Associate Planner

Position Title:

Associate Planner

Job Description:

The Planning Division is seeking an enthusiastic individual with excellent communication skills to be part of a team that manages the Planning Counter while also working on land use applications and city initiatives. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide responsive, timely and accurate information to customers at the Planning Counter located in Building Services while also being assigned project applications building on your knowledge of the zoning ordinance and planning processes.

About the Position:

The successful candidate will work closely with Planning staff experienced in Historic Preservation and expected to expand expertise in this subject area. The position also includes project management participation on citywide development projects, master plans and zoning code ordinance amendments.

The ideal candidate will be dedicated to a high level of customer service when meeting and consulting with applicants or residents regarding zoning inquiries; This includes providing advice on proposals to alter historically significant properties within our historic districts. This role also includes but is not limited to planning application pre-screening, completing zoning verification letters, answering phone calls and emails, providing planning processes and/or zoning information and scheduling pre-submittal meetings.

Previous experience in historic preservation is desired but a willingness to learn about preservation and work on projects that evaluate alterations to historic properties will also be considered.

About the Team:

The Planning Team is a collaborative, exciting place to work. There is 1 Planning Director, 1 Deputy Planning Director, 6 Planning Managers, 2 Administrative Assistants, 9 Senior Planners, 11 Principal Planners, 4 Associate Planners, 3 Senior Development Review Planners, 3 Development Review Planner II's, and 1 Graphic Design Specialist, 1 Graphic Technician.

Work Schedule:

This position typically works Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Currently working a hybrid schedule with two days in the office and some Fridays. This is subject to change at any time if directed by the Department of Community and Neighborhoods.

Position Salary Range:

$65,614 to $79,123 annually based on qualifications and experience.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• Paid vacation and personal leave

• Six to twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment

• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Learn more about our benefits here: 

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. The first review of applications will begin on Monday, October 27, 2025. This position may close at any time without notice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides general planning advice to the public and applicants on various types of planning applications, processes, and regulations.  This may include staffing the Planning Counter and performing as a first point of contact for the Planning Division. 

• Reviews development plans and applications and responds to questions from the public with regard to planning and zoning policies, procedures and City land development controls.

• Generally, performs planning analysis for routine and non-complex planning projects and applications to ensure implementation of General Plan goals, policies and zoning, and subdivision ordinance regulations.  Analyzes general plan policies, zoning and subdivision ordinance compliance, and initiates staff recommendations. 

• Prepares professional staff reports for the Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, Historic Landmark Commission, Administrative Hearing Officer and Appeals Hearing Officer and other groups as assigned. 

• Prepares and presents reports to community groups, Planning Commission, Historic Landmark Commission, Appeals Hearing Officer, the Mayor, and the City Council.

• Performs planning, research and technical analysis for some complex planning projects and assists in preparing complex professional reports. 

• Assists in the preparation of comprehensive long-range master plans, small area development plans, or block redesign plans.

• Prepares documents to inform and educate the public on various types of planning processes, regulations, and projects. 

• Assists in monitoring the implementation of plans and coordination of development activities.

• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field, and one year experience in urban planning; OR an equivalent combination of education and full time, paid professional urban planning experience substituted on a year for year basis. Specialized associate planners may require specific, specialized experience.

• Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse organizations and backgrounds.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning, building construction, site development, zoning ordinances, urban design, historic preservation, and architecture as applied to city planning.

• Ability to use computers and computer graphics.

• Ability to travel to various work locations is required to conduct on-site inspections.

Desired Qualifications:

• Membership in American Planning Association (APA).

• Demonstrated proficiency with the use of current graphic, design and art techniques and technologies including Adobe Creative Suite, (In Design, Photoshop, Illustrator) and Sketch-up as well as the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

• Ability to communicate in Spanish proficiently.

Working Conditions:

• Intermittent exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior.

• Light to moderate physical effort. Usually pleasant working conditions with occasional exposure to environmental hazards and extreme climatic elements resulting from on‑site project inspections. '

• May be required to work nontraditional hours such as evenings and weekends.

Offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check in accordance with City policy and applicable law.  Criminal offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not automatically disqualify a candidate from City employment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. 

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Position Type:

Full-time

Department:

Community and Neighborhoods

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

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