• About Us
• City Newsletters
• Employee Services

1. Employee Benefits
2. Job Opportunities
3. Job Classifications
4. Tri-Valley Jobs
5. CalPERS Defined
   Compensation

• Finance Services

1. Salary Report
2. Budget Documents
3. Business License
4. City Policies
5. Fee Resolution
6. Finance Committee
7. Financial Statements

• Forms & Downloads
• Organization Charts
• Staff Contacts

Job Classification

PLANNING SPECIALIST
$4,595 - $5,744 per month

Definition:

Under general supervision, respond to public inquiries regarding the zoning ordinance, general plan, application procedures and compile zoning and planning related data, prepare written reports and related planning duties as required.

Class Characteristics:

This is the experienced paraprofessional level of the planning classification series. Incumbents are assigned to the Planning Services Division of the Planning Department where they provide technical assistance and support to professional staff and handle specialized project and program assignments. The work requires extensive public contact, the frequent use of tact, discretion and judgment, good knowledge of departmental activities and the ability to conduct independent projects. This class is distinguished from the next higher class of Assistant Planner in that the Assistant is the first level in the professional planning series with responsibilities spanning the full spectrum of the City’s planning function and the equivalent of an appropriate degree in a planning curriculum.

Examples of Key Duties: (Duties are illustrative and not inclusive and may vary with individual assignment.)

• Provides customer service by responding to public and agency inquiries by phone and at the counter; provides information regarding zoning and land use issues, application procedures, City codes, policies and procedures.
• Review application submittals and materials to verify completeness under both State and local requirements.
• Review and process less complex development projects, including administrative use permits, sign permits, tree removal permits, home occupation permits, etc.
• Assist planners in conducting and preparing statistical and research projects, compiles zoning and planning related data as required; prepares a variety of correspondence.
• Maintains department records and files in the computerized permit tracking system.
• Prepares graphic and mapped data using computer-based mapping/GIS.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management staff, and the public.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
  

Qualifications:

Experience and Education:

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in City Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration or related field, or one year of responsible zoning and administration or related experience in a municipal planning department combined with college level course work in such subjects as city planning, geography, architecture, engineering, public administration and other related subjects. Experience in a public agency setting is desirable.

Licenses:

Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to attend meetings day and evening, at various sites within and away from the City; strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

Knowledge of: (at entry)

Basic principles and practices of local government planning and zoning laws and related planning matters; use of and architect and engineering scales; good writing skills; statistics and simple data manipulation.

Skills in: (at entry)

Interpreting applicable City laws, regulations and codes; reading blueprints and site plans; prepare reports for less complex development applications; communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, the general public, representatives or organizations and other sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction; and proficient in computer applications related to work, including, word processing, spread sheet applications, PowerPoint, etc.

Ability to:

Participate as a team member in assigned work; use excellent customer service skills, including the ability to listen to and understand customer needs and courteously and completely respond to those needs; learn and apply information and laws, rules, and regulations related to the duties and responsibilities routinely assigned other team members; effectively communicate verbally and in writing; explain planning drawings, maps, specifications, legal descriptions and ordinances and do necessary computations; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the Department and City offices; and use word processing software program. In addition, the following experience is desirable: use of spreadsheet, computer-based mapping/GIS, and presentation and/or graphics software programs.