Assistant Planner

About the position

The Planning Division of the Community Development Department at the City of Carlsbad is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Planner. Carlsbad is a well-balanced community with beaches, lagoons, habitat preserves, a variety of housing types, world class employers, Legoland, the second highest number of hotel rooms in San Diego County, a successful auto dealership core, two golf resorts and a municipal golf course, two rail stations, a thriving downtown village, and an engaged public. This balance has been achieved not by accident, but in part through the efforts of a strong team of experienced planners. From translation of the community's vision into ambitious General Plan goals and policies and application of rigorous growth management principles that ensure public facilities, open space and infrastructure are provided in conjunction with development, to consistent implementation of zoning rules and development codes, the Planning Division is at the forefront of ensuring that Carlsbad's high quality of life is maintained and the city continues to evolve in a manner valued by the community. In addition to the many benefits that the City offers, incumbents will have the option of a 9/80 work schedule and/or a hybrid in-office/telework schedule, a professional membership fee paid, and a variety of training and career advancement opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Support Current Planning in research and preparation of discretionary permits, with an emphasis on projects that can be approved administratively.
• Work on the Development Services Team performing duties at the public information counter.
• Respond to requests for information and perform plan checks for building, grading, and subdivisions of land.
• Review sign permit applications.
• Manage general, community and urban plans; manage land use and land development projects.
• Review and write environmental documents; prepare and coordinate processing of local, state and federal permits.
• Review and analyze technical drawings, specifications and reports; perform site inspections and field research.
• Research, review and prepare ordinances and policies; review projects and advise citizens and developers during application process to ensure compliance with city regulations.
• Prepare planning reports, use GIS products/maps; perform quality control, coordinate various departments and agencies.
• Monitor mitigation requirements for environmentally sensitive projects and perform proper documentation and reporting.
• Conduct site visits for proposed development; organize and participate in conducting and organizing public workshops and hearings.
• Present staff reports to Planning Commission and City Council.
• Prepare legal notices and notices of decision; conduct surveys and studies to address significant development issues.
• Review and process private and public development projects and update land management files.
• Attend public hearings for assigned projects; conduct final inspections on projects.
• Provide solutions to routine problems of moderate scope and complexity.

Requirements

• The equivalent of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major work in urban planning or a related field such as architecture, civil engineering, geography, real estate/development, or environmental sustainability.
• A minimum of one year of related work experience.
• Requires a basic understanding of municipal planning principles, procedures and methods including principles of urban design, site planning and architectural design.
• Requires limited to moderate use and application of standard principles, theories, concepts used and a basic understanding of the City's policies and procedures.
• Effective communicator, with both written and oral presentation.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective team player.

Nice-to-haves

• A Master's degree in planning, public administration or a related field is desirable.
• A Master's degree can substitute for one year of work experience.

Benefits

• Option of a 9/80 work schedule.
• Hybrid in-office/telework schedule.
• Professional membership fee paid.
• Variety of training and career advancement opportunities.