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THE COMMUNITY

The City of Menlo Park is a thriving community with tree-lined neighborhoods, active commercial areas, spaces to enjoy the outdoors, and opportunities to engage in local activities. Located conveniently between the major metropolitan areas of San Francisco and San Jose, Menlo Park is home to just under 34,000 residents in its 19 square miles. The stunning natural surroundings of the city afford views of the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Coastal Range to the west. Menlo Park’s climate is moderate to warm, with an average of 265 sunny days a year.

Menlo Park’s residents reflect a range of backgrounds and interests, with a tendency toward being actively engaged in community life. The City’s close proximity to Stanford University and Menlo College provide a multitude of academic, cultural and athletic event opportunities. The City regularly hosts musical performances and cultural experiences at both the Burgess campus and the newly opened Belle Haven Community Campus. The Downtown, with its many eateries and unique shops, attracts locals and visitors alike. The Menlo Park Caltrain station also provides a convenient connection to the numerous arts and leisure activities in the San Francisco and San Jose areas.

Known worldwide as the “Capital of Venture Capital,” Menlo Park hosts many venture capital firms and is well situated to benefit from and help shape new technologies and markets originating from the Silicon Valley. Additionally, Menlo Park is host to numerous technology and healthcare related companies, including such major employers as Meta (formerly Facebook), SRI International, Pacific Biosciences, Exponent, Grail, CSBio, and Robinhood. For additional information, visit the City's
website at: menlopark.gov.

THE ORGANIZATION

Incorporated in 1927, Menlo Park is a General Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is the City’s five-member governing body whose members are elected by district for four-year overlapping terms in general municipal elections. The Mayor and Vice Mayor each serve one-year terms and are selected annually by the City Council.

The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney as well as members of the Planning Commission and numerous advisory boards. The City Manager appoints all executive and management level positions. City staff report to one of six departments: City Manager’s Office, Administrative Services, Community Development, Library and Community Services, Police, and Public Works, which includes water and solid waste enterprises. Fire protection and sanitary services are provided by separate special districts.

The City is supported by 296 FTE and has over 55 funds with a total expenditure budget of $207.9 million. As evidence of the City’s sound financial stewardship and solid financial standing, Menlo Park consistently maintains an AAA bond rating, in large part due to its healthy reserves and diverse revenue base

 In addition to its many attributes, Menlo Park has one of the most beautiful civic center campuses in the Bay Area. Heritage trees, a running fountain and a duck pond surround City Hall. The campus also includes a nine-acre park, recreation facilities and the Menlo Park Library. These civic amenities make the campus a noted destination for residents, local employees and visitors. Conveniently located, the campus is a short walk to the Menlo Park Caltrain Station and the downtown district with numerous restaurants and shops.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department is responsible for ensuring a sustainable and vibrant community that supports a high quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors. It is comprised of 35 FTE who operate as an effective and cohesive team across multiple functional areas and lead a number of City initiatives to support the City Council goals. The Department includes the Building, Planning and Housing Divisions, and core services include building permits, plan check, inspections, affordable housing administration and housing initiatives, as well as long-range planning and development review.

The Building Division, which is the division this position will be responsible for overseeing, includes managing building permit, plan check and inspection processes for compliance with all applicable State laws, local municipal codes and related policies involving building construction. These functions require a high level of customer service with the public and coordination within and across various departments and agencies. The Division issued approximately 1,700 building permits and conducted 10,000 building inspections in 2024. For additional budget information, visit menlopark.gov/budget.

THE POSITION

The City of Menlo Park is seeking a strong, forward-thinking leader who is collaborative and passionate about serving the community and advancing department and City goals. This position serves as the City’s Building Official, as well as plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for major functions, activities, and staff of the Building Division. The incumbent will assist with department initiatives, including annual budgeting and monitoring and the development and administration of departmental policies, procedures and services, as well as day-to-day operations, including reviewing plans, interpreting applicable code, and meeting with stakeholders to explain processes. Areas of responsibility include building and safety, permit processing and issuance, inspection and compliance with the California Building Standards Code and relevant parts of the City’s Municipal Code, and building plan check review.

