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The Associate Planner supports the Town’s planning and development functions by reviewing and analyzing a variety of land use and development applications to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This position provides technical assistance and guidance to property owners, developers, and the public on zoning, design review, environmental assessment, and related planning matters. The Associate Planner also prepares staff reports, presents recommendations to the Planning Commission and Town Council, and contributes to long-term planning initiatives that promote thoughtful, sustainable development consistent with San Anselmo’s General Plan.

*The Town welcomes applicants with diverse experience levels. Candidates with less planning experience are encouraged to apply and may be alternatively considered for the Assistant Planner position ($88,716–$107,844), depending on experience and qualifications.

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

Environmental Programs Department

The Environmental Programs Group is responsible for environmental review of VTA’s capital projects, VTA’s Sustainability Program, and VTA’s Stormwater Management Program.  Environmental review includes preparation of federal and state environmental documents; compliance with environmental laws and regulations; acquisition of regulatory agency permits; management of mitigation plans and programs; and coordination on a wide range of environmental topics.  VTA’s Sustainability Program is responsible for reducing the consumption of natural resources and the generation of greenhouse gases in the provision of transportation services through utility management, transportation electrification, climate action planning, waste reduction, and education. VTA’s Stormwater Management Program is responsible for complying with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit known as MS4. The Program aims to reduce pollution of local creeks and the Bay through the implementation of best management practices in project design and construction, educational initiatives for staff and the public, and enhanced maintenance and sustainable landscaping.

What You'll Be Doing: 
Definition
Environmental Planner II: Under supervision, an Environmental Planner II manages environmental studies and environmental compliance programs; and assists in the review of land development applications and documents for impact on transportation systems and/or facilities; and supports VTA's sustainability program.

Environmental Planner III: Under direction, an Environmental Planner III performs comprehensive environmental planning, analysis, and administrative duties for transportation projects and environmental compliance programs.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Environmental Planner II: 
This is the journey level in the Environmental Planner class series. Positions at his level are expected to be conversant with relevant environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines in order to achieve compliance of transportation projects. Incumbents conduct environmental analysis of projects in concert with other staff and consultants and may have responsibility for management of the environmental phase of minor projects or for specific portions of larger projects. This classification reviews environmental documents and development applications received from cities/regional agencies for project impact on the transportation system and/or facilities.

Environmental Planner III: 
This is the advanced journey level in the Environmental Planning series. Positions at this level work independently on the largest and most complex projects directing, reviewing, and coordinating the work of assigned project staff, consultants, and representatives of other public agencies in multi-disciplinary teams. Incumbents conduct environmental analyses of transportation projects and programs with minimal supervision and are expected to be conversant in and achieve compliance with relevant environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines.

Positions at this level require the use of initiative and judgment in resolving problems and recommending effective courses of action. This classification is distinguished from the Environmental Planner II classification in that positions in this class may act in a lead capacity over the work of lower level staff and consultants.

Salary
Depending on qualifications, this vacancy may be filled at the II or III level. 
Environmental Planner II: $49.45 - $64.30 Hourly / $3,956.00 - $5,144.00 Biweekly / $102,856.10 - $133,743.90 Annually
Environmental Planner III: $53.95 - $70.15 Hourly / $4,316.00 - $5,612.00 Biweekly / $112,216.00 - $145,911.90 Annually

Typical Tasks
Environmental Planner II:

• Plans, coordinates, and reviews the work of a multi-disciplinary professional and technical staff and/or consultants conducting environmental studies of minor complexity;
• Manages and coordinates environmental planning, research and analysis of proposed VTA projects, including the planning, design, and construction phases of capital projects, maintenance and operation of facilities, and issuance of permits;
• Analyzes and evaluates the impact of proposed transportation projects and plans, and provides technical input to project design to mitigate adverse environmental effects and ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations;
• Organizes, prepares, and processes environmental documents, monitoring and reporting plans, technical reports and responses for transportation projects and plans;
• Prepares scopes of work, schedules, and budgets for program activities, and assists with negotiating consultant contracts;
• Prepares necessary applications and acquires permits from regulatory government agencies in compliance with environmental regulations;
• Coordinates, organizes, and presents environmental matters before commissions, governing bodies and at inter-agency and public meetings;
• Provides status of financial expenditures and account balances;
• Develops rationale for legally defensible nexus between transportation mitigation and project impacts;
• Reviews public and private land development referrals (General and Specific Plans, EIR, Notice of Preparation and Project Applications for Site Development, Planning Development, Subdivision, Zoning Changes);
• Develops cooperative arrangements and agreements between public and private sectors for development projects that impact transportation facilities;
• Performs related duties as required.

Environmental Planner III: 

• Implements federal, state, and local agency environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines relating to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
• Reviews development proposals received from cities/regional agencies and coordinates with various VTA divisions to prepare official VTA recommendations on development conditions and mitigation measures for said proposals;
• Tracks compliance with permit requirements or other regulatory agency conditions for projects;
• Plans, coordinates, reviews, directs, and oversees the work of multi-disciplinary professional and technical staff and/or consultants conducting complex and comprehensive environmental studies;
• Assists in the administration of VTA's Storm Water Management and Sustainability Programs;
• Assists in the development of policies, procedures, and projects that advance sustainability for VTA facilities and assets;
• Assists with the preparation of CEQA and NEPA environmental documents for large and complex planning, design, and construction projects and maintenance and operation of facilities;
• Acts as an advisor on environmental matters to VTA staff;
• Writes, organizes, prepares, reviews, and processes environmental documents, monitoring and reporting plans, complex technical reports, responses, and position statements for a variety of projects, including large and complex transportation-related projects and plans;
• Prepares mitigation monitoring and reporting plans/environmental commitment records;
• Reviews construction plans and specifications to ensure that environmental commitments are incorporated into contract documents;
• Tracks and documents compliance with project environmental commitments prior to, during, and following construction;
• Develops and manages environmental scopes of work, contracts, budgets, and schedules for capital projects;
• Assists with negotiating large-scale, high dollar-value consultant contracts;
• Oversees the work products of consultant staff, including quality control;
• Identifies and prepares necessary applications and acquires permits and authorizations from government agencies;
• Coordinates, organizes, and presents environmental matters before governing bodies, inter-agency committees, and public meetings;
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Employment Standards
Environmental Planner II: 
Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is most typically obtained through training and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in environmental studies, natural or physical science, transportation or urban planning, or a related field, and one (1) year of experience in compliance or monitoring of environmental issues. (A Masters Degree in environmental, transportation, or urban planning or related discipline may be substituted for one year of the required experience).

