CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CLASS SPECIFICATION: 25040
UNIT: WHITE COLLAR
EEO4: TECHNICIANS
CLASS TITLE: ASSISTANT PLANNER
CLASS SUMMARY:
Under direct supervision, performs entry-level professional duties in the Development Services Department, while developing experience in land use planning processes and procedures.
Develops basic understanding of planning principles , practices and law ; responsibilities may include but are not limited to the coordinating and processing of conditional use permits, zoning modifications, site plan reviews, land subdivision applications and other planning applications requiring ministerial and/or discretionary approval. Other land use planning tasks aligned with the professional development of the incumbent may be assigned , and performs other duties as assigned.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of th is classification.
They are descriptive, not limiting.
Essential Duties:
Learns and applies the Zoning Ordinance and General Plan of the City of Bakersfield; Demonstrates understanding of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and prepares environmental documentation required by the law; Prepares technical staff reports for conditional use permits, zoning modifications, and other planning entitlements as assigned, for the Planning Commission, City Council and other boards;
Processes site plan review applications;
Assists with investigating requests for zoning changes, tract maps , parcel maps, and general plan amendments;
Compiles and updates census and demographic information; Answers questions for the citizenry at the public counter; Provides administrative support to staff on various planning projects; Conducts background work for special planning studies, makes field studies for planning projects.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is the entry -level professional class in the Planner series in the Development Services Department. This position is distinguished from the Associate Planner position in that the Assistant Planner need not have any planning work experience and the Associate Planner must have no less than two years of experience . And, whereas the Assistant Planner is learning and expanding the required knowledge and skills required as an integral component of professional maturation within the Planner series, a n Associate Planner exercises a higher degree of CLASS TITLE: ASSISTANT PLANNER (cont’d) 25040
independent judgment due to the extensive scope of assigned duties and project management responsibilities commensurate with a greater level of experience.
CLASS TITLE: ASSISTANT PLANNER (cont’d) 25040
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
Basic principles and practices of City planning;
Legal requirements of planning, zoning, and subdivision; Basic knowledge of land use and planning ordinances and concepts; General technical report writing and use of grammar;
Effective research methods and sources and data collection; Related personal computer and software applications.
Ability to:
Communicate clearly in verbal and written form;
Work effectively with the general public , other city departments and the community agencies;
Learn laws, codes, ordinances and regulations regarding general plans, zoning and land division;
Develop and maintain positive public relations with a strong emphas is on customer service;
Operate a personal computer, including word processing, data base, spreadsheets, and mapping software;
Participate in a variety of public and board meetings as necessary; respond to public requests and inquiries;
Understand and carry out oral and written directions; Learn and understand building plans, site plans, building elevations, and grading plans; Prepare clear and concise reports.
Training and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in Urban or Regional Plan ning, Geography, Public or Business Administration, Architecture, Economics, or closely related field; AND
Two (2) years of related work experience preferably at the local government level; OR Worked or internship in a professional setting that provided practical work related to the planning career to perform the described duties; OR
An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.
Licenses, Certificates and Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Class "C" California driver's license.
CLASS TITLE: ASSISTANT PLANNER (cont’d) 25040
Must pass a background check.
Physical Conditions or Special Requirements:
Standard office environment and working conditions.
Must be able to work outdoors while performing site inspections in all types of weather conditions.
Promotion to Associate Planer:
Promotion to Associate Planner is made on a merit basis without examination, subject to recommendation by the Department Head, approval Human Resources. Under normal conditions, an employee may be considered for promotion one year after appointment to the fifth salary step and completion of a minimum of three years as an Assistant Planner.
Approved by the City Council: September 11, 2013
Approved by the Miscellaneous Civil Service Board: July 16, 2013 Updated to Form: February 25, 2022
Approved by the Miscellaneous Civil Service Board: September 19, 2023 Approved by the City Council: September 27, 2023
Approved by the Miscellaneous Civil Service Board: October 21, 2025 Approved by the City Council: