Senior Planner - Military veterans preferred

Salary : $97,524.00 - $118,548.00 Annually

Location : South Gate, CA

Job Type: Full Time Classified

Job Number: 202400495

Department: Community Development

Division: Planning Division

Opening Date: 03/20/2024

About the Position

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

The deadline for the first review of applications is Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.
DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision of the Principal Planner or the Planning Manager, performs complex administrative, professional, and technical planning and research assignments involving advance planning, transit, redevelopment projects and environmental issues; provides information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public on planning, housing, zooning, and development-related matters; performs related duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Senior Planner is the advanced journey level class in the planning series and performs the higher level, more complex and difficult, comprehensive planning functions. The Senior level works with a greater degree of independence and responsibility and may provide technical oversight to Associate and/or Assistant Planners assigned on projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the direct supervision of the Planning Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May exercise technical supervision to Associate and/or Assistant Planners.
Examples of Essential Functions

Essential functions may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Organizes, reviews and participates in urban planning assignments; performs complex and sensitive planning work in advanced planning, current planning, redevelopment, design and zoning; makes recommendations on development permits, special use and variance permits and design standards.

Oversee, coordinate, and review work of Associate and Assistant Planners engaged in the General Plan effort.

Assists in conducing the General Plan program; oversees or prepares environmental impact analysis on General Plan elements, zoning and other code revisions, specific plans or land use entitlement; prepares and processes amendments to the General Plan in accordance with state laws; supervise or personally perform the preparation of General Plan exhibits and land use maps.

Conducts research and analysis of planning problems related to environmental impact, zoning, variances, conditional use permits and planned developments. Confers with applicants and agency representatives to identify problems; analyzes data with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies; formulates conclusions and presents recommendations to resolve issues with zoning requirements and state environmental law; reviews development proposals and applications for compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and consistency with the General Plan.

Prepares comprehensive technical reports related to current and proposed projects concerning zoning, subdivisions, variances, redevelopment and other planning activities; prepares a variety of written staff reports, materials and correspondence; proposes and drafts revisions to the zoning ordinance and City planning regulations. Reviews commercial, industrial and development plans for issuance of zone, clearance and compliance with related regulations; reviews building plans, parcel maps and subdivision proposals for compliance; reviews and processes land use entitlements, including the site plan reviews, conditional use permits, variance, subdivisions, General Plan amendments, and zoning code amendments; may perform field surveys to identify problems and ensure conformance with project conditions and development standards.

Responds to inquiries from the public, developers and other City staff related to zone changes, variances, tract and parcel maps, site plans, design reviews and development permits; interprets planning policies, state laws and local ordinances and explains procedures. Assists and advises the public in preparation and filing of applications related to a variety of planning issues. Prepared CEQA documentation to evaluate environmental impacts. Confers and provides consultative advice to architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.

May attend meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, Housing Authority and other meetings when necessary for the specific purpose of presenting the details and answering questions regarding a project to which the incumbent has been assigned; ; may assist with City redevelopment programs and projects; maintain cooperative working relationships with other divisions, departments, agencies, civic and professional organizations and the general public.

Receives and answers public inquiries regarding zoning, legal descriptions, and other related planning matters, either on the phone, through email, or in person over the counter.
Minimum & Desirable Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Training and Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in planning or closely related field and three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience involving local governmental/urban planning is required. A master's degree in planning is desirable. Possession of or ability to obtain a California Class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record is required at the time of hire and throughout employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: theory, principles and trends of public planning and zoning; applicable state and federal statutes, rules and regulations related to development, zoning and environmental redevelopment; municipal principles and practices in land use regulation; physical design, economic, environmental and social concepts to the planning process; research methods and report preparation; statistical methods and their use; and computer systems, programs and applications.

Ability to: conduct research and identify economic and demographic trends; compile and analyze complex technical and statistical planning information and make sound recommendations; interpret and apply related codes, laws and policies; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data; work independently with little direction; present technical information effectively to associate and the public both orally and in writing; prepare clear, concise technical reports; plan and organize workload; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, representatives of other governmental agencies, organized community and business groups and the public.
Other Important Information

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE (DMV) PULL NOTICE SYSTEM
An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed mostly in office settings. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, crouch and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus and perform office machine operations. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

1. Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application. This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase.
2. Written Examination: If a written exam is given, a minimum of 70% must be obtained on the written exam in order to be eligible to continue to the next phase of the selection process which will consist of an oral appraisal interview.
3. Oral Appraisal Interview: A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview.
4. Employment Eligibility List: The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations.

Pre-employment Process

• The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.
• All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).
• New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

Hiring of Relatives: Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Equal Opportunity EmployerThe City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

The City of South GateThe City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Non-Sworn Employee Benefits

Effective 07/01/2021 - 06/30/2024
Approved 07/31/2022

1. Medical Insurance

• CalPERS Health Plans. City pays Kaiser HMO rates for all plans.

2. Dental Insurance

• Principal Dental PPO and California Dental Network HMO options. City pays HMO dental rates.

3. Medical & Dental Opt Out

• City contributes a percentage of premium on a bi-weekly basis towards City's deferred compensation plan.

4. Superior Vision Insurance

• City pays 100% of premium

5. Life Insurance

• $50,000 Life and AD&D

6. Vacation Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 80 hours/year (1 to 4 yrs); 120 hours/year (5 to 9 yrs); 160 hours/year (10+ yrs).
• Maximum accrual of 350 hours
• Vacation Buyout up to 40 hours/yr by written request

7. Sick Leave - (Pro-rated @ hire)

• 120 hours/yr.
• Sick Payout
  • If hired after 7/1/93, refer to MOU
  • If hired after 7/31/22, no sick leave payout.

8. Personal Business

• Up to 50 hours per calendar year, deducted from sick leave bank.

9. Administrative Leave for Exempt Employees - Pro-rated @ hire

• 60 hours/yr. - Exempt Employees Only
• Maximum accrual of 80 hours.
• Administrative Leave Buyout up to 40 hours/year by written request.

10. Holidays

• 130 hours/yr., includes days between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day

11. Longevity Pay

• 1.5% for 5th through 10th Yrs; 2.0% for 10th+ through 15th Yrs; 2.5% for 15th+ through 19th Yrs; 3.0% for 20th+ Yrs.

12. Bilingual Pay for qualified employees in eligible positions

• Employees in positions eligible for bilingual pay must pass an exam.
• Verbal bilingual skills: $75/month
• Verbal, reading and writing Skills: $100/month
• Excellent verbal, reading, and writing skills with the ability to act as a Translator: $175/month

13. Communication Allowance for eligible Exempt Employees

• $100/month for use of personal cellular phone for City business in lieu of City issued phone.

14. Education Incentive Premium for PMMA Employees

• If not required by job classification
  • $50/month for BA/BS degree
  • $100/month for post-graduate degree

15. Equipment Mechanics Tool Allowance

• $600 per fiscal year for Equipment Mechanics

16. Deferred Compensation

• Voluntary Enrollment - Nationwide Retirement Solutions.
• Employer match of employee deferral up to $100/month.

17. Retirement CalPERS

• Classic Members - 2.7% at age 55 (5 year vesting period)
  • Employee contributes 8.0% of Employee's Share of Normal Cost
• PEPRA Members - 2.0% at age 62 (5 year vesting period)

18. Retiree Medical Insurance

• $300/month stipend plus CalPERS fee, at retirement with 20 years of qualifying City service & continued CalPERS medical enrollment.

19. Educational Reimbursement

• $2,500 annual per individual. $3,000 for private university.

01

I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, not attaching requested copies of certificates, leaving duties blank or noting "See Resume," etc.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you currently possess a valid California Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Planning or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

04

If you selected "Yes" to Question #4, please indicate the academic institution that awarded your bachelor's degree and the area of study. If you answered "No," to Question #4, please indicate N/A.

05

Do you have a minimum of three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience involving local government/urban planning?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to Question #5, please list your previous and current experience. Please include name of employer(s), position(s) held, duration of employment, and duties assigned. If you answered "No" to Question #5, please indicate N/A.

07

Do you have a Master's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Planning or closely related field?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to Question #7, please list your previous and current experience. Please include name of employer(s), position(s) held, duration of employment, and duties assigned. If you answered "No" to Question #7, please indicate N/A.

09

Please indicate your years of experience working on long range planning projects.

• Less than 3 years
• 3 - 5 years
• 5+ years

10

Describe your experience in preparing comprehensive technical reports related to current and proposed projects concerning zoning, subdivisions, variances, redevelopment and other planning activities.

11

Describe your experience as it relates to supervision of staff and volunteers.

12

Describe your experience about speaking to group(s), including presenting project(s) and responding to question(s).

Required Question