Planner / Long Range Planning

In addition to the responsibilities of the Planning Associate, this mid-management position performs difficult, professional level work of a more independent and responsible nature in Long Range Planning.
Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.

Plans, prepares and manages planning projects and assignments such as surveys, studies, investigations, large development project processing, Glendale Municipal Code revisions, GeneralPlan elements, community plans, specific plans, neighborhood and focused studies and similar projects either independently or as a member of a team. This position will focus specifically on the preparation of General Plan Elements, General Plan Amendments, California Housing & Community Development Annual Progress Reports, Housing Element compliance reports, objective design standards, and associated advanced planning documents.
Prepares staff reports and delivers presentations to Boards, Commissions, and City Council at televised meetings.

Represents the Community Development Department at public meetings, workshops, focus group discussions, charrettes, or before Boards and Commissions or as a liaison with other City Departments presenting staff work.
Carries out original research, surveys, staff reports, and investigative or assumes fact finding assignments in areas such as general plan preparation, environmental and land use analysis, statutory planning, development application processing (including zoning entitlements, design review, environmental review, zone changes, and subdivisions), urban design analysis and development, economics and social studies.

Keeps current on legislation, case law, and urban design concepts and principles affecting land-use planning, physical form, and environmental review, and applies changes to procedures as necessary.

Processes applications and provides public information and counseling, exercising professional judgment on planning, urban design, environmental review, and land use issues to professionals, clients and citizens. Supervises or directs the work of hourly staff and volunteers.
May be responsible for the preparation and processing of amendments to the Glendale Municipal Code.
May supervise and assist in the evaluation of other professional staff.
May serve as court witness on planning, zoning, and code enforcement cases.
May be responsible for conducting urban form, transportation and/or design analyses and preparation of design guidelines and standards.
May manage contracts for professional planning or environmental services.
May serve as staff liaison for various Boards and Commissions.
May serve as hearing officer for planning and code enforcement cases.

Drives on City business as necessary.
Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe efficient manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Long Range Planning, architectural and urban design principles.

Knowledge of and a specialized familiarity with:
Theories, principles, goals, objectives, procedures, practices, law, and trends in the field of land use planning.

Long range/advanced planning functions State legislation regarding land use development, planning, and housing (including preparation of Annual Progress Reports), the California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, comprehensive and community planning, and urban design concepts.

Methods, plans, systems, forms, maps and tools common to a land use planner's work, and sources of information and agencies that may be utilized in conducting research and addressing planning matters.

Terminology and customary report formats used in planning work, zoning codes, general plan elements, and environmental impact reports.

Familiarity and experience with GIS ArcMap software, GIS data analysis, and design software (Illustrator, InDesign, SketchUp) highly desirable.

Skill in:
Making independent judgments and defensible decisions based on established guidelines.
Ability to:

Provide exceptional customer service practices to those using the services of the Community Development Department.

Develop necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet the standards of performance for the classification by the end of the probationary period.

Write clearly and communicate effectively; ability to prepare and write high quality staff reports, professional documents, and communications.

Handle a variety of assignments and adapt quickly to changing priorities and assignments.

Assist with General Plan Element updates and amendments, as well as drafting of zoning code amendments.

Conduct research and compile, analyze and evaluate information for Long Range Planning projects, such as demographic, economic, social, environmental, land use and housing data.

Prepare Annual Progress Reports to the State and Housing Element Compliance Reports.

Participate in public outreach efforts for Long Range Planning projects.

Effectively participate in project management and coordination with consultants.

Demonstrate initiative and exercise of good judgement in the performance of duties.
Effectively supervise others.
Establish and maintain smooth and effective working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Foster a teamwork environment.
Manage projects in a timely, efficient manner consistent with applicable Local, State, and Federal regulations.
Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Plan, manage and complete projects individually or in conjunction with others, including plan elements, special studies, independent research and analysis.
Prepare accurate, reliable and error-free reports.
Prepare and deliver presentations to the public at community meetings, and to various Boards, Commissions, and City Council at public hearings.
Prepare graphic presentation material for television, public meetings, and community workshops.
Read, write, communicate effectively and comprehend directions in English.
Review and evaluate employees' job performance.
Review plans for consistency with code requirements.
Understand and apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping for planning projects and application processing.
Work effectively as a member of a team with other Community Planning Department staff, other City staff, or citizen groups.
Other Characteristics
Willingness to:
Work the necessary hours and times to accomplish goals, objectives and required tasks.
Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuing education and/or training to stay abreast with planning theory, legislative changes, urban design and architectural principles, and case law affecting land-use planning, design, and environmental review.
Experience
Four years of increasingly responsible professional experience in a public planning agency or a private firm with direct experience on public planning, environmental, historic, transportation or urban design/architectural issues.
Experience in Long Range Planning is highly desirable.
Education/Training
Bachelor's Degree in City Planning, Urban Planning, Urban Design, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Sustainability/Environmental Studies, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Economics, Public Administration or a closely related field.
A Master's Degree in City or Urban Planning, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Public Administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

License(s)/Certification(s)
Valid Class C California Driver's License.

Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy
The City of Glendale places a high importance on quality customer service and prides itself for the high level of services it provides by every employee of the organization. As employees of the City of Glendale, we are committed to providing our diverse community and each other with courteous, considerate, and personal attention.
Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy.
Note
An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may substitute for the listed minimum requirements.EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: All applications, resumes and submitted reference materials will be reviewed and evaluated and only the best-qualified candidates based on applicable experience will be invited to the selection process.
ORAL INTERVIEW: (Weight of 100%) To evaluate the applicant's experience, education, and general background for the position.
Candidates must pass each exam component with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.
TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. Any evaluation will be based on the candidate's education and experience as related to the position. Any examination will be to evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills for the position. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the above stated examination components and/or weights. Should this be necessary, the candidates will be notified of the specific examination components and weights prior to the administration of any examination. The selected candidate will be subjected to a background check including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale conforms with State and Federal obligations to make reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities. The Human Resources Department asks that it be advised of special needs at least five days prior to the first test part so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Glendale requires that all new employees provide documentation to establish both work authorization and identity. Employment Type: Salaried - Full-time