Associate Planner
Apply NowCompany: City of Monterey, CA
Location: Monterey, CA 93940
Description:
Salary : $95,352.00 - $115,992.00 Annually
Location : City of Monterey, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-1801
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Division: PLANNING
Opening Date: 03/03/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
ABOUT THE POSITION: The City of Monterey is currently recruiting for a full-time Associate Planner in the Community Development Department. The position serves as an integral role reviewing current planning applications and stewarding advanced planning work program items. The department includes a diverse team of professionals in planning, project management, environmental compliance, housing, property management, historic preservation, sustainability, and architectural disciplines serving five (5) individual boards/commissions including the City Council. The position offers a unique opportunity for an individual interested in a variety of topics including progressive mixed-use redevelopment in a culturally-significant community.
ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY: Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.
WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES: The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!
Application ProcessA limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and a federal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems.
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.
Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Monterey provides outstanding servicesto the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
SUMMARY: Under general direction, reviews planning and permit applications and project plans and verifies compliance with state and federal laws, and City policies and procedures.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the entry level of the planning series. It differs from the next higher class of Senior Associate Planner in that the latter performs the more difficult professional planning work and projects and functions as a lead over or supervises subordinate staff.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from a college or university in Urban Planning or a closely related field.
Experience: Two (2) years of professional planning experience working with land use development problems and issues, or completion of a Master's Degree in Urban Planning, or closely related field and one (1) year of professional planning experience working with land use development problems and issues.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Supplemental Info
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:
Skill in:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Demands
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS:
All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Education Incentive Program: If you have a college degree, you may qualify for 5% premium pay on base salary (for a Baccalaureate degree) or 7.5% premium pay (for a Master's degree) upon completion of probation if your classification does not require one.
Bilingual Pay: $100 per month stipend ($1,200 per year), for up to ten (10) GEM represented employees who meet the testing criteria for being bilingual in Spanish.
Bicycle Commuter Program: An employee who regularly commutes by bicycle between home and work may be reimbursed for some of their bicycle commuting expenses. With receipts, an employee can be reimbursed up to $20.00 for each "qualifying month" and up to $240 in a calendar year.
Tuition Reimbursement: $2,000 per fiscal year.
Deferred Compensation: City will match employee paid contributions to a maximum of $150.00 per month.
Retirement: CalPERS 2.7 % @ 55 with highest year formula is provided for current City of Monterey employees or new employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2013 and who are currently active or have been active within six months of the date of hire in the CalPERS retirement system. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 11% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis.The retirement formula for new employees who do not meet the criteria stated above is 2% @ 62 with highest three year compensation. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 7.75% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The City participates in the Medicare portion of Social Security.
Health Plan Spending Fund: A minimum of $914.82 per month up to $2,540 per month, dependent upon level of participation (cash-in-lieu of benefits is $300) may be used to purchase medical benefits for the employee and dependents through the PERS Health Plan Program, dependent dental, additional life insurance, dependent care, and/or health care expenses through a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.
Dental: Fully paid employee premium by the City.
Vision: Fully paid premium for employee and eligible dependents.
Life Insurance: $20,000 policy paid by the City, with an option to purchase additional coverage up to $350,000.
Short Term / Long Term Disability Plan: The City provides a Short Term/Long Term Disability Plan.
Flexible Spending Account: The Section 125 Plan provides for an employee to set pre-tax dollars aside, through a payroll deduction, for reimbursement of health care and dependent care expenses.
Group Legal: Subject to provider limitations, the City will continue to provide a Group Legal Services Plan for employees represented by GEM through an employee-paid premium. Participation in the program shall be voluntary and consistent with the provider's requirements that the potential pool of participants must include a minimum of 200 employees
City Recreation Program Fees: Resident Rates for City Recreation classes and programs for employees and immediate family household members.
Voluntary Unpaid Leave: With advance approval, an employee may take up to forty (40) hours of unpaid leave per calendar year.
Fitness Pass: Fitness Pass Program available to use the City of Monterey Sports Center.
Fitness Activity Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in a Fitness Activity Plan where they work out off-duty in exchange for leave time accrued in a Fitness Leave bank. Each year, a maximum of 40 hours can be accrued (10 hours per quarter) with a maximum of 80 hours allowed in the bank. The Fitness Leave bank does not have cash value, and time accrued has no expiration date.
Employee Assistance Program: Fully paid confidential counseling and referral service for employee and eligible dependents.
Holidays: 14 paid days annually plus 1 floating holiday.
Sick Leave: 12 days per year.
Vacation: 1-5 years/10 days; 6-10 years/15 days; 11-15 years/ 17 days; 15+ years/20 days; 20+ years/23 days.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Candidate selected will serve up to one-year probationary period.
Candidates who pass the testing process will be placed on an eligibility list. This list may be used to fill additional positions (including subordinate positions) that become available during the life of the list.
This bulletin is for informational purposes only and does not supersede rules regulations, ordinances and resolutions currently in effect.
Pursuant to the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, employees must show proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
The City of Monterey is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education.
02
Please select the option that best describes your professional planning experience working with land use development problems and issues agency.
03
In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Please describe a planning project at work that involved planning issues. Specifically discuss your role and how you contributed to the ultimate outcome.
04
In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Please describe your experience in reviewing planning and permit applications and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, as well as city policies.
Required Question
Location : City of Monterey, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-1801
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Division: PLANNING
Opening Date: 03/03/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
ABOUT THE POSITION: The City of Monterey is currently recruiting for a full-time Associate Planner in the Community Development Department. The position serves as an integral role reviewing current planning applications and stewarding advanced planning work program items. The department includes a diverse team of professionals in planning, project management, environmental compliance, housing, property management, historic preservation, sustainability, and architectural disciplines serving five (5) individual boards/commissions including the City Council. The position offers a unique opportunity for an individual interested in a variety of topics including progressive mixed-use redevelopment in a culturally-significant community.
ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY: Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.
WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES: The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 14 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!
Application ProcessA limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprint background check and reference check. Depending on the position, as a condition of employment, the selected candidate may also be required to pass a physical exam including a drug screen and a federal background check to gain access to military and police facilities and systems.
The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.
Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions, regular part-time, and part-time temporary seasonal, determined to have similar duties and requirements.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Monterey provides outstanding servicesto the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
SUMMARY: Under general direction, reviews planning and permit applications and project plans and verifies compliance with state and federal laws, and City policies and procedures.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the entry level of the planning series. It differs from the next higher class of Senior Associate Planner in that the latter performs the more difficult professional planning work and projects and functions as a lead over or supervises subordinate staff.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Review planning and permit applications, and architectural/engineering plans for compliance with state and federal laws, and City codes, policies, and procedures.
- Write environmental analysis reports for compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Conduct entry level studies and develop elements and revisions for the City General Plan, serve as lead planner on specific plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance and other ordinance amendments.
- Conduct studies and develop components and revisions for the City General Plan, other land use plans, and ordinances; may serve as primary specialist for an assigned portion of City planning functions.
- Provide customer service, information, and recommendations within scope of authority.
- Collect, compile and analyze technical planning data using specialized software applications.
- Prepare and present reports and recommendations to decision-makers.
- Work with concerned citizens to encourage cooperative solutions to planning problems and issues.
- Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff.
- Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
- Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from a college or university in Urban Planning or a closely related field.
Experience: Two (2) years of professional planning experience working with land use development problems and issues, or completion of a Master's Degree in Urban Planning, or closely related field and one (1) year of professional planning experience working with land use development problems and issues.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Supplemental Info
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:
- City policies and procedures.
- Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, policies, rules and regulations governing planning and development, including California Environmental Quality Act, and California Coastal Act of 1976.
- Principles of urban planning, growth management, community development, land use, and permitting.
- Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.
- Customer service methods and techniques.
Skill in:
- Researching and analyzing the factors and components affecting community planning projects.
- Checking designs, details, estimates, plans, specifications, and reports of planning projects.
- Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers
- Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of standard and specialized applications, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software.
- Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Physical Demands
- Standing & Walking - Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
- Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
- Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 20 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.
- Manual Dexterity - Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines; writing.
- Visual - Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.
- Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
- Mobility - Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS:
All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
Education Incentive Program: If you have a college degree, you may qualify for 5% premium pay on base salary (for a Baccalaureate degree) or 7.5% premium pay (for a Master's degree) upon completion of probation if your classification does not require one.
Bilingual Pay: $100 per month stipend ($1,200 per year), for up to ten (10) GEM represented employees who meet the testing criteria for being bilingual in Spanish.
Bicycle Commuter Program: An employee who regularly commutes by bicycle between home and work may be reimbursed for some of their bicycle commuting expenses. With receipts, an employee can be reimbursed up to $20.00 for each "qualifying month" and up to $240 in a calendar year.
Tuition Reimbursement: $2,000 per fiscal year.
Deferred Compensation: City will match employee paid contributions to a maximum of $150.00 per month.
Retirement: CalPERS 2.7 % @ 55 with highest year formula is provided for current City of Monterey employees or new employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2013 and who are currently active or have been active within six months of the date of hire in the CalPERS retirement system. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 11% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis.The retirement formula for new employees who do not meet the criteria stated above is 2% @ 62 with highest three year compensation. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 7.75% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The City participates in the Medicare portion of Social Security.
Health Plan Spending Fund: A minimum of $914.82 per month up to $2,540 per month, dependent upon level of participation (cash-in-lieu of benefits is $300) may be used to purchase medical benefits for the employee and dependents through the PERS Health Plan Program, dependent dental, additional life insurance, dependent care, and/or health care expenses through a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.
Dental: Fully paid employee premium by the City.
Vision: Fully paid premium for employee and eligible dependents.
Life Insurance: $20,000 policy paid by the City, with an option to purchase additional coverage up to $350,000.
Short Term / Long Term Disability Plan: The City provides a Short Term/Long Term Disability Plan.
Flexible Spending Account: The Section 125 Plan provides for an employee to set pre-tax dollars aside, through a payroll deduction, for reimbursement of health care and dependent care expenses.
Group Legal: Subject to provider limitations, the City will continue to provide a Group Legal Services Plan for employees represented by GEM through an employee-paid premium. Participation in the program shall be voluntary and consistent with the provider's requirements that the potential pool of participants must include a minimum of 200 employees
City Recreation Program Fees: Resident Rates for City Recreation classes and programs for employees and immediate family household members.
Voluntary Unpaid Leave: With advance approval, an employee may take up to forty (40) hours of unpaid leave per calendar year.
Fitness Pass: Fitness Pass Program available to use the City of Monterey Sports Center.
Fitness Activity Plan: Employees are eligible to participate in a Fitness Activity Plan where they work out off-duty in exchange for leave time accrued in a Fitness Leave bank. Each year, a maximum of 40 hours can be accrued (10 hours per quarter) with a maximum of 80 hours allowed in the bank. The Fitness Leave bank does not have cash value, and time accrued has no expiration date.
Employee Assistance Program: Fully paid confidential counseling and referral service for employee and eligible dependents.
Holidays: 14 paid days annually plus 1 floating holiday.
Sick Leave: 12 days per year.
Vacation: 1-5 years/10 days; 6-10 years/15 days; 11-15 years/ 17 days; 15+ years/20 days; 20+ years/23 days.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Candidate selected will serve up to one-year probationary period.
Candidates who pass the testing process will be placed on an eligibility list. This list may be used to fill additional positions (including subordinate positions) that become available during the life of the list.
This bulletin is for informational purposes only and does not supersede rules regulations, ordinances and resolutions currently in effect.
Pursuant to the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, employees must show proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.
The City of Monterey is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education.
- Master's degree or higher in related field
- Master's degree or higher in non-related field
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- Bachelor's degree in non-related field
- Associate's degree in related field
- Associate's degree in non-related field
- High School Diploma or GED
- No High School Diploma or GED
02
Please select the option that best describes your professional planning experience working with land use development problems and issues agency.
- 4 years or more
- 3 - 4 years
- 2 - 3 years
- 1 - 2 years
- Less than 1 year
- None
03
In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Please describe a planning project at work that involved planning issues. Specifically discuss your role and how you contributed to the ultimate outcome.
04
In 250 words or less, please answer the following supplemental question to the best of your ability. "See Resume" it not an acceptable response and will result in a disqualification. Note: The text box below does NOT provide you with the word count. It is your responsibility to track your usage and stay within the 250-word limit. Copy and pasting your response into a Microsoft Word Document is recommended for obtaining your word count. Failure to stay within the above stated word limit may result in your disqualification from this recruitment process.Please describe your experience in reviewing planning and permit applications and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, as well as city policies.
Required Question