Planning Aide

Salary: $30.59 - $39.77 Hourly
Location : Lake Forest, CA
Job Type: Part-time
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 05/09/2025
Closing Date: 5/26/:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description
"Lake Forest, Where Work and Life Come Together Naturally."
If you're passionate about public service, community development & planning, and approach new challenges with an enthusiastic outlook then

we look forward to meeting you.
The Planning Aide is a para-professional entry level position in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department. Under general supervision, the Planning Aide performs a variety of assignments in current planning and provides information and assistance to higher level and management staff.

The Planning Aide position is scheduled to work 20 - 25 hours per week.

This position is scheduled to close on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST. Prompt application is encouraged.

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Examples of Duties
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the class.

1. Provides a variety of entry-level assistance to developers, property owners, business owners, and the public regarding laws, land use policies, zoning regulations, development standards and City procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, and implementation requirements. Coordinates and communicates with applicants, developers, consultants, outside agencies, and the general public; responds tactfully, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing.
2. Acts as a secondary point of contact with the public at the Planning Counter, on the telephone, and through the CRM system when needed.
3. Assists in research, investigations, and provides responses regarding planning and other related inquiries or complaints at the Planning Counter, through email, over the phone, or via the CRM system.
4. Participate in discretionary planning applications; evaluates completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable codes and the General Plan; works with applicants/developers to reach agreement on acceptable plans; coordinates review of planning related activities with other City departments and consultants; develops conclusions and recommendations for Department Director and Planning and Traffic Commission consideration; prepares staff reports for presentation to the department and Planning and Traffic Commission; conducts plan checks for approved plans for conformance with Code requirements and discretionary approvals.
5. Provides assistance in statistical, written, and oral reports and correspondence submitted by applicants and related to assigned discretionary applications, including but not limited to traffic reports, noise studies, and environmental assessments.
6. Maintains updates, interprets and analyzes data relevant to the planning function; participates in the review, development, or revision of various elements of the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and other policies and procedures. Prepares related staff reports for Planning and Traffic Commission and City Council.
7. Assists in requests for proposals, conducts interviews, and in the selection of consultants; oversees the work of consultants, monitor contracts and budgets.
8. Conducts plan checks over-the-counter for room additions, tenant improvements, and other minor changes to existing buildings to ensure conformance with zoning code requirements.
9. Conducts site visits and field investigations as needed and uses a camera to perform photo documentation.
10. Reviews and comments on simple interjurisdictional projects and environmental documents as assigned.
11. Assists in a variety of written communications including but not limited to correspondence, staff reports, environmental documents, public hearing notices, brochures, and flyers; prepares maps, graphs, charts and other visual aids to illustrate concepts.
12. Assists in environmental review for simple to moderately complex projects for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act; prepares and/or oversees initial studies, negative declarations, and environmental impact reports.
13. Maintains records of current and advanced planning projects consistent with City and department policies; work extensively on a computer to manage current planning case-loads, maintain records, conduct research and communicate with others.
14. Stays up to date on planning-related topics and issues through continuing education and professional development opportunities.
15. Maintains GIS database and creates maps for Community Development Department.
16. Develops and maintains good working relationships with other City department staff, other jurisdictions, consultants, and the public.
17. Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a community planning and development program; modern principles, practices, and techniques of current and advanced planning; development review procedures and requirements; objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices and information sources in the field of urban planning; implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; methods used in developing information for General Plan modifications; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, architecture and/or social concepts to the planning process; applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, including the Subdivision Map Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, California Air Quality Management Plan, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and related planning, zoning, and development laws to include subdivision regulations and development standards and codes; math concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulae relevant to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning and map drafting; local government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning unit; methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation; modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting software applications; the use of specialized planning systems and software applications including GIS systems.

Ability to:
Perform planning duties in the development, implementation, and modification of City plans and regulations; operate modern office equipment including personal computer to utilize the internet, GIS systems, word processing, database, spreadsheet software, and specialized computer applications; perform increasingly responsible and varied assignments under decreasing degrees of supervision; understand, interpret, explain, and apply those aspects of federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data; analyze and summarize planning data both manually and with computer programs; prepare clear visual displays, such as maps, graphs and illustrations; present ideas persuasively; perform independent research in a variety of areas with minimal supervision within timeframes established by the Permit Streamlining Act and Community Development Department; analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information to prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials; organize, coordinate and perform urban and regional planning project review and analyses involving regional, zoning, environmental and demographic issues; exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines; instruct others in work procedures and provide specific project direction; respond to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and enforcement of ordinances effectively and tactfully; present technical data in verbal, written, graphic, and map form to City management staff and variety of boards and commissions; work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Supplemental Information
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:
A valid Class C California Driver's License and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's Vehicle Insurance Policy.

Education/Training/Experience:

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a closely related field. Some professional planning experience is highly desirable.
Physical and Mental Demands
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

While performing the duties of this class . click apply for full job details