Under general supervision, perform planning, housing and economic development work on projects and assist in the enforcement of regulatory code provisions pertaining to zoning; may assist in the implementation of the Community Development Block Grant Program; perform related work as assigned.
 
Class Characteristics
The Assistant Planner is the entry class in the planning series.  Under immediate supervision, incumbents learn to perform and perform a variety of fundamental support activities in the area of current and advance planning. Incumbents are distinguished from the Senior Planner in that the Assistant does not supervise staff.

Supervision Received 
Works under the direct supervision of higher level professional planning staff.
 
Supervision Exercised 
Does not supervise.
 

Essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
Conduct office and field research and investigations of land use, population trends, community design and other community and economic development projects;
 
Compile and evaluate data for advanced planning and economic development studies relating to land use and report findings. 
 
Prepare reports regarding applications for Community Development Block Grant programs, housing projects, zoning and rezoning adjustments;
 
Inspect properties involved in such applications and compile information thereto. 
 
Answer inquiries from the public regarding community development, economic development, environmental and zoning regulations, procedures and policies of the Planning Commission. 
 
Prepare charts, maps and other graphic material to illustrate findings and recommendations. 
 
Attend meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, Housing Authority and other meetings when assigned to do so.
 

Training and Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary.  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field and one (1) year of recent planning and community development experience involving local governmental planning.
 
License Requirement
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record is required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  
Knowledge of:  the principles, practices and trends of public planning and community development; land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, and economic concepts as applied to municipal planning; statistics and graphic presentation; laws, ordinances, rules and regulations pertaining to planning and zoning; modern office practices, procedures and equipment, including word processing and computer applications (Words, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, etc.).
 
Ability to:  apply policies, procedures and standards pertaining to planning process; interpret and prepare maps, site and building plans and specifications; follow oral and written directions; speak clearly, interpret and explain technical information; listen effectively; use computer and related software; read and interpret maps and specifications; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System
An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.
 
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed mostly in office settings. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, crouch and reach with hands and arms. 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, ability to adjust focus and perform office machine operations. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Application Packets Must Include:  A fully completed online employment application which:

• Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience). 
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire. 
• Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position.  Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration.  Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
• Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process.  Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.   

1. Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application (individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the selection process must make such a request during the application process by notifying the Human Resources Office).  This phase is for qualifying purposes only.  There is no weight assigned to this phase.  Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase. 
2. Written Examination:  If a written exam is given, a minimum of 70% must be obtained on the written exam in order to be eligible to continue to the next phase of the selection process which will consist of an oral appraisal interview.   
3. Oral Appraisal Interview: A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview.  
4. Employment Eligibility List:  The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process.  Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list.  Lists typically last for 12 months, but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations.  

• The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace. 
• All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). 
• New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.