Description

Job descriptions are intended to present a broad and general range of duties which includes, purpose, responsibilities, and scope of work. Job descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION
Performs professional work in the field of planning, environmental analysis, and economic development. May also perform duties as a Junior/Assistant or Associate Transportation Planner. Performs project work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Junior Planner – This is the entry level class in the professional planning class series. This position works under close supervision and does not perform the full range of planning duties..

Assistant Planner – Resulting from their experience as a Junior Planner, incumbents perform a wider range of planning duties, often with limited supervision.

Associate Planner – This is the full journey level class in the planning series. Positions in this class have the knowledge and ability to perform a variety of professional planning duties for the City. Work is of a greater complexity, with the incumbent learning and performing tasks in a more independent nature..

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Junior Planner - Receives direction from higher level personnel.

Assistant and Associate Planner - Receives direction from higher level personnel May exercise technical or functional supervision over lower level planning class positions and other personnel.

Examples of Duties

Junior Planner
Performs professional work in the field of planning, environmental analysis, and economic development; Working with the public and developers/contractors, 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 map; processes annexations; Serves as staff for various committees; Assist in the preparation and presentation of reports on economic and land use data; Responds to questions from the public regarding zoning and land use, parking requirements, General Plan designation, growth management, downtown revitalization, flood zone parameters; Performs other duties related to the operation of the department and the City including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community

When Assigned to Transportation
Performs assorted reporting and tracking projects and documents; Assists 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; Prepares and overseas various programs, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program for Public Works streets and transit projects; Responsible for tracking ADA eligible transit patrons and –recertification details; Assist in the administration of the City's transportation systems such as Fixed Route and Dial-A-Ride services; assists in the preparation and tracking of system monitoring data to include ridership, on-time performance data, customer comments and fare collection; Assists with various funding mechanisms and processes, including transportation Funding; assist in the preparation of Transit procurements; Provides public assistance regarding comments or complaints; Assist in the preparation of Council Communications on assorted work tasks; serves as Alternate representative to a variety of committees and meetings; Coordinates with higher level personnel on the review of assorted contractors performing work for the Transit Division; Other duties related to the operation of the department and the city, including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community.

Assistant Planner
In addition to the requirements for the Junior Planner: Researches and applies general plan and zoning ordinances; Researches materials, opinions and trends regarding planning matters; Compiles economic, population, transportation, environmental, development, zoning, and housing data as assigned; Analyzes statistical, written and oral reports and correspondence related to assigned planning and analytical tasks; Under direct supervision, may review development plans, documents, technical studies and reports for compliance with General Plan, codes, ordinances and state law. Prepares and presents recommendations to Department personnel regarding development proposals; Assist in grant application and administration; Identifies and proposes revision to the Lodi Zoning ordinance;

Associate Planner
In addition to the requirements for the Assistant Planner: Reviews development plans, documents, technical studies and reports for compliance with General Plan, regional plans, codes, ordinances and state law. Prepares and presents recommendations to city officials and Department personnel regarding development proposals; Participates in developing housing, environmental, transportation, population, fiscal and economic planning models and develop related databases; Coordinates plan and documents review by various City departments and County, State and Federal agencies; Advises the public, in preparation and filing a variety of applications such as zoning changes, variances, tentative maps, master plans, general plan amendments, and other Department-provided services; Contributes to the development of plans, city policies, ordinances, planning and zoning law, subdivision map act, CEQA, and municipal codes; Reviews consultants' work. Prepares requests for proposals and participates in review and selection of proposed services; Prepares grant application and manages grant programs; Represents City at meetings with community groups, agencies, etc.

Typical Qualifications

Supplemental Information

Evaluation of Qualifications: Application materials and resumes will be screened to determine if applicants are considered to be among the most qualified as outlined on the job announcement. Only applicants who are among the most qualified will be invited to participate in the testing process. Resumes may not be substituted for a completed application.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - The City of Lodi is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of fair employment practices regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, age, mental or physical disability or perceived disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation or belief, or other unlawful discrimination.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the City of Lodi provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations must contact the Human Resources Division upon application submittal to confirm the request.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION - City of Lodi is authorized and required by the state of California to access Local, State, and/or Federal criminal history as part of the testing process. This process can be completed by initial fingerprinting and/or a full Background investigation pursuant to Penal Code §11105(b)(10), §11105.3, §13300(b)(10); Education Code §10911.5; Public Resources Code §5164) and in compliance with the City of Lodi's Fingerprinting Policy ad Procedure. As a future employee or volunteer, you are required to be fingerprinted and processed through the Department of Justice and cleared before you can start. All information obtained will be kept in strict confidentiality.

HIRING PROCEDURE - Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications by the final filing date. Eligible lists are established upon successful completion of the selection process. The candidates must be successful in each part of the testing. To fill each vacancy the hiring department will request names to be certified from the eligible list and will make a selection from this certification list.

CONDITIONAL JOB OFFERS - Conditional job offers are subject to successful completion of a medical drug screen and/or physical. Candidates should not quit or give notice to their current employer until final notification has been awarded by the Human Resources Division.

MEDICAL-DRUG SCREENING – All positions may be subject to a physical or drug screen issued by a qualified medical physician assigned by the Human Resources Division. Under the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Lodi has been designated as a drug-free workplace.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance and complete Form I-9 - Employment Eligibility Verification in compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act. United States citizenship is not required. All new appointees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of twelve months.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

SALARY - The starting salary is the first rate shown on the job announcement. Advancement to the higher steps of the salary range is based upon merit in accordance with the Salary Ordinance and Rules for Personnel Administration. Eligibility for the first merit increase is effective after 12 months and for additional merit increases after one year intervals until the employee has reached the maximum step.

HOLIDAY, VACATION, SICK, AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE - Holiday - An average of 13 paid holidays per year. Vacation - 2 weeks paid vacation annually, increasing with length of service depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Sick Leave - 10 days per year depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Administrative Leave - Management/Mid-Management positions receive 80 hours per fiscal year, and specified professional/technical positions receive 40 hours per fiscal year (Pro-Rated).

HEALTH INSURANCE - Medical, Dental and Vision plans are available for employee and dependents. A portion of the premiums may be the employee's responsibility.

LIFE INSURANCE AND LONG TERM DISABILITY - The City pays the full premium for employee and dependent life insurance, and offers a long-term disability plan that provides up to approximately 2/3 of an employee's salary.

RETIREMENT AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION - The City of Lodi is a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (P.E.R.S.). Lodi is not a member of the Social Security System except for the required medical contribution. Employees may participate in a 457 Deferred Compensation program.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This bulletin does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions or job duties contained in this bulletin may include modifications pending labor agreements and/or council approval.