This position plays a key role in collaborating and coordinating assigned activities with other City departments, teams, and outside agencies and fostering cooperative working relationships. The person in this role is also expected to have excellent rapport with the general public, with the ability to respond to, and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Current examples of notable projects include coordinating the upcoming California Building Standards Code cycle, collaborating on the IT Master Plan and land management permitting system (Accela) to improve customer experience and service delivery, and overseeing the building permit process for a diverse range of development from tenant improvements to hotels to comprehensive mixed-use campuses. The City has over 2,000 residential units, two hotels and more than 1.8 million square feet of commercial spaces approved, but not yet under construction, along with a number of large development projects currently under review. This position reports directly to the Community Development Director and is responsible for overseeing several positions within the Building Division across all functional areas.

The County of San Mateo Planning & Building Department is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Building Inspector.

Under general supervision, Building Inspectors inspect public and private buildings, structures, and related installations being constructed, altered, or repaired to determine conformance with approved plans and specifications and compliance with applicable laws and ordinances. In addition, Building Inspectors investigate complaints, advise and assist building contractors and property owners on the use of materials and building methods, and coordinate inspections with other agencies and organizations. Specific duties include inspection of plumbing, water, gas, and electrical work as well as general construction work; preparing reports and maintaining records; processing and issuing permits; and minor plan checking.

Building Inspector I is the trainee level class in the Building Inspector series, responsible for learning the tasks and responsibilities involved in the inspection of public and private buildings. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector II/III by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level work under general supervision while learning job tasks, but as experience is gained, incumbents work with greater independence and are given more responsible assignments. Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for conformance with established procedures.

Building Inspector II is the journey-level class in the Building Inspector series. Employees at this level are capable of working independently and performing a full range of inspections of plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and structural work as well as general construction.

Building Inspector III is the advanced level class in the Building Inspector series. This class is distinguished from Building Inspector II by the performance of the full range of more complex and difficult inspection activities. Employees at this level assist in training less experienced inspectors and provide assistance with difficult situations in the field. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement based on experience and acceptable work performance.

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least two years of experience conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures and working in a jurisdiction performing a combination of field inspections and minor plan reviews.
• Be well-versed in the area of building construction and safety.
• Have experience training less experienced inspectors and provide assistance with difficult situations in the field.
• The ability to analyze and interpret building and zoning codes, ability to determine the scope of grading and erosion control.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations to resolve complex issues or situations.
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• excellent customer service skills.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have the skill and ability to:

• Work at indoor and outdoor construction sites at different heights and in confined spaces.
• Walk on uneven surfaces.
• Climb into trenches.
• Work on ladders.

Possession of a Combination Inspector Certification (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) from a recognized testing organization, and California Access Specialist (CASp) Certification are highly desirable.

NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspect structures being built, repaired or altered for conformance with approved plans and specifications and compliance with applicable laws and ordinances.
• Inspect plumbing, water, and gas lines, gas appliances, electrical services, electrical wiring, motor installations, setbacks, quality of materials used, and general construction of buildings.
• Investigate building code violations; post "stop work" notices on work in progress that does not conform to law; post notices on houses unsafe for occupancy; prepare correction notices; order corrections and improvements.
• Inspect existing structures for unsafe or substandard conditions; write correction and violation notices; make reinspections.
• Make final inspections; issue certificates of final inspections; prepare reports of inspections and work completed.
• Advise builders and property owners on building construction methods and code requirements; advise on building practices; assist with problems and interpret codes; wait on counter, answer phones, and write correspondence giving information on codes, general requirements, zoning regulations, and inspections.
• Assist the public by processing permits, receiving fees, and writing receipts.
• Review building plans.
• Prepare reports and maintain records.
• Coordinate work with other agencies on code and ordinance provisions and in cooperative efforts to improve housing in deteriorated areas.
• Maintain surveillance of substandard dwelling units to expedite rehabilitation, abatement, demolition, or court action.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Building Inspector II: One year of experience in conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures.

