Job Information
Job Category
Land Use
Company Name
Santa Cruz County
Position Level
Managerial
Job Description
Do you have experience in complex development projects? Do you have a thorough understanding of zoning and land use regulations? If so, we would love you to apply! Apply online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com Closing Date: Friday, May 29, 2026 The County of Santa Cruz offers a generous benefits package which includes annual leave, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits! THE JOB: Under limited direction, perform professional work related to variety of planning assignments, including: act as Project Manager to review and manage complex land use projects such as large-scale density bonus housing projects: conduct project reviews for consistency with the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan and area plans; review State laws and regulations; conduct research, including field inspections; process General Plan Amendments and Zoning Amendments; assist with Housing related policy development and projects; present reports and other findings to staff, decision-making bodies and elected officials; provide professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects; and perform other work as required. The current vacancy is in the Development Review unit of CDI-Planning.Required Skills / Experience / Education
One year of journey level planning experience equivalent to a Planner II or Planner III at Santa Cruz County. The Planner III/IV position is responsible for reviewing the most complex development projects submitted to the department to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, land use policies, environmental standards, and community planning goals. The role involves coordinating with applicants, engineers, architects, and public agencies; preparing staff reports and recommendations; guiding projects through the entitlement and permitting process; and presenting projects to hearing bodies such as the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. The ideal candidate would possess strong technical planning knowledge and excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Ideal qualifications include a thorough understanding of zoning and land use regulations, environmental review processes, permit procedures, and site design principles. Critical thinking, report writing, public presentation abilities, and customer service skills are also essential in navigating complex development review processes.US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
No
Salary Range
Salary: $8,081 – 11,859 / Month
Other Benefits
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: ANNUAL LEAVE - 22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years of service. Available for vacation and/or sick leave. HOLIDAYS - 14 paid holidays per year. BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state. MEDICAL PLAN - The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans. For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents. DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage. VISION PLAN - County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase eligible dependent coverage. RETIREMENT - Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years. County participates in Social Security. LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $20,000 term policy. Employee may purchase additional life insurance. DISABILITY INSURANCE - Employees in the General Representation Unit participate in the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. This program is funded 100% by employee payroll deductions. DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN - Employees who make contributions for child or dependent care may elect to have their contributions made utilizing “pre-tax dollars.” H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program. HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) - Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses. DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.Application Deadline
05/29/2026
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
10%
Primary Language Required
English
Job Location
Location Address
701 Ocean Street, Room 510
Santa Cruz, California
95060
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
Meridth Griffen
Phone Number
(831) 454-2209
Website
https://www.santacruzcountyjobs.com