Assistant Planner
City of El Centro, CA

Assistant Planner

Salary

$4,635.00 - $5,794.00 Monthly

Location 

El Centro, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Department

Community Development

Division

Planning

Opening Date

05/27/2025

Closing Date

6/17/2025 5:00 PM Pacific 

Job Description

SUMMARY: Under general supervision, performs a variety of planning functions, which includes conducting studies, analyzing data, and preparing reports on current and long-range projects; coordinate and manage all activities related to assigned projects; and provide information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public on planning and development related matters.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This position reports to the Director of Community Development and/or Assistant Director of Community Development.

Essential Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  The following list is not  a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Collects data through studies and field investigations.
• Prepares written reports on assigned land-use issues such as use permits, variances, zone changes, general plan amendments, and subdivisions.
• Assists in updating and/or amending the City General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
• Assists in the research and analysis of economic and sociological issues relating to current and future planning.
• Responds to routine inquiries from the public pertaining to planning and zoning related matters, including development standards, land use designations and uses, subdivision of land, and environmental regulations.
• Prepares a variety of graphic presentations to illustrate existing or proposed land use, and other planning designations and concepts.
• Assists with the review of proposed developments for compliance with City development standards, ordinances, general plan, and environmental laws.
• Establishes contacts with representatives of other public agencies and organizations to obtain necessary data on planning matters.
• Reviews landscaping plans, site plans, subdivision maps and other development maps for compliance with development standards, Zoning Ordinance, City Code, General Plan and architectural design standards, as assigned.
• Assist in performing environmental reviews of development projects for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
• Perform inspections at projects sites to verify compliance with development standards and permits. 
• Attend and make oral presentations at Planning Commission, City Council and other meetings as directed.
• Assist in the preparation and participate in community engagement events. 

The preceding activities have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by persons assigned to this position.  The City reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 Education/Experience/Training:
Any combination of experience and education that would provide the applicant with the skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of an Assistant Planner.  The most likely combinations would be as follows (listed in order of preference):

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with a major in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field plus one year of experience in the field of public agency planning, land use development, or government administration, preferably in a local government setting;  OR
• Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution with a major in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field plus three years of direct work experience in the field of public agency planning, land use development, or government administration, preferably in a local government setting. 
• Current California Class C Driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Knowledge in: 

• Principles and practices of urban planning and development.
• General understanding of state and local laws, regulations and policies governing land use, planning, development, subdivision of lands and environment.
• Statistical methods and research practices related to the field of planning.
• Architectural design and landscape design standards and practices.

Skill in: 

• Computer operations and software applications.
• Utilizing computer network systems.

Ability to: 

• Learn how to utilize geographic information system desktop software and cloud based applications to create and maintain maps, conduct research, and perform basic analysis. 
• Maintain records and prepare written correspondence and reports.
• Communicate and work effectively and cooperatively with other City personnel, the public and community groups concerned with planning matters.
• Assist in guiding the work of the Community Development Department staff, as requested.
• Oral presentations at meetings and/or hearings.
• Prepare charts, maps, and other graphic materials.
• Interpret plans, specifications, and architectural drawings.
• Interpret Zoning Ordinance.
• Interact effectively with staff, builders, developers, architects, contractors and public and private representatives.
• Communicate verbally and in writing.
• Communicate in Spanish is desirable.

Special Requirements

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:
The environmental and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be performed by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment.
• Required to sit, stand or walk for extended periods.
• Required to use hands to finger, handle, grip, grasp or feel objects.
• Required to hear and speak to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
• Required to communicate verbally and in writing.
• May be required to travel to and from meetings, on-site visits to various locations and interact with a variety of people.
• May be required to perform public speaking.
• May be required to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl and crouch.
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

If you have a disability that requires assistance at any point in the recruitment process (for example, filling out applications, testing, interviewing), please notify the Human Resources Department. The City of El Centro performs job-related medical/physical evaluations and pre-employment/promotional drug screening. EEO/ADA.

Employer

City of El Centro (CA)

Address

Phone

760-337-4548

Website

https://cityofelcentro.org/