Building Inspector III:Two years of experience in conducting a full range of inspections of buildings and related structures.

Licensure/Certification:

Building Inspector I: Obtain certification as a building inspector from a recognized state, national or international association within two years of employment, pursuant to State requirements.

Building Inspector II/III: Possession of certification from a recognized state, national, or international association.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Thurs day, July 10, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: July 14 - 18, 2025

Civil Service Panel Interviews: July 31 and/or August 1, 2025

The City of Auburn is looking for an Associate Planner to join team. We're looking for an individual to help convey land development policies, process various land use applications, and present impactful reports. Join our team and play a key role in shaping our community's future!

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Performs technical and paraprofessional work supporting both the department and City planning operations including current and long-range planning,  environmental compliance review, processing development proposals, interacting with applicants, developers, consultants, the public, and external agencies, organizations and community groups, and other technical-level functions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

A paraprofessional classification requiring administrative, analytical, and specialized technical skills to perform semi-complex municipal planning duties. The role is distinguished from lower classifications by its scope of work and requirements for specialized training and technical proficiency in planning. This classification performs recurring tasks and solves problems independently under general supervision from the department director or assigned supervisor, and does not exercise supervision over staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Actual work may vary based on department needs or change due to evolving business practices.

• Perform a wide range of administrative, operational, and technical tasks supporting planning programs and functions.
• Process, review, and evaluate plans, required planning documents and construction plans for completeness, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Administer zoning, land use, subdivision, and environmental regulations; provide recommendations on project issues, and assist applicants to ensure all requirements are met within established time frames.
• Interact with the public, and internal and external stakeholders;  serve as liaison to City staff, applicants, developers, consultants, and external organizations and agencies regarding City codes, policies, processes, and requirements.
• Conduct site visits; investigate zoning issues and complaints; advise property owners, developers, and the public on relevant City ordinances and regulations.
• Prepare reports and make public presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other public groups.
• Conduct specialized planning studies, research, and analysis for current and long-range planning issues, including environmental evaluations and General Plan updates.
• Develop ordinances, resolutions, and regulations related to planning matters.
• Oversee and coordinate the current planning process including project scheduling for Historic Design Review Committee and Planning Commission, and project review with other staff.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date planning records and data.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to various on-site locations. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in the field on-site and in an office setting including stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; lift, carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard and calculator; occasionally work in outside weather conditions; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; verbally communicate to exchange information; vision to see in the normal visual range with or without correction, and read computer screens and printed documents; and hearing and speech in the normal audio range to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone with or without correction.

Deputy City Clerk I/II

Apply by July 9, 2025, applications reviewed on a rolling basis. 

THE CITY

San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.

With a population of approximately 60,000, San Rafael is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget in fiscal year 2024-2025 of approximately $180 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest assets, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.

THE DEPARTMENT

The City Clerk’s Office in San Rafael is led by a full-time, elected City Clerk who also serves as Department Head, supported by two Deputy City Clerks. Together, this team plays a vital role in promoting transparent, accessible, and responsive local government. As the official custodian of records, the Office is committed to preserving the integrity of the public record and ensuring open access to information -empowering residents to engage fully in civic life.

With a commitment to equity, inclusion, and accountability, the City Clerk’s Office serves as a bridge between the public and city government. The Office supports the democratic process by managing City Council agendas and minutes, overseeing public records requests, coordinating local elections, and ensuring compliance with open meeting laws such as the Brown Act.

Grounded in the principles of good governance, the City Clerk’s Office works collaboratively across departments and with community stakeholders to uphold transparency, foster public trust, and facilitate broad civic participation. Through its work, the Office contributes to a more informed, inclusive, and engaged San Rafael.

