Associate Planner

Job Description:

Associate Planner

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The City of Manhattan Beach is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Associate Planner with strong customer service skills to join the Community Development Department - Planning Division as a collaborative team member working in a boutique high-service-level community with technical knowledge in the field of planning and a predisposition to customer service.

The Manhattan Beach Community Development Department services a beach community in the South Bay area of roughly 35,000 residents. The Department is responsible for reviewing all private development proposals, issuing permits, preparing ordinances related to land use and building regulations, code enforcement services, and parking and transportation review/analysis. The Department’s five divisions (Administration, Building, Planning, Traffic Engineering, and Environmental Sustainability) are aligned and committed to providing exemplary municipal services. In addition, excellent customer service is a trademark of the Community Development Department and the City.

Under general direction, the Associate Planner prepares reports on current and advanced planning projects; conducts environmental impact assessments in accordance with CEQA; reviews and analyzes proposals for conformance with Coastal requirements; reviews development plans for compliance with zoning and related requirements; conducts code and General Plan amendments and general planning studies; and performs other related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

• Conducts comprehensive studies for current and advanced planning projects; compiles and analyzes data on land use and other planning related topics.
• Gathers information and objectively analyzes development proposals for Coastal Act compliance, use permits, variances, subdivisions, and other general development proposals and conducts physical inspections of job sites.
• Performs graphic illustration work; prepares planning studies and reports; and conducts detailed review of development plans and projects for compliance with Municipal and related Codes.
• Provides information and assistance to project applicants, consultants, other City and agency staff, and to the public via the telephone, email and at the service counter.
• Prepares environmental assessment reports under the California Environmental Quality Act.
• Reviews zoning violations and determines appropriate actions and performs periodic reviews of projects for compliance with conditions of approval.
• Assists the public in the interpretation of zoning, coastal, State, and other mandated regulations.
• Prepares and presents City boards, commissions, and committees and other agencies such as the California Coastal Commission.
• May occasionally lead meetings.
• May be required to work shifts, weekends, and/or holidays.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Training and Experience - Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major work in urban planning, architecture, engineering or related fields AND two (2) years of experience in municipal planning or related field. Master’s degree in a related field desirable.

License - Possession of a valid California driver’s license is required at time of employment.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of urban planning; code enforcement, building safety and traffic, the proper administrative procedures to be followed in implementing environmental studies; and record keeping procedures.

Ability to:
Understand and visualize how development projects may impact the community in various ways in the short and long term including understanding and interpreting architectural and construction development plans; conduct proper analysis of collective data and other input and to arrive at reasonable conclusions; make presentations before hearing boards; prepare comprehensive and analytical reports; establish and maintain effective relationships with City staff and officials, civic groups, and other agencies; make clear and concise oral and written presentations; operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and use word processing, spreadsheet and plan checking and permits software.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

The application filing deadline is Sunday, January 12, 2025.

All applicants will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job announcement does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Department.

The selection process will consist of the following component and weight: Oral Interview (100%) * The oral interview exam is tentatively scheduled for January 30, 2025. If you need special assistance in the recruitment process please contact the Human Resources Department at (310) 802-5258.

NOTE: The provisions of this brochure do not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

The City of Manhattan Beach offers a generous benefits package to full-time and eligible employees including PERS medical plans, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, and more.
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To see detailed information about Teamsters bargaining unit benefits, please visit our benefit page on the City's official website.

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Part-time employees are enrolled in PARS (Public Alternate Retirement System). All part-time and seasonal employees contribute 7.5% each pay period on a pre-tax basis. If an employee reaches 1,000 hours within a fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th) or is already a CalPERS member, then they are enrolled in CalPERS (Public Employees Retirement System).

The City complies with California Labor Code 245-249 by providing paid sick leave for part-time hourly employees accordingly.

The City of Manhattan Beach does not provide medical/dental/vision benefits to part-time employees. Eligible employees enrolled in CalPERS may opt into a CalPERS medical plan.

Closing Date/Time: 1/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$93,012.00 - $118,704.00 Annually