, and others
Observe and record findings during investigations
Explain planning issues, land use and zoning ordinances, and environmental impact problems to members of the public concerned with land use and development projects
Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
Assistant Planner
Principles, practices and trends of public planning
Statistical and research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of planning related data
Environmental impacts of changes in land use, and mitigating measures
Laws, codes, regulations and ordinances affecting zoning and land use purposes, roles and authorities of councils, commissions and others involved in the planning process
Computerized applications for planning uses
Graphics and mapping skills
Interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances related to planning and zoning
Collect, analyze and compile technical, statistical and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research
Conduct environmental impact reviews and analyses
Prepare concise and comprehensive planning reports
Prepare graphics and a variety of maps
Make effective presentations to elected officials, the public, commissions, and others
Observe and record findings during investigations
Explain planning issues, land use and zoning ordinances, and environmental impact problems to members of the public concerned with land use and development projects
Effectively and tactfully communicate in both oral and written forms
Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties
Speak English/Spanish highly desirable
Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Senior Planner
Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with academic coursework in planning, geography, architecture, landscape architecture, economics, environmental studies or closely related courses. A master's degree in planning is desirable and three years of professional planning experience in city, county or regional planning at the Associate Planner level.
Associate Planner
Considerable advanced education in planning or a closely related field or three years of professional planning experience.
Assistant Planner
Considerable advanced education in planning or a closely related field or four years of work experience providing technical planning assistance in a public agency, and one or two years successful performance as a Junior Planner with the City of Watsonville.
License: A valid Class C California Driver’s License and a safe driving record.
The candidate selected will be appointed for a 12‑month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list that normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Mid Management bargaining group.
Prior to appointment to the position of Senior Planner, Associate Planner, or Assistant Planner, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.
The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.
Supplemental Information: The candidate will be appointed for a 9‑month probationary period. Names of successful candidates who do not receive a job offer will be placed on an employment list that normally remains effective for one year. The Human Resources Department may abolish an employment list at any time the needs of the City so require. This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Prior to appointment to the position of Assistant Planner, a medical examination and Department of Justice Livescan fingerprinting will be required.
NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.
#J-18808-Ljbffr