Job Information
Job Category
Environmental, Land Use, Urban Design
Company Name
City of Santa Barbara
Position Level
Other
Job Description
The City of Santa Barbara Community Development Department, Planning Division is seeking a motivated Assistant or Associate Planner. The current vacancy will be filled at either the Assistant or Associate Planner level, according to depth and breadth of experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong background and interest in working with project applicants, other City departments, government agencies, decision-makers, and the public to process development projects through environmental, design, and development review, and building permit plan check. This position performs project review for compliance with policies and regulations, complex plans examination, may act as primary staff to a design review board, will present projects to the Staff Hearing Officer and Planning Commission, and may also gather and analyze data and prepare staff reports and special studies. Work in this position is characterized by a combination of typical urban planning assignments with some complex and controversial assignments involving important community issues such as affordable housing, urban design and architecture, transportation, cultural diversity, land use policies and development standards, growth management, and environmental protection.Distinguishing Characteristics
The desired candidate will have a strong foundation in providing good customer service, a solution-oriented approach to resolving issues and conflicts, and a willingness to adapt to regulations and procedures to simplify and streamline project review. Assistant Planner $86,479.64 - $105,116.96 Annually This is the entry-level class in the Planner series, which follows the Planning Technician series. The Assistant Planner performs basic level environmental, design, and development review; report preparation; and will have a high degree of public interaction. The Assistant Planner receives general supervision from higher level staff.Associate Planner
$93,663.70 - $113,848.80 Annually This is the full journey level class within the Planner series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including complex plans examination, policy development and advanced report preparation. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class may be filled by advancement from the Assistant level, or when filled from the outside, require prior experience. TO VIEW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CLICK HERE. CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON MONDAY, MARCH, 31, 2025.Required Skills / Experience / Education
Knowledge of: • Principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning, policy development, public participation, environmental review, and coastal and growth management issues. • Site planning and urban and architectural design techniques and terminology. • Modern office procedures, methods and equipment. • Local, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to urban planning and environmental review, and their practical application to local situations. • Preparation of reports, graphs, and visual presentations. • Research techniques and record keeping. Ability to: • Interpret and review commercial, industrial, and residential development plans and application materials to determine compliance with requirements. • Review projects for compliance with California Environmental Quality Act; work with the Environmental Analyst to prepare environmental documents as needed. • Coordinate project review with other departments or outside agencies. • Understand and follow oral and written instructions. • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. • Confer with and advise architects, attorneys, contractors, engineers, environmental and technical consultants, and the general public, regarding City development • policies and standards. • Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous, and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment. • Apply basic planning principles, present staff recommendations on development proposals to Boards and Commissions, and explain proposals’ conformance to local, state and federal requirements. • Use computerized permit system, Windows based software and other required computer applications. EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education and/or Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major in urban planning and policy, urban design and architecture, or closely related field e.g., environmental studies/policy, sustainability/transportation planning, geography, or urban law. Experience: A minimum of two to three years’ professional planning experience, preferably with local government experience. California coastal planning and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) experience highly desired.US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
No
Salary Range
$86,479.64 - $113,848.80
Job Start Date
03/31/2025
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
None
Primary Language Required
English
Job Location
Location Address
630 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, California
93101
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
City of Santa Barbara Human Resources
Phone Number
(805) 564-5316
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santabarbara/jobs/4857898/assistant-associate-planner