Assistant Planner

$71,517 - $86,930/Yr

City Of Lodi - Lodi, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Lodi, CA

Administration of Economic Programs

About the position

The Assistant Planner performs professional work in the field of planning, environmental analysis, and economic development. This role is designed for individuals who have progressed from the Junior Planner level and are now capable of handling a wider range of planning duties with limited supervision. The Assistant Planner is responsible for investigating and processing requests for variances, zoning changes, subdivision plans, and general plan amendments. They prepare legal descriptions and zoning for proposed annexations, as well as initial studies and declarations involving environmental matters, supported by appropriate justification. The position also involves preparing and illustrating maps and processing annexations. In addition to these responsibilities, the Assistant Planner serves as staff for various committees and assists in the preparation and presentation of reports on economic and land use data. They respond to public inquiries regarding zoning and land use, parking requirements, General Plan designations, growth management, and downtown revitalization. The role may also include duties related to the operation of the department and the City, ensuring that the diverse needs of the community are met. When assigned to transportation planning, the Assistant Planner performs reporting and tracking projects, assists with the review and coordination of project environmental documents, and analyzes transportation needs. They prepare and oversee various programs, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program for public works projects, and assist in the administration of the City's transportation systems. This includes tracking ridership, on-time performance data, customer comments, and fare collection. The Assistant Planner also assists with funding mechanisms and processes, prepares Council Communications, and coordinates with higher-level personnel on contractor reviews. Overall, the Assistant Planner plays a crucial role in supporting the planning department's objectives and contributing to the development of the City’s planning initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and process requests for variance, zoning changes, subdivision plans, and general plan amendments.
• Prepare legal descriptions and zoning for proposed annexations.
• Prepare initial studies and declarations involving environmental matters with supportive justification.
• Prepare and illustrate maps; process annexations.
• Serve as staff for various committees.
• Assist in the preparation and presentation of reports on economic and land use data.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding zoning and land use, parking requirements, General Plan designations, and growth management.
• Perform assorted reporting and tracking projects and documents when assigned to transportation planning.
• Assist with the review, coordination, and comments for project environmental documents.
• Perform analysis of transportation needs, including modeling, and assist in the development of master plans and projects.
• Prepare and oversee various programs, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program for public works projects.
• Assist in the administration of the City's transportation systems such as Fixed Route and Dial-A-Ride services.
• Assist in the preparation and tracking of system monitoring data to include ridership, on-time performance data, customer comments, and fare collection.
• Assist with various funding mechanisms and processes, including transportation funding; assist in the preparation of Transit procurements.
• Provide public assistance regarding comments or complaints.
• Assist in the preparation of Council Communications on assorted work tasks.
• Coordinate with higher-level personnel on the review of assorted contractors performing work for the Transit Division.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in City or Regional Planning or a related field.
• One year experience in a position similar to that of a Junior Planner in the City of Lodi.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of research and mathematical/statistical methods to perform complex planning requirements.
• Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria.
• Ability to review building and architectural plans; interpret and analyze federal, state, and local laws related to planning.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for employee and dependents.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage provided by the City.
• Participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (P.E.R.S.).
• 457 Deferred Compensation program available.
• Flexible Spending Account options for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and administrative leave.