Planning Technician

Salary : $58,968.00 - $82,992.00 Annually
Location : CA 92651, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400866
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 03/15/2024
Description
A 4% Cost of Living Increase is scheduled for 07/01/2024.
The City of Laguna Beach is thrilled to announce that we are now accepting applications for the role of Planning Technician within our Community Development's Planning Division. Join our diverse and dynamic team to collaborate with Planning Managers and leadership in serving the Laguna Beach community. This entry-level role involves performing routine and technical tasks, such as zoning plan checks, data analysis, and public correspondence management. Telecommuting options offer flexible work schedules. Apply now and start your career journey with us!
Examples of Duties
The normal duties for this position can be found in the job description for Planning Technician. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assists in performing zoning plan checks and building plan checks, preparing property reports, gathering, analyzing and presenting data on a variety of current and advanced planning activities and special planning programs, preparation of graphic materials and public correspondence.
• Provides general assistance with the preparation of staff reports related to conditional use permits, variances, ordinance amendments, zone changes, general plan amendments and various other special projects.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public through telephone inquiries, the planning counter, and community meetings.
• Use GIS, records search software, database, and other research tools.
• Operation of computer equipment, such as plotters and printers for maintenance and output of maps, graphics and statistical reports.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:
Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, in urban planning, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, geography, social sciences, urban or environmental studies or a closely related field.
Experience: While directly related experience in the field is not required, experience in current and advanced planning, plan check, zoning, customer service, and the California Environmental Quality Act is desirable.
License/Certificate Requirements: Due to the performance of some field duties, which may require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Driver's license and an acceptable driving record is required.
Supplemental Information
Application/Selection Process: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis with a first review on March 29, 2024. Applications will be screened carefully and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.
Pre-Placement Process: The selected candidate must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice, a pre-placement physical and drug test, educational and employment verification, and reference check(s).
Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.
Benefits for Laguna Beach Municipal Employees' Association (MEA)
Retirement: The City offers membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS. 2% at 62 for PEPRA CalPERS members, or 2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members.
Health Coverage: The City covers the medical and dental insurance premium costs for employee-only and provides a contribution towards dependent premium costs. A medical insurance waiver program is available for employees covered by medical insurance other than the City's medical insurance.
Vacation: Vacation leave accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. This increases to 136 hours per year after five years of service, and to 176 hours per year after nine years of service. A cash-out option exists for accrued vacation time.
Holiday: The City provides 90 hours for 11 paid holidays per year.
Sick Leave: Sick leave accrues at a rate of 80 hours per year. Unused sick leave is available for cash-in at 50% value into your Retirement Health Savings (RHS) account.
Retirement Health Savings Plan: The City, on your behalf, deposits a monthly pre-tax contribution of $100 into your RHS account.
Life Insurance: The City provides a life insurance benefit in the amount of $50,000, including coverage for Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Long-term Disability.
Pay Plan: The basic pay ranges are composed of 8 steps, with each step varying by approximately 5%.
Acting Pay: Employees will receive an additional 5% of their current base salary for working out of classification for 15 or more consecutive workdays.
Alternate Work Schedule: City Hall is currently operating on a 9/80 work schedule. Other work schedules may be available including, but not limited to, a 4/10, 9/80, 5/8 or other work schedule as may suit the operational needs of the City. Alternate work schedules are subject to City Manager approval.
Other Benefits: The City offers a Flexible Spending Account, Educational Reimbursement Program, Employee Assistance Program, Exceptional Performance Pay Program, and Bilingual Pay Program.
01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Less than a High School Diploma
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate

02
Please indicate the degrees you have received along with area of study. If you do not possess any degrees, please enter "NA."
03
How many years of experience in current and advanced Planning do you possess? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• Less than one year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

04
How many years of experience in plan checking do you possess? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

05
How many years of experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) do you possess? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• Less than one year
• One year, but less than 2
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5
• 5 years or more

06
How many years of experience do you have with Photoshop, InDesign, or website design software? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4 years
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

07
How many years of customer service do you have? If you have experience in this area, you must ensure it is thoroughly provided in your application.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year, but less than 2 years
• 2 years, but less than 3 years
• 3 years, but less than 4
• 4 years, but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

Required Question