Closes 5:00 PM (PST) on June 10, 2026

DEFINITION: Under supervision, provides information and assistance to city officials, city staff, developers, the business community and the public on planning, zoning, housing, annexations, and development-related matters.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the entry level class in the Planner series.  This class is distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the performance of more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series, including proposal and application review, report preparation, and a high degree of public interaction.  Incumbents are expected to use independent judgment, complete complex and difficult projects, and as experience is acquired, to perform higher level assignments, many of which have high public visibility, with increasing independence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists.  Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.)

1. Assists in the preparation of public hearing notifications, zoning applications and notifications or related public information notices.
2. Reviews development and related land use permit applications for compliance with established plans and ordinances, and applicable local, state and federal regulations.
3. Assists in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with the public, staff of other departments, and other local agencies.
4. Works with planning staff to develop responses and explain planning policies, state laws, local ordinances and/or procedures to the public; assists the Planning Director and may serve as staff to the Planning Commission as well as other committees and commissions.
5. Collects inputs and monitors data for a variety of planning purposes; prepares reports summarizing data.
6. Receives and screens visitors and telephone calls and takes messages; provides factual information regarding City or Planning Department activities and functions.
7. Represents the City with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.
8. Reviews development proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with appropriate regulations and ordinances.
9. Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding city development policies and standards.
10. Conducts simple assignments.
11. Demonstrate regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (KSAs are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training.)

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of urban planning and development;
• Principles and procedures of record keeping;
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation;
• Basic mathematics;
• Record  keeping principles and practices;
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation;
• Techniques for dealing with the public, in person and over the telephone;
• Modern office methods, practices, procedures and equipment, including a computer;
• Common office software, including word processing.

Skill to:

• Learn applicable laws and regulations;
• Planning, organizing, and prioritizing work assignments;
• Reading and interpreting maps, regulations, ordinances, etc.;
• Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating narrative and statistical data;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, architects, contractors, developers, property owners, and the general public.

Ability to:

• Learn to interpret and explain planning and zoning regulations;
• Explain technical terminology and information to the public;
• Manage multiple assignments;
• Maintain accurate records and files;
• Learn to set priorities;
• Work independently or as a team member;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or department goals, objectives, and activities.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

Valid current State issued Driver’s License.

Experience and Training:

A minimum of one year (30 semester credits) of college education.  Course work in planning, geography, environmental studies, natural and/or earth sciences or a related field is highly desirable AND some experience/education in drafting/GIS is desirable; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.