Assistant / Associate Planner
Apply NowCompany: City of Santa Barbara, CA
Location: Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Description:
Salary : $86,479.64 - $105,116.96 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Classified
Job Number: 2025-00037-1419-CD-CL
Department: Community Development
Division: CD - Long Range Planning and Special Studies
Opening Date: 03/05/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 5:30 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
ABOUT US
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.
The mission of the Community Development Department is to assist the public in managing the development of the community in order to protect and preserve the quality of life, promote a sound economic base and appropriate design, and ensure safe construction, all in balance with the constraints of the City's environment and resources.
THE POSITION
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.
BENEFITS
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
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.
License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:
None
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Planning Division. The current vacancy will be filled at either the Assistant or Associate Planner level, according to depth and breadth of experience.
If filled at the Assistant Planner level, the position has opportunity for promotion to the Associate Planner level.
Eligibility lists established for either position may be used for future vacancies in the Planning Division.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON MONDAY, MARCH, 31, 2025.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.
THESALARY RANGE consists of five steps, each representing an increase of approximately five percent. STEP INCREASES, through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews. Employees receive annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to collective bargaining:
Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.
01
Describe your experience reviewing development projects for compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Be sure to clearly state your role and approach to reviewing the projects; major tasks/milestones, and interaction with decision-makers (including presentations), staff members, consultants, and the general public. You may provide one or two project examples to best demonstrate your overall experience.
02
Describe your experience working with the general public, at a public information counter or in a customer service environment. What's your approach to responding to inquiries and/or complaints?
03
Describe your experience reading construction drawings, architectural details, and/or technical studies/reports.
Required Question
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Classified
Job Number: 2025-00037-1419-CD-CL
Department: Community Development
Division: CD - Long Range Planning and Special Studies
Opening Date: 03/05/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 5:30 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION
ABOUT US
At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.
The mission of the Community Development Department is to assist the public in managing the development of the community in order to protect and preserve the quality of life, promote a sound economic base and appropriate design, and ensure safe construction, all in balance with the constraints of the City's environment and resources.
THE POSITION
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.
BENEFITS
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
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.
License, Certificate and/or Other Requirements:
None
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.
There is currently one (1) vacancy within the Planning Division. The current vacancy will be filled at either the Assistant or Associate Planner level, according to depth and breadth of experience.
If filled at the Assistant Planner level, the position has opportunity for promotion to the Associate Planner level.
Eligibility lists established for either position may be used for future vacancies in the Planning Division.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON MONDAY, MARCH, 31, 2025.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.
THESALARY RANGE consists of five steps, each representing an increase of approximately five percent. STEP INCREASES, through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews. Employees receive annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to collective bargaining:
Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.
- The City is a member of the Coastal Housing Partnership, which offers home loan assistance and rental reductions.
- A standard 9/80 schedule is observed, with most offices closed every other Friday.
- Flexwork/Telecommuting is available.
- Bilingual pay may be available at a rate of $64 / pay period.
- Vacation is accrued at 96 hours / year, increasing with City service.
- Personal leave (32 hours) is provided each July 1st at the start of the fiscal year (pro-rated the first year).
- Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year.
- Holidays: 12 holidays are observed / year. Paid holiday time is awarded at the employee's applicable schedule, i.e., 9/80, 4/10, etc.
- Retirement: The City does not participate in Social Security.
- PERS Miscellaneous Formula: "Classic" members: 2.7% @ 55; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 8% of salary. "New" members: 2% @ 62; City contributes employee 12.03% and employee contributes 7.75% of salary.
- Insurance including medical, dental and vision benefits are available under a group plan. Click here for the benefits rate sheet: General Unit Rate Sheet.
- Cafeteria 125 Plan: Employees who opt-out of the group insurance coverage or who select employee only coverage may be eligible for a cash pay-out of up to $362.38 / month.
- Life and AD&D Insurance: City-paid term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment ($50,000 each) are provided.
- Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
- Long-term Disability Insurance is provided.
- State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) is provided. Employee pays 1.1% of salary. For 2025, the anticipated SDI/PFL rate is 1.2% of salary.
- Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
- Uniforms will be provided by the City to those employees required to wear a uniform.
- Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City.
01
Describe your experience reviewing development projects for compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Be sure to clearly state your role and approach to reviewing the projects; major tasks/milestones, and interaction with decision-makers (including presentations), staff members, consultants, and the general public. You may provide one or two project examples to best demonstrate your overall experience.
02
Describe your experience working with the general public, at a public information counter or in a customer service environment. What's your approach to responding to inquiries and/or complaints?
03
Describe your experience reading construction drawings, architectural details, and/or technical studies/reports.
Required Question