Assistant Planner

Salary : $74,651.20 - $96,969.60 Annually Location : Buena Park, CA Job Type: Full-Time (Benefited) Job Number: Department: Community Development Division: Planning Opening Date: 11/20/2025 Closing Date: 1/11/ :59 PM PacificJOB BULLETIN ***4/10 Work Schedule*** Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. City Hall is Closed every Friday The City of Buena Park Community and Economic Development Planning Division is accepting applications for 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. Provides information regarding zoning and land use codes, policies, and standards, and explains procedures with respect to the submission of plans, processing of applications, implementation requirements, and code enforcement to applicants, developers, property owners and the public. Reviews development proposals for applicable zoning regulations. Conducts research and field investigations to obtain information and makes recommendations concerning development applications. Prepares staff reports, resolutions, and other exhibits for presentation to the department and Planning Commission; researches, analyzes and evaluates complex data and information and drafts conclusions and recommendations. Attends Planning Commission meetings and presents development plans and land use applications and recommendations. Performs plan checks for conformance with approved plans and conditions of approval. Performs final planning inspections of development projects to ensure conformance with approved plans and conditions of approval. Assists senior planning staff with surveys, research, and analysis for advanced planning projects. Reviews business license applications to assure compliance with land use and zoning regulations, as well as minor property research. Coordinates planning related activities with other city departments and consultants. Researches, compiles, and analyzes information for drafting and reviewing city policies and ordinances. Analyzes and evaluates significant amounts of data and information regarding the city housing stock and yearly housing counts for various governmental entities. Scans and prepares official records of minutes, plans, resolutions, ordinances, and other documents in support of planning cases. 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 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. All applications will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include but is not limited to an oral interview and/or written exams and oral presentations. Successful candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made. An eligible list is valid for up to one year unless exhausted sooner. 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 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. Below is a list of key benefits offered to employees of the City of Buena Park and is only a summary of benefits. They are not intended to replace or modify the legal plan documents on file in the Human Resources Department. SALARY RANGE: Composed of six (6) steps - Entry step through E step (Except management positions). Each step represents an increase of approximately five (5) percent. RETIREMENT: Provided through California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Employee pays member contribution. VACATION: Earned at the rate of ten (10) working days per year for the first five (5) years of service. Public safety employees receive a different but equivalent benefit. Additional vacation may be earned by employees after five (5) years of service. SICK LEAVE: Accumulated on the basis of eight (8) hours per month with no maximum accumulation. HOLIDAYS: An average of eleven (11) holidays per year. MEDICAL INSURANCE: Several plans (indemnity and HMO's) are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium according to the bargaining unit agreement. DENTAL INSURANCE: Three (3) plans are available. The City pays a flat rate portion of the premium. The Employee may pay a portion of the insurance premium according at bargaining unit agreement and this benefit is voluntary. VISION INSURANCE: One plan is available. The Employee pays the insurance premium and this benefit is voluntary. LIFE INSURANCE: Amount of coverage is based on the employee bargaining unit. Premiums are fully paid by the City. LONG TERM DISABILITY: Fully paid by the City. Police sworn personnel are not eligible. EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to all City employees and their immediate families. DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: The City offers one (1) plan administered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions. This is a voluntary benefit with no City contribution. WORK SCHEDULE: 4/10 or 3/12 alternative work schedule depending upon the work location. OC CREDIT UNION: Available to all City employees and their families. CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE: $100 per month, per child, is available to all Full-Time City employees with eligible dependents 0 - 5 years of age. 01 To better evaluate your qualifications for this position, responses to this supplemental questionnaire are required. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to continue in the selection process. An incomplete and inaccurate application may lead to disqualification. It is your responsibility to fill out the application thoroughly and accurately. Resumes will not be accepted instead of completing these questions. Please provide concise, descriptive, and detailed information when answering the questions. If you do not have experience, please write "NONE". NOTE: 'See resume', 'See above', or copy and paste of your resume are not considered qualifying responses and will not be considered when evaluating your qualifications. I acknowledge receipt of this information and understand the instructions. 02 What is your highest level of education completed? No Diploma High School or G.E.D. Some College - 59 units or less Some College - more than 60 units Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree 03 Do you have a four-year degree from an accredited university or college in Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a closely related field? Yes No 04 How many years of general planning experience at the professional, technical, or internship level do you have? No Experience Less than 1 year 1 to less than 2 years experience 2 to less than 3 years experience 3 to less than 4 years experience 4 years or more experience 05 How many years of professional municipal planning experience do you have? No experience Less than 6 months experience 6 months to less than 1 year experience 1 to less than 2 years experience 2 to less than 3 years experience 3 to less than 4 years experience 4 to less than 5 years experience 5 years or more experience 06 Indicate your experience with Office Productivity/Planning related software (check all that apply): Word Processing Programs (i.e. Microsoft Word) Spreadsheet Programs (i.e. Excel) Presentation Programs (i.e. Power Point, Prezi, etc.) Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Permit Tracking Sofware (e.g. Accella, PermitPlus, Viewpoint or other) Design Software (i.e. AutoCAD, Sketchup) File Sharing Software (i.e. Dropbox, Onedrive, etc.) 07 Do you have the ability to work extended hours in order to meet the needs of the department, complete assigned work, and attend meetings or events as needed? Yes No 08 Are you a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)? Yes No 09 Please describe your experience preparing and presenting staff reports to a planning commission, City Council, or other planning agency. If none indicate N/A. 10 Describe your specific municipal experience in reviewing development proposals and performing detailed plan checks of residential, commercial, and industrial developments. Please also include dates and names of your employer/internship during this experience. 11 Please describe your knowledge and experience in using geographic information systems (GIS), permit tracking software, and other planning-related software programs. Required Question