Assistant Planner

Salary : $68,448.00 - $83,196.00 Annually

Location : CA 93230, CA

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 24 / 25-15

Department : Community Development

Opening Date : 01 / 09 / 2025

Closing Date : 1 / 31 / 2025 4 : 00 PM Pacific

Description

The City of Hanford is seeking to fill the vacancy of Assistant Planner in the Community Development Department. This position is to perform a variety of professional planning duties, including zoning and planning administration, environmental review, and special projects; and to prepare reports and recommendations relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Assistant Planner This is the entry level class in the professional Planner series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Assistant Planner class is distinguished from the Associate level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the Associate level. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

This class is distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the latter is responsible for the performance of the most difficult and complex staff work of the division, including providing direct supervision over assigned professional staff and performing project management of large, complex planning projects.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

Review and process administrative approvals for site plans, variances, certificates of occupancy, home occupation permits and other related applications.

Prepare staff reports and make presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other boards and commissions.

Conduct research and prepare recommendations on planning issues and ordinances.

Provide information on planning and zoning issues to applicants, the general public, and other departments.

Assist with research and completion of advanced planning projects.

Establish and maintain appropriate files, and prepare correspondence as required.

Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) to prepare maps for internal use; process and submit update requests to County.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other district employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.

Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Assistant Planner

Knowledge of :

Fundamental planning principles.

Role and function of general plans and zoning ordinances.

California planning, subdivision and environmental law.

Scope and function of a municipal planning department.

Methods and techniques of research and report preparation.

Ability to :

Perform professional planning work in a public sector environment.

On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures.

On a continuous basis sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.

Write accurate and concise technical reports and memoranda.

Interpret and explain planning and zoning requirements to the public, applicants, and other City departments.

Research, analyze and summarize planning issues.

Read, understand and interpret a variety of maps, site plans, architectural drawings, specifications, environmental impact reports, ordinances and regulations.

Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.

Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.

Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.

Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.

Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with others.

Experience and Education

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

Experience :

Some internship or technical city planning experience is desirable.

Education :

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in city planning or a related field.

License and Certificate

May need to possess an appropriate, valid California driver's license as required by the position.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS :

• Public Employees' Retirement System : The City provides the PERS retirement program, 3% at 60 for Classic Members and 2% at 62 for New Members.
• Holidays : Twelve specific holidays, plus two floating holidays (16 hours total).
• Vacation : Vacation leave starts at 11 days annually, increasing to 20 days based on time in service.
• Sick Leave : Sick leave accrual of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation. At retirement, unused sick leave may be applied toward retirement benefits for Classic Members.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance : The City provides a paid health insurance program, life insurance, and dental for the employee and his / her family at a 60% city and 40% employee shared cost. In addition, vision is paid at 100% for employees.
• Life Insurance : A life insurance policy of $50,000 is provided for members of this bargaining unit.
• Matching Deferred Compensation Plan up to $75.
• Tuition Reimbursement : A tuition reimbursement plan is available for work-related study for up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
• Longevity Pay :

Upon completion of 10 consecutive years of active service with the City of Hanford an additional 2% above base wage will be awarded.

Salary : $68,448 - $83,196