Description The City of La Quinta is seeking a dedicated professional to join the Design & Development Department as an Assistant Planner. This entry-level position is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to begin or advance their career in municipal planning. This role is ideal for someone who: Demonstrates strong initiative Communicates clearly and professionally Is curious and research-minded Possesses strong interpersonal skills Thrives in a fast-paced environment The Assistant Planner performs non-supervisory, entry-level urban planning duties with a primary focus on current planning, including conducting plan checks, completing zoning reviews, and providing project support under the direction of senior planning staff.
Individuals in this role apply the City's general plan, municipal codes, and zoning regulations to assigned work and development projects. The City of La Quinta encourages you to apply and contribute to the community's continued growth and development. Example of Duties Essential Duties: Reviews and completes plan checks, permit reviews, and inspections of existing development projects and zoning requests.
Conducts on-site inspections as required, collecting information, documenting findings, and preparing reports. Responds to communication and requests via email, telephone, and in-person from residents, developers, and/or outside agencies regarding planning, zoning, and development issues. Researches issues and questions.
Advises applicants regarding the associated planning and zoning processes; and tracks projects as they are routed through the development review process. Provides planning support in the reviews development plans for compliance with applicable development standards, codes and regulations; coordinates processes with other City departments; reviews permits; creates and explains findings and reports. Prepares and presents plans, programs, and technical reports, including staff reports.
Provides input into the development and interpretation of ordinances, regulations, and procedures. Collects, researches, reviews, and analyzes environmental, social, and economic data related to planning, land use, and community development; collects and maintains related information, records, and other specific plan documents. Performs related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications Education and Experience Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of planning experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the job's essential duties. Licensing/Certifications Valid Class "C" California driver's license. Supplemental Information KNOWLEDGE OF: Urban planning principles and practices.
Plan check methods and techniques. Land use and zoning principles. Development review methods and techniques.
Qualitative and quantitative research principles and methods. Best practices, trends, and emerging technologies. Customer service principles.
General office operations, equipment, functions, and procedures. Customer service principles. GIS and applicable systems.
Project management principles and methods. Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations. SKILL IN: Researching industry trends, solutions, and best practices.
Gathering data, analyzing findings, and applying logic and reason. Preparing original reports, technical documents, and presentations. Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
Providing customer service. Analyzing problems and recommending solutions. Utilizing and reading maps, blueprints, and specification documents.
Maintaining accurate records. Comprehending and correctly interpreting a variety of informational documents. Performing basic math computation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Operating a computer and relevant software applications. Operating modern office equipment. Maintaining effective working relationships with peers, public, and staff.
Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbents in this position work in an indoor environment and may experience sitting for extended periods of time. Incumbents occasionally travel to project sites and may be exposed to weather conditions and moderate to loud noises
Positions in this class typically require: standing, sitting, walking, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, vision, hearing, and talking. Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently, sitting most of the time.
IMPORTANT NOTICE The City of La Quinta employees are registered as Emergency Disaster Workers and must take an oath. In the event of a declared emergency, City employees shall initially remain at work or, if recalled, shall report to work after completing critical personal and family emergency responsibilities. SELECTION PROCESS Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and whose interests and experience appear to meet the desired qualifications of the position will be invited to participate in the next steps of the recruitment process, which may include: Skills Assessment Exam/Exercise Panel Interview/Oral Exam.