IDEAL CANDIDATE AND CORE COMPETENCIES

The City Clerk’s Office is seeking a full-time Deputy City Clerk to join a dedicated team committed to transparency, civic engagement, and exceptional public service. This position provides professional-level support to the City Clerk and other City departments, with responsibilities spanning public records management, legislative support, and compliance with open government laws. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of the following skills and experience:

• Strong knowledge of the California Public Records Act (CPRA), including experience reviewing, redacting, and releasing public records in compliance with legal requirements.
• Familiarity with the Brown Act, Political Reform Act, and other regulations governing local government transparency and ethics
• Proficiency in records and agenda management systems, document imaging software, and digital workflow tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate meeting agendas, minutes, and official records.
• A high degree of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative, service-oriented approach to working with the public, elected officials, and staff across departments.
• Discretion, sound judgment, and a strong sense of professional ethics.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about open government, civic access, and high-quality public service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to - view the full job spec HERE)

• In the absence of the City Clerk, functions as the City Clerk, attends City Council meetings and perform all of the duties of holding a public meeting, including facilitating public comment, calling roll for Council votes, etc.
• Ensures adherence to established Council meeting procedures and rules; processes Council actions in the form of resolutions and ordinances; performs research, data gathering and analysis for written reports to the City Clerk.
• Prepares Council Chambers or other rooms for meetings.
• Generates Action Agendas and finalizes official minutes. • Processes and responds to Public Records Act (PRA) requests.
• Plans, organizes, develops, implements and administers the City-wide records management system.
• Assists in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the department.
• Participates in the development and administration of the department's budget.
• Maintains current knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of records management.
• Answers telephone calls, responds to email, researches records and retrieves information for general public, City Council and City staff.
• Prepares agenda packets, hard copy and electronically, for Council meetings.
• Files and indexes official City records as prescribed.
• Maintains other City and departmental records and files.
• In the absence of the City Clerk administers oaths of office, acts as Notary Public and certifies official City records. 
• May be required to work evenings and/or irregular work hours.
• Makes recommendations regarding office procedures and processes, including technology, to improve workflow and implements improvements subsequent to approval.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

The City Clerk’s Office is leading several key initiatives to modernize and streamline city operations. Upcoming projects include:

• Implementing a City-wide records management program
• Transitioning to a paperless office
• Launching agenda management software
• Conducting a comprehensive cleanup of the Municipal Code and City Charter.

These efforts reflect the City’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and innovation—making this an exciting time to join the team.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Deputy City Clerk I: Equivalent to AA degree and three years of progressively responsible experience using state of the art technology in a local government agency, preferably in a City Clerk’s Office.

Deputy City Clerk II: in addition to the requirements for the Deputy City Clerk I, this level requires at least 4 years of experience as a Deputy City Clerk I or demonstrated ability to successfully complete the essential duties and responsibilities at the full journey level with a high degree of autonomy. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Certified Municipal Clerk designation preferred. 

Both levels: Commission as a Notary Public in the State of California within six months of appointment

BENEFITS 

This position is a regular position of the City’s SEIU Local 1021 employee group and is eligible to receive benefits including but not limited to:

• MEDICAL | City group health coverage, with the City paying a fixed dollar amount toward the cost of the monthly insurance premium: Employee only: $950.00 | Employee plus one: $1,900.00 | Family: $2,400.00
• DENTAL | Premium fully paid for employee plus eligible dependents.
• VISION | Premium fully paid for employee.
• VACATION LEAVE | 10 days annually, increases after 3 years of service
• SICK LEAVE | 12 days annually
• HOLIDAYS | 12 paid City holidays plus 1 floating holiday per year
• BEREAVEMENT LEAVE | Up to 5 days paid leave
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE (if eligible) | Up to 300 hours paid leave. SRMMEA employees also contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI).
• LIFE INSURANCE & AD&D | $20,000 Life policy and $20,000 AD&D policy
• LONG TERM DISABILITY | 66.67%
• END OF LIFE CARE LEAVE | Up to 80 ho
• of salary, up to $1,000 per month
• RETIREMENT | Enrollment in the Marin County Retirement System (MCERA) pension plan, a defined benefit retirement program
  • Tier 2 - hired on or after 7/1/2011: 2% @ 55, Average of 3 highest years
  • Tier 3 PEPRA - hired on or after 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62, Average of 3 highest years
• GYM MEMBERSHIP REIMBURSEMENT | Up to $198 per year
• BILINGUAL PAY (if eligible) | Up to $250 per month

Join the City of San Rafael’s dedicated team and help strengthen open government, transparency, and civic engagement in our vibrant community. As the Deputy City Clerk, you will play a key role in managing official records, supporting legislative processes, and enhancing public access to information. Your work will help modernize core government functions and ensure that residents stay informed and engaged. Be part of building a more accessible, responsive, and innovative San Rafael—one record, meeting, and policy at a time!

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS 

• Diverse and Impactful Project Involvement: Review diverse residential and commercial plans, influencing safe, code-compliant development.  

• Public & Professional Interaction: Collaborate with industry professionals and assist the public with code and permit guidance. 

• Key Role in Permit Process: Perform plan checks, revisions, evaluate permit fees and coordinate with the design team to move the projects forward towards permit issuance. 

We have an excellent opportunity in the Building Division for the position of Plan Check Assistant!

We are seeking a customer service-oriented individual with the competence and experience to address challenges with confidence and professionalism. The Plan Check Assistant performs a range of duties in reviewing and checking building construction plans (residential, commercial, and industrial) for compliance with all applicable State and City codes. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Read and interpret architectural and structural engineering plans to ensure conformance with the California codes, structural design codes, and local municipal codes.  

• Respond to inquiries from, and provide information to architects, engineers, contractors, building designers, homeowners, and the general public regarding project status, plan checking, and other code-related issues  

• Provide assistance at the public service counter (over-the-counter plan checking, code and permit fee questions)  

• Perform routine engineering analysis and calculations  

• Approve over-the-counter plan revisions to issued permits  

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS 

1. Leadership and Collaboration: Lead the citywide budget process, guide staff, and support senior management in decisions 

2. Financial Analysis and Reporting: Prepare financial reports, analyze data, provide long-term financial forecasting, and provide insight 

3. Capital Improvement Projects Financial Management: Oversee the overall financial management of the City’s capital improvement projects and assist departments with budget administration, financial analysis, and budget adjustments.  

The City of Thousand Oaks is seeking a forward-thinking and results-driven Budget Officer to play a pivotal leadership role in the Finance Department. This is a unique opportunity to shape the City’s financial planning and guide high-impact initiatives that support citywide service delivery and long-term fiscal sustainability.  

As the strategic leader of the City’s biennial budget process, the Budget Officer collaborates with all departments, provides key insights to executive leadership, and ensures transparent, data-informed decision-making. With the City currently implementing a new budget software, the successful candidate will take ownership of the system and be responsible for producing the final budget documents in both print and digital formats. As part of this effort, the Budget Officer will lead a refresh of the City’s performance measures, working with departments to integrate meaningful, outcome-focused metrics into the budget. 

The City is preparing to undertake a comprehensive ERP system replacement, and the Budget Officer will serve as a key member of the implementation team, helping to shape financial functionality and ensure a smooth transition to the new platform. 

This role is ideal for a motivated professional looking to advance their public sector career and take on increasingly complex and impactful assignments.   

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Budget Strategy, Development, and Reporting 

• Lead the development and administration of the City’s biennial Operating and Capital Improvement budgets  

• Lead the development and administration of the City’s biennial User Fees, Fines, and Penalties Schedule 

• Lead the development and administration of the City’s annual Cost Allocation Plan  

• Collaborate with departments to align financial resources with City goals and priorities 

• Develop multi-year financial forecasts and monitor trends to support long-term planning  

• Write clear, concise, and effective staff reports to communicate complex financial information to City leadership and the public 

• Prepare and present budget reports and other financial information for internal and external stakeholders 

System Implementation and Innovation 

• Take ownership of the City’s new budget software system and the development of the online and PDF versions of the Adopted Operating and CIP budgets  

• Streamline and improve the City’s Monthly Financial Report  

• Play a key role in the planning and implementation of the City’s future ERP system replacement 

• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement innovative processes 

 Financial Reporting & Capital Management 

• Oversee capital asset budgeting and coordinate with departments on project funding and tracking  

