Job Abstract

Applicants should apply promptly as an initial screening of applications will occur end of April 2024. Applicants will take a supplemental exam tentatively set for May 23, 2024. The interview process is scheduled for Thursday, May 30, 2024, with selected candidates starting the internship in June 2024.

The Planning Administrative Intern reports to the Senior Planner in the Planning and Community Preservation Department, and under direct supervision, performs a variety of planning functions related to conformance to and compliance with State and local zoning ordinances, plans and laws. The Planning Administrative Intern is expected to exercise considerable judgment and initiative when independent action is required, but also must function effectively as a member of the City’s planning and building services team.

CLASSIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Performs entry level planning work;
• Learns and utilizes basic planning / zoning procedures, ordinances and regulations;
• Assists customers at the public counter and over the telephone; answers questions; explains procedures, assists the public in completing forms and applications; receives forms and applications; handles complaints and resolves problems;
• Assist and review building and construction plans or advises permit applicants of plan changes needed to ensure code compliance; reviews zone changes, major and minor variances, major and minor conditional use permits, hillside development permits, subdivisions, design review, second unit permits, and other similar planning related applications;
• Assists in preparing presentations using PowerPoint software, staff reports in Planning Commission meeting packets, Planning Commission resolutions and public hearing notices;
• Issues building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and sewer permits;
• Prepares maps using Geographical Information System ArcMap/Arc View software; prepare presentation and other graphic materials using Sketch Up, Photoshop, and XY Maps;
• Gather and analyze data, and participate in other special department projects;
• Continually promote, in actions, words and writing, the highest customer service standards;
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of urban planning and development.
• Research methods and sources of information related to urban growth, development, and planning.
• Modern office methods, procedures, and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Learn laws, codes, and ordinances underlying general plans, zoning, and land divisions.
• Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports.
• Learn to participate in a variety of public meetings by making presentations and recommendations on various aspects of the planning program.
• Respond to public requests and inquiries.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education/Training/Experience:

Currently enrolled in or be a graduate of an accredited college or university with major course work in city, urban planning, architecture, geography or environmental studies.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

American Red Cross certificate in First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community or obtain within three months of employment as well as a valid Class C California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s Vehicle Usage Policy.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Physical Demands:

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret data and situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with City officials, citizens groups, employees, management, and others encountered in the course of work; occasionally subject to conflicts.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate in the field.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Sierra Madre employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Sierra Madre is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the City of Sierra Madre will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.