The City of West Sacramento seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Planning Technician to join the Planning Division of our Community Development Department. This role is essential in supporting the Planning Division, offering technical, administrative, and clerical assistance to ensure the smooth operation of the City’s business licensing functions. We value individuals who demonstrate a commitment to public service, possess strong organizational skills, and have a keen interest in city planning and community development.
Ideal candidates will have a background in planning or a related field, with experience in public-facing roles that require excellent communication skills and attention to detail. We encourage applications from those who thrive in collaborative environments and are eager to contribute to the city’s goals of sustainable and responsible urban development.
As a Planning Technician, you will be an integral part of the team that ensures our city's planning processes run efficiently and effectively, maintaining the high standards of service that our community deserves and expects.
DEFINITION: The Planning Technician performs responsible technical and a variety of less complex work in support of the day-to-day business license functions as part of the Planning Division of the Community Development Department.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives direct and general supervision from the Principal Planner or designee. No direct supervision of staff is exercised.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This class is distinguished as being at the journey level having responsibility for the full range of technical and a variety of less complex, more routine functions necessary to accomplish the tasks and duties assigned with only occasional instruction or assistance as unusual or unique situations arise.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL 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.
Knowledge of: Basic principles, practices and purposes of urban planning; rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the business license section; terminology and concepts related to the business license function; privacy laws that pertain to public records and confidentiality; customer service principles and public relations techniques; modern office and clerical practices and procedures; correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; City organizational structure and function of the departments that interact with business licensing; state and federal agencies available to assist with clarifying licensing issues; research techniques, resources and sources of information related to business licenses and the planning division.
Skill in: Providing information to the general public regarding planning and business license services; understanding, interpreting, applying and explaining policies, procedures, and ordinances; interviewing applicants and obtaining information necessary to classify their business; working independently, organizing and prioritizing workload; preparing reports and correspondence; checking and verifying information for accuracy and completeness; maintain records, files, and statistical reports; reviewing rudimentary plans; working under stressful conditions and deal successfully with a wide variety of individuals; establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with the public, business communities, consultants, City staff and others contacted during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; making accurate mathematical calculations; using a personal computer and software.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Specialized coursework in urban planning or related field highly desirable.
Experience: One (1) year, full-time equivalent, of technical or administrative experience involving public contact, preferably in a planning division or related field.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: If required to drive, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Serves as staff to the Planning Commission and may be required to attend meetings outside of normal work hours.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person 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 department guidelines, policies and procedures
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California's Golden Dream is thriving in one of its newest cities. Incorporated in 1987, West Sacramento is a city designed and ready for business in the 80's. Yet its history dates back more than 100 years.
Like its cross-river neighbor, West Sacramento was first settled during the Gold Rush era. The early settlers soon learned that the real gold in the area was the incredibly rich delta soil deposited over the centuries by the Sacramento and the American Rivers. By the turn of the century the central valley of California was recognized as one of the premiere agricultural areas of the world. As Sacramento grew into a major city, West Sacramento, which was separated by the Sacramento River and a county line, retained its small town character and industrial base.
Today, West Sacramento is at the crossroads of California. Featuring its own deepwater port, two interstate highways, major North/South and East/West rail lines and a commercial airport nearby, West Sacramento is well connected to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the nation. And just a literal stone's throw away is downtown Sacramento, the seat of the government for the 6th largest economy in the world. Being a part of the Greater Sacramento community, we're on everyone's list as one of the fastest growing and most livable areas in the country.
Yet West Sacramento offers something that can no longer be found in many of California's cities - affordable land and housing. The average home cost is less than half of what a comparable home costs in metropolitan areas as little as 80 miles away. There is a small town atmosphere in West Sacramento, with traditional values and a healthy respect for business and industry.
Come to West Sacramento. Meet the people. See the land. You'll agree the climate is right for you!