Planning Technician

Planning Technician Location Malibu, CA :

CITY OF MALIBU

PLANNING TECHNICIAN Class Description

July 2013

FLSA: Non-Exempt DEFINITION Under direct or general supervision, provides daily technical and professional support to the Planning Department. This is an entry-level position in the planning profession and will expose the staff member to a wide variety of current planning and planning counter duties, as well as administrative process es. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direct or general supervision by the Planning Director or designee. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Under direct supervision, learns the more routine planning, redevelopment, zoning and related functions encountered by the City. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope and assignments are more varied. Responsibilities include providing a range of routine customer service to the public at the front counter and on the telephone regarding policies and procedures, ongoing projects, zoning regulations, permit requirements and related building and development issues. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs back-up counter duties daily
• Accepts planning applications when Permit Services Technician is unavailable
• Handles phone calls, counter visits and emails on planning and pre-application questions
• Handles pre-application meetings with applicants
• Prepares visual and graphic support for staff reports including charts, graphs and photos
• Prepares and updates maps both manually and using GIS for reports and presentations
• Evaluates and compares existing maps
• Prepares presentation using computer software
• Works on informational brochures regarding zoning permits, the California

Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City's General Plan an dother relevant planning issues

• Prepares written analysis of land use projects as assigned
• Provides general information to the public
• Works as part of a team of planners and possibly other City staff on larger or more

complex projects

• Processes archaeology clearance and zoning clearance applications

• Processes over the counter permits, Administrative Plan Reviews and other basic

planning entitlements

• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Planning, engineering and building laws and concepts
• Computer software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Coral Draw, Micrografix Draw,

ArcView, Powerpoint, Presentation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Skill in:

• Interpreting topographic maps and site plans
• Working well with the public by phone and at the public counter
• Dealing constructively with conflict and developing creative solutions
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials

and the public

• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing

Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration or a related field. An AA degree in planning or related field and one (1) year of professional experience in planning, zoning and related community development activities may be substituted for completion of a BA.

License:

Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Positions in this classification occasionally lift and carry reports and records that typically weigh less than 20 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. WORKING CONDITIONS May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.