City Planner

Under the general direction of the Planning and Engineering Director, plans, organizes and directs the City’s current and advanced planning programs; represents the City in planning related matters with City Council, Commissions, other organizations and agencies; performs advanced professional municipal planning work; oversees and participates in the development and implementation of the General Plan, City Ordinances and other planning polices, evaluates and processes current land use projects; supervises subordinate professional and/or other staff; and performs related duties as required.

The City Planner serves as a member of the City’s management team and is responsible for managing the daily operations of the City’s planning function, including current and advanced planning activities.

The City Planner works under the general direction of the Director of Planning and Engineering and may exercise direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff within the planning division. The position performs complex professional planning work and provides leadership in the implementation of land use policies, development regulations, and long-range planning initiatives.

1.Plans, organizes, and manages the City’s current and advanced planning activities, including development review, land use analysis, and long-range planning initiatives.

2.Oversees and coordinates the review and processing of residential, commercial, and industrial development proposals, including discretionary land use permits, parcel maps, subdivisions, and zoning approvals.

3.Participates in the preparation and implementation of the City’s General Plan, zoning regulations, and related planning policies.

4.Interprets and applies planning laws, regulations, and ordinances related to land use, development, and environmental review.

5.Administers and enforces the City’s zoning regulations and land use policies; provides information and assistance to developers, property owners, and the public regarding development requirements and application procedures.

6.Coordinates development review activities with engineering staff, consultants, and other City departments to ensure projects comply with applicable regulations and infrastructure requirements.

7.Prepares and presents staff reports, recommendations, and technical analyses to the City Council, and other boards and commissions.

8.Supervises and evaluates professional, technical, and administrative planning staff and provides leadership in the daily operations of the planning division.

9.Evaluates development proposals and planning initiatives for consistency with the City’s long-term land use goals and economic development objectives.

10.Represents the City in meetings with developers, consultants, public agencies, and community organizations regarding planning and development matters.

11.Coordinates environmental review processes in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Education – Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, public administration, environmental studies, geography, or a closely related field.

Experience – Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal planning or a closely related field, including experience in development review, land use analysis, environmental review, or long-rand planning. Experience should include responsibility for project management, preparation of staff reports, and coordination with public agencies, developers, and community stakeholders.

Substitutions – A Master’s degree in urban or regional planning, economics, public or business administration may substitute for one year of the professional planning experience required above.

Knowledge of:

Principles, methods, and procedures applicable to land use planning activities; physical, social, environmental, and economic implications of land use planning; local, state and federal legislation governing land use practices, and the authority and responsibilities for planning activities; organizational structure and jurisdiction of governmental agencies and their interrelationship, responsibilities and functions; methods in designing, research studies; utilizing data sources; general plan elements and principles; grant development and administration; contract administration; and proficient in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Ability to:

Manage planning and state/federal grant activities and programs; organize and conduct planning research and studies; compose clear and thorough project reports and recommendations; make clear and persuasive verbal presentations to the Council, and public groups; direct others in the conduct of studies, programs, and projects; analyze and resolve unusual situations through application of City policy; develop comprehensive plans to satisfy future needs of department service; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; use related computer applications; supervise professional and/or other staff as assigned; and have a positive problem-solving orientation.

Selection: Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training and work experience to be followed by an interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview, and the decision of the screening committee is final. Applicants will receive electronic notification regarding results for all phases of the recruitment up to the establishment of the eligibility list, if applicable. Candidates will be notified of the date and time of scheduled interviews and/or tests. The City of Porterville reserves the right to alter the testing process at any time, without notice, as needed.

To apply: You may apply online by clicking on the "Apply" button or you may obtain an application online at www.ci.porterville.ca.us or pick one up at the Human Resources office at City Hall. Please submit a complete application (a resume may be included, but does not substitute for a completed application) together with any materials required to accompany application if noticed in this announcement, to the Human Resources Office, City of Porterville, 291 N Main St, Porterville, CA 93257.

Special Condition: Candidates recommended for hire will be required to undergo a background reference and fingerprint check and a pre-employment physical and drug screening.

EEO: The City of Porterville is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you need accommodation under the ADA in the testing process for any position for which you intend to apply, please contact the Human Resources Division at (559) 782-7441 to request such accommodation. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, gender identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected by law.