Assistant Planner

The City of Buena Park is a well-planned and balanced city of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and semi-public uses with an emphasis on tourism. The Community and Economic Development Planning Team work on a wide range of projects and tasks related to plan reviews, entitlement review, and the administration of the Zoning Code and General Plan as well as assist customers at the public counter and prepare staff reports and presentations for City Council, Planning Commission, and the Zoning Administrator. The priorities of the Planning Division include mixed-use developments as a result of the recently certified Housing Element, large-scale entertainment and hotel developments along Beach Boulevard, ADU's and SB9 lot projects. 

The ideal Assistant Planner is passionate about public service, is detail and results-oriented, has a great attitude, and is able to work in a collaborative and fast-paced team environment. Municipal government experience and knowledge of personal computers utilizing standard and planning-related specialized software, including the ability to use GIS software applications used in planning, mapping, and statistical analysis are highly desirable qualifications for candidates interested in this position. 

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, performs entry-level professional and technical planning work and provides assistance at the public counter in explaining planning and zoning codes and requirements; and does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level classification in the professional planning and administration series. The Assistant Planner is distinguished from the Associate Planner, which has more specialized knowledge of professional planning practices and land use standards, and has greater responsibility for the preparation and presentation of staff reports. The Assistant Planner is differentiated from the Senior Planner, who administers larger-scale projects, involving more specialized development actions and knowledge of environmental planning laws, and the City General Plan and Zoning Codes.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

City Municipal Code, Zoning Code, and land use and architectural design standards; California Environmental Quality Act and procedures related to the review of planning applications; research and reporting methods and techniques; application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, or social concepts to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning and map drafting; applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations; effective customer service techniques. 

Ability to:

Understand and explain local development standards and requirements; understand and apply 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; prepare clear visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and illustrations; operate computer equipment and use word processing and spreadsheet software programs; draft staff reports to make presentations of ideas and recommendations; prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, developers, contractors, architects, general public, and other parties.

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

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit, and occasionally to stand and walk. The employee must be able to talk and hear. The employee must be able to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate computer hardware and standard office equipment; and reach above and below shoulder level with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and carries records and documents weighing more than 20 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this class include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret data; thoroughly analyze and solve problems; exercise sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines; use math and mathematical reasoning; establish priorities and work on multiple assignments and projects concurrently; meet intense and changing deadlines given interruptions; and interact appropriately with staff, management, developers, contractors, architects, the general public, and others in the course of work. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee frequently works in office conditions where the noise level is usually moderate, at or below 85 decibels. The employee occasionally attends meetings, conventions, city events, and other functions on behalf of the city, including evening and weekend hours. Driving to various city sites is required to complete work projects where the incumbent would encounter outside noise, dust, and debris.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field is required. One year of general planning experience at the professional, technical, or internship level is required.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.

Ability to work extended hours in order to complete projects, attend meetings, and accommodate city needs.

APPLICANT INFORMATION/EXAM WEIGHT

Oral interviews for this recruitment are tentatively scheduled for the week of January 26, 2026.

Applicants must submit a City application online through the Human Resources Department web page at www.buenapark.com/hr. Applications may be accompanied by a resume describing experience, education, and training in relation to the requirements of the position, however, resumes will no be accepted in lieu of a completed City employment application. 

The City of Buena Park is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disability.

Americans with Disabilities: 

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources.  If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at (714) 562-3515 no later than 5 business days before the test date.

Fingerprinting:

Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.

Physical Examination:  

Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense.