Associate Planner
Apply NowCompany: City of Santa Clarita, CA
Location: Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Description:
Salary: $51.53 - $62.63 Hourly
Location : Santa Clarita, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 2025-4
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description/Duties & Responsibilities
This position manages and oversees complex planning projects pertaining to the City's General Plan, Housing Element, Specific Plans, Master Plans, and Zoning Code. This position works independently to conduct studies, perform analyses, and make recommendations on complex General Plan, zoning, land, redevelopment, economic development, and environmental issues.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manages and oversees complex planning projects, such as zone changes and amendments, General Plan amendments, tract maps, and specific plans
Conducts complex planning studies and analyses; recommends and implements long-range planning strategies to complex planning issues; ensures compliance with the General Plan, Unified Development Code, and Federal, State, and local laws
Prepares and/or manages the preparation of complex environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Administers consultant contracts and prepares budget decision packets
Provides information and assistance to City staff, developers, property owners, and members of the public regarding complex planning laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; assists with and resolves the more complex and sensitive planning issues at the public counter and on the phone
Facilitates and leads discussions with City staff, developers, property owners, community groups, Planning Commission, and City Council on complex planning projects and issues
Supervises, trains, mentors, and directs the technical work of lower-level planning employees
Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, geography or a related field
Three years of planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience managing complex planning projects
A valid Class C California driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out job-related functions
Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
Knowledge and Abilities
Strong understanding of the laws, regulations, principles, and practices of government planning and the ability to apply it to General Plan, zoning, land, redevelopment, economic development, and environmental issues
Strong understanding of the Subdivision Map Act, Planning and Zoning Law, and the California Environmental Quality Act
Strong leadership skills and the ability to supervise, mentor, and train employees; establish employee goals and priorities; evaluate and provide constructive feedback on employee performance; and quickly and effectively address and resolve poor performance issues
Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to make clear presentations regarding complex planning issues in a way that represents a positive City image to the public and the development community
Strong written communication skills and the ability to write clear, concise, detailed correspondence and reports representing a thorough analysis of planning principles
Strong analytical skills and the ability to review and evaluate planning, zoning, and development plans and ensure compliance with planning policies and laws
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, developers, outside agencies, and members of the public
Strong strategic planning skills, including the ability to analyze complex planning-issues, be an innovative thinker, and provide sound short-term and long-term planning solutions
Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize workload, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, and consistently meet time-sensitive deadlines
Strong project management skills including the ability to evaluate planning needs, make sound decisions, manage resources, implement directives, and meet critical deadlines
Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact with people in a tactful, professional, and helpful manner
Strong work ethic and the ability to conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner
Strong mathematical skills and the ability to read figures quickly and accurately and solve mathematical calculations
Strong computer skills and the ability to produce work in computerized systems and applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
The ability to drag, push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds
Additional Information
This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.
All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment
and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.
As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.
Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.
The City of Santa Clarita offers CalPERS Retirement contributions as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field?
02
Please list any valid certifications you have that are related to this position.
03
Do you have at least three years of planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience managing complex planning projects?
04
Describe the types of planning projects you have managed. Specify the types of projects, complexity of the projects, and your role in managing the projects.
05
Describe your experience, if any, supervising or leading employees. Specify the number of employees you supervised, the functions those individuals were responsible for performing, and your role in supervising them.
06
Describe the types of complex writing assignments you have prepared in the past.
07
What interests you most about this opportunity?
Required Question
Location : Santa Clarita, CA
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 2025-4
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Description/Duties & Responsibilities
This position manages and oversees complex planning projects pertaining to the City's General Plan, Housing Element, Specific Plans, Master Plans, and Zoning Code. This position works independently to conduct studies, perform analyses, and make recommendations on complex General Plan, zoning, land, redevelopment, economic development, and environmental issues.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manages and oversees complex planning projects, such as zone changes and amendments, General Plan amendments, tract maps, and specific plans
Conducts complex planning studies and analyses; recommends and implements long-range planning strategies to complex planning issues; ensures compliance with the General Plan, Unified Development Code, and Federal, State, and local laws
Prepares and/or manages the preparation of complex environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Administers consultant contracts and prepares budget decision packets
Provides information and assistance to City staff, developers, property owners, and members of the public regarding complex planning laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; assists with and resolves the more complex and sensitive planning issues at the public counter and on the phone
Facilitates and leads discussions with City staff, developers, property owners, community groups, Planning Commission, and City Council on complex planning projects and issues
Supervises, trains, mentors, and directs the technical work of lower-level planning employees
Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in planning, urban studies, geography or a related field
Three years of planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience managing complex planning projects
A valid Class C California driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out job-related functions
Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
Knowledge and Abilities
Strong understanding of the laws, regulations, principles, and practices of government planning and the ability to apply it to General Plan, zoning, land, redevelopment, economic development, and environmental issues
Strong understanding of the Subdivision Map Act, Planning and Zoning Law, and the California Environmental Quality Act
Strong leadership skills and the ability to supervise, mentor, and train employees; establish employee goals and priorities; evaluate and provide constructive feedback on employee performance; and quickly and effectively address and resolve poor performance issues
Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to make clear presentations regarding complex planning issues in a way that represents a positive City image to the public and the development community
Strong written communication skills and the ability to write clear, concise, detailed correspondence and reports representing a thorough analysis of planning principles
Strong analytical skills and the ability to review and evaluate planning, zoning, and development plans and ensure compliance with planning policies and laws
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, developers, outside agencies, and members of the public
Strong strategic planning skills, including the ability to analyze complex planning-issues, be an innovative thinker, and provide sound short-term and long-term planning solutions
Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize workload, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, and consistently meet time-sensitive deadlines
Strong project management skills including the ability to evaluate planning needs, make sound decisions, manage resources, implement directives, and meet critical deadlines
Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact with people in a tactful, professional, and helpful manner
Strong work ethic and the ability to conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner
Strong mathematical skills and the ability to read figures quickly and accurately and solve mathematical calculations
Strong computer skills and the ability to produce work in computerized systems and applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
The ability to drag, push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds
Additional Information
This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.
All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment
and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.
As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.
Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.
The City of Santa Clarita offers CalPERS Retirement contributions as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.
01
Do you have a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, Public Administration, or a related field?
02
Please list any valid certifications you have that are related to this position.
03
Do you have at least three years of planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience managing complex planning projects?
04
Describe the types of planning projects you have managed. Specify the types of projects, complexity of the projects, and your role in managing the projects.
05
Describe your experience, if any, supervising or leading employees. Specify the number of employees you supervised, the functions those individuals were responsible for performing, and your role in supervising them.
06
Describe the types of complex writing assignments you have prepared in the past.
07
What interests you most about this opportunity?
Required Question