Assistant Planner

Application Deadline: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10:00 am

Tentative Interview Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Employees will receive a wage increase of up to 3% effective January 5, 2025.

Do you have exceptional customer service skills with a dedication to organization and detail? If so, don't miss out on this great opportunity! The City of Paso Robles is excited to announce the search for an Assistant Planner to join our Community Development Department . This position is integral to the day-to-day operations of the Planning Division and will include, but not be limited to, the preparation of current and long-range planning projects, data collection and evaluation, interpretation of planning regulations and codes, and planning research. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated and team-oriented individual with outstanding interpersonal skills.

The Community

El Paso de Robles, or "The Pass of the Oaks," is located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, in San Luis Obispo County. Paso Robles, surrounded by scenic rolling oak woodlands, is one of California’s premier wine regions, and is only 27 miles from the beautiful beaches of the Central Coast. This thriving community of over 30,000 actively engaged residents possesses the benefits of a suburban-rural community while retaining a small-town feel.

With over 200 wineries nearby and a bustling downtown with a variety of excellent restaurants and specialty retail, Paso Robles is fast becoming one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play. The City understands the importance of business development and works hard to attract commerce in a diverse array of industries. The economic outlook for Paso Robles continues to be strong.

The Organization

The City was incorporated in 1889 as a general law City that operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a general population of 31,176 as of January 1, 2022. The governing body consists of a five-member City Council and, beginning in 2020, the City is now divided into four voting districts. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the Chief Executive Officer, and is empowered to appoint all non-elected employees, except for the City Attorney.

Essential Duties

• Provide front counter planning information to the public with the focus on excellent customer service
• Respond to general inquiries and public agency requests regarding planning regulations, standards, policies, and procedures
• Plan, organize, and conduct research studies; maintain, update, and analyze demographic and other data required for community planning
• Assist with the City's community programs related to community development
• Perform technical review of planning applications; collect and evaluate information related to the planning application process
• Conduct project site checks and field inspections
• Prepare staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, environmental notices, and plan approvals
• May attend and present information to the Planning Commission, Development Review Committee, City Council, and resident groups
• Review building and sign permits for development code compliance
• Conduct building and site plan review for residential, commercial, and industrial development

Knowledge of:

• Land use, environmental analysis, urban design, and economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning
• Comprehensive plans and the planning and development process
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and databases
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations

Ability to:

• Take a proactive approach to customer service issues
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public
• Work within an interdisciplinary team
• Interpret maps, site and building plans, and specifications

Education and Experience:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in city, urban, or environmental planning, architecture, or a related field, and one year of responsible experience in a related field.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License and satisfactory driving record.

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application and cover letter by Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10:00 am. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process.

Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment background and criminal history check.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.