• Analyze financial and operational data to provide insights and recommendations to executive leadership 

• Develop tools and reports to improve transparency and decision-making across the organization 

Leadership & Collaboration 

• Supervise and mentor direct report(s), fostering ownership, accountability, and professional growth  

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Finance Director and senior management 

• Coordinate cross-departmental efforts and facilitate a collaborative, service-oriented budget process 

Communication & Training 

• Deliver clear and effective presentations to staff, senior management, and City Council on budgetary reports, issues, policies, and financial data  

• Lead cross-departmental training efforts on budget systems, financial procedures, and reporting tools 

• Translate complex financial concepts inaccessible information for non-financial audiences  

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

The City of Sausalito Invites Applications for the Position of 

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

(Salary: $9,286 - $12,382 Monthly) 

($4,286 - $5,715 Biweekly) 

Plus an excellent benefits package

Open until filled; First Review cutoff 5/5/25 at 7:59AM  

Under general direction, the Principal Planner performs the most complex and sensitive planning duties; and serves as staff resource in technical areas to plan, organize and coordinate programs and projects for professional, technical and clerical staff in a fast-paced work environment and highly engaged community. The Principal Planner provides supervision of the current and long-range planning projects and programs. Exciting long-range projects include the Housing Element Update and a variety of housing-related initiatives.

The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one (1) Senior Planner that will serve as the County of Santa Clara’s Agricultural Permitting Ally.

With 890 farms, over 288,000 acres of land, and over $310 million of produce, Santa Clara County’s vibrant community is composed of a diverse, multicultural population with agriculture that is driven by dedicated farmers and farmworkers who call Santa Clara County home. The County is seeking a new and key team player with general planning experience as well as a strong agricultural planning acumen to serve as an agricultural permitting ally (Senior Planner). A Senior Planner in this role would help farmers understand what rules and regulations apply to agricultural worker housing and would help applicants navigate the various permits and departmental approvals that are required. As an ally for agricultural permitting, this Senior Planner would focus on making the process of development more approachable and accessible and will explore options and alternatives with prospective applicants to provide housing on their farm or ranch, or establish new or expanded agricultural producing businesses, while maintaining the asset of agriculturally viable land throughout the rural unincorporated county areas. The agricultural permitting ally is a unique role that will be responsible for assisting farmers with agricultural worker housing and other agricultural-specific permitting, including but not limited to: assisting farmers through the County of Santa Clara’s building permitting process; helping farmers resolve code violations and maintain compliance with land use and building codes and standards; identifying opportunities for streamlining agricultural worker housing; promoting and supporting the production of safe and livable housing inventory for agricultural workers through the County of Santa Clara; and, working with local, state, and federal partners to connect farmers with resources. This Senior Planner will also assist in public counter inquiries and day-to-day activities of the Department as needed. The County of Santa Clara is committed to addressing the challenges that impact farmworker housing shortages and conditions.

In addition to meeting the employment standards for a Senior Planner, candidates must possess in-depth knowledge and working experience in two (2) or more of the following areas:

• Preparing advanced California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents (e.g., Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports).
• Experience in complex medium- to large-scale development entitlement projects such as campus planning, industrial, commercial, housing, agricultural housing or processing developments, or similar projects requiring advanced CEQA processing, staff report writing, data management and analysis, public outreach and public hearings.
• Experience in the management of CEQA and technical consultants, including meeting coordination, reviewing work products, and contracting/billing. Experience in managing consultants to ensure the project is completed within the approved timeline and budget with the proper deliverable is required.
• General requirements of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), preparation of annual surface mining inspection reports, and review and approval of Financial Assurance Cost Estimate (FACE), Reclamation Plans, and Mining Plans.
• Analytical understanding of State laws and regulations impacting land use and local government, with directly related work products that include major ordinance revisions and creation and processing of new programs. This would include preparation of professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations.
• Have conducted as a lead project manager or co-project manager long-range, comprehensive planning projects; e.g., general plan updates, major zoning ordinance amendments, specific plans, vision plans, etc., with working knowledge of the principals and practices of such working documents.
• Agricultural Permitting Ally: General requirements of building permit processing, resolving code violations, and maintaining compliance with land use and building codes and standards as it relates to agricultural worker housing and other agricultural-specific permitting.

Filing Period and Application Procedure

Final Filing Date: Open until filled. The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after the issue date.  You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.

The first review of applications is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 21st, 2025.

Under limited direction, to provide service to the public and permit applicants, to coordinate the review and analysis of development applications for cities, agencies and other county departments, to conduct planning studies, feasibility studies, master plans and concept plans, to research and analyze planning data, to make policy, ordinance and program recommendations, and to administer zoning, planning or parks and recreation development programs. The Senior Planner will be working for the Department of Planning and Development.

Typical Tasks

• Provides advanced level customer support for the preparation and processing of moderate to major development applications, re-zonings and plan amendments;
• Serves as a project manager for the preparation and review of master plans, concept plans, feasibility studies, development applications, zoning and plan amendments and annexations, and other planning-related documents by leading the process, supervising professional and technical staff, establishing procedures, setting goals, and assuming responsibility for the final outcomes;
• Supervises consultants and negotiates, executes and administers third-party consultant contracts, including fiscal controls such as budget tracking and verification of invoices;
• Serves as a program manager for a specialized portion of the planning program such as zoning administration, architectural review, Stanford administration, surface mining, historic resources, agriculture and park and open space related projects, and airport land use;
• Develops and manages complex planning studies, master plans, concept plans or feasibility studies and reports on topics, such as land use, housing, historic resources, environmental impacts and economic development, in support of new or updated plan policies, regulations or programs;
• Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to planning projects and the development review process, to verify that development projects comply with approved plans or to initiate actions necessary to correct violations of regulations or project conditions;
• Enters development permit information and permit process workflow data in a central database;
• Abstracts information from aerial photographs, subdivision maps, census reports, building permits, etc., for analysis in planning studies;
• Analyzes geographic information systems data and creates maps;
• Prepares plans, maps, graphs and other visual aids;
• Leads or serves on advisory committees or boards such as Bay Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council South County Committee or zoning decision-making bodies, schedules and conducts meetings, assists elected officials and their staff with planning matters and constituent concerns;
• Prepares or manages personnel who prepare environmental documents in compliance with environmental laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA);
• Conducts in-depth property specific research including the review of deeds and other legal documents; 
• Prepares recommendations and presents detailed written and oral reports on complex development applications, standards, zoning ordinances, General Plan amendments or local or regional planning initiatives to decision-making bodies such as Board of Supervisors, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Airport Land Use Commission, Historical Heritage Commission, Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee, and San Martin Planning Advisory Committee;
• Assists in the training and supervision of subordinate staff; Analyzes and reviews complex land development applications, site plans and building permit applications for completeness and conformance with policies, ordinances, master plans, concept plans, County General Plan, conditions of approval, and State and Federal regulations, prepares conditions of approval where necessary, and takes discretionary action on certain land development projects that reviewed at the staff level, making required findings;
• Prepares and delivers presentations to community organizations, clubs, planning seminars, homeowners groups, etc.;
• Participates in meetings, conferences and workshops at local, regional and state levels;
• Assists in the administration of a functional unit;
• Conducts advanced outreach to community organizations, government agencies, developers and the public to encourage participation, resolve problems or obtain input;
• Answers inquiries and provides general information to the public regarding land use projects, permitting procedures, development policies, plans, zoning ordinances and other regulations;
• Provides information to the public regarding the permitting and development review requirements of other County departments such as Fire Marshal's Office, Environmental Health, Land Development Engineering, Geology, Roads and Airports, and Building, and County programs such as Williamson Act, Historic Preservation, and the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan;
• Resolves issues and complaints from the public or neighbors and permit applicants;
• Attends evening meetings;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs related work as required.

Employment Standards
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in planning, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, natural resources, social science or related field;

-AND -

Three (3) years of professional planning experience. A Master's degree in planning may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit.

Possession of license, registration or certification in a related field, such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), is desirable.