Environmental Planner III:
Sufficient training, education, and experience to demonstrate possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Development of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is typically obtained through a combination of training and experience equivalent to a graduation from an accredited college or university with a four-year degree in environmental studies, natural or physical science, transportation or urban planning, or a related field, and four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in environmental planning, including preparing and processing environmental documents for compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines; managing related environmental compliance and mitigation programs; and reviewing environmental documents and development applications for project impact on transportation systems and/or facilities. (A Masters Degree in transportation or urban planning or related discipline may be substituted for one year of the required experience).

Knowledge of:
Environmental Planner II: 

• Concepts, principles, techniques and legal aspects of transportation planning;
• Research and statistical methods;
• Governmental organizations and operations;
• Community interrelationships;
• Basic supervision methods and principles;
• Project management methods and techniques;
• Some positions may require knowledge of travel processes using regional network systems and sensitivity analysis;
• Some positions may require system measures of capacity, congestion, levels of service and traffic engineering techniques.

Environmental Planner III: 

• CEQA and NEPA and associated environmental regulations as applicable to transportation projects;
• Methods of environmental assessment and mitigation;
• Technical aspects of environmental analysis and planning;
• General understanding of storm water laws and regulations;
• Regulatory agency permitting processes;
• Processes for cultural resources consultation;
• Land development regulations and procedures;
• Principles and practices of urban and transportation planning;
• Methods of sustainable business practices;
• Operation of common office equipment including personal computers and common software applications;
• Methods of collaborative problem solving.

Ability to:
Environmental Planner II: 

• Analyze issues and numerical measures associated with transportation planning projects, including estimates derived from computer models, estimates of costs and benefits, and public input;
• Estimate and administer budgets for studies and schedule and manage planning projects;
• Perform analysis and make recommendations based on findings in studies, field observation, and public contacts;
• Write correspondence, Board memorandums, planning and technical reports, and fact sheets designed to be understood by all audiences, including the general public;
• Simultaneously manage multiple projects;
• Maintain project objective and integrity when conflicting interests may influence the project outcome;
• Resolve conflicts between contractors and VTA on the interpretation of contractor project responsibilities;
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with those contacted in the course of work.

Environmental Planner III:

• Effectively plan, organize, and oversee major projects and programs;
• Successfully manage and complete multiple projects concurrently;
• Effectively lead, train, and direct lower level staff and consultants;
• Communicate complex information and strategies, both orally and in writing, to both technical and non-technical audiences;
• Interpret maps, engineering drawings, and technical reports;
• Establish procedures, standards, schedules, and priorities;
• Effectively coordinate problem-solving efforts and resolve issues with planning, design engineering, construction, and facilities personnel, as well as consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies;
• Prepare, review, and evaluate technical reports and documents for accuracy, project-specific and programmatic applicability, legal sufficiency, and consistency with VTA policies and the policies of our partner agencies;
• Develop and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including professional, governmental, and community officials.

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is looking for a qualified Assistant/Associate Transportation Planner.

Why Join our Department?
When you join the Public Works Department, you will work among collaborative and energetic colleagues who share a passion for serving our San Mateo citizens and improving the community in which we live and work. Public Works is a diverse department comprised of the Capital Improvement Program, Field Maintenance, Regulatory Compliance, Transportation, Clean Water Program, Data Management, Facilities and Fleet and Wastewater Treatment divisions. Our team is comprised of individuals with diverse talents and experience in various fields. We will provide you with a wide range of opportunities in a team-based collaborative environment while helping you achieve your professional goals. Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Creativity, Transparency and Informed Risk-taking are attributes within the City’s mission, values and organizational principles that we are seeking in the candidates. 

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

What You’ll Do
The Assistant/Associate Transportation Planner performs professional transportation planning work; conduct and review transportation impact studies; prepare plans, studies, and reports; and to do related work as required. 

Assistant Transportation Planner - The Assistant Transportation Planner is an entry level class in the transportation planning series. This class is distinguished from the Associate Transportation Planner by the performance of the less complex tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including assignments in the fields of multi-modal transportation associated projects, master plans, specific plans, policies, and programs. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher level employees. However, as experience is acquired, the employee performs with increasing independence. Since this class is typically used as a continued training class, employees may have only limited work experience. This classification receives general supervision from the Parking Manager, or a higher-level position.

Associate Transportation Planner - The Associate Transportation Planner is a journey level class that performs duties relating to multi-modal transportation and associated projects, master plans, specific plans, policies, and programs. This class is distinguished from the Assistant Transportation Planner by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including complex plans review, policy development, and advance report preparation. This position requires a high degree of independent judgment exercised on diverse and specialized assignments. It is further distinguished by its major program management responsibilities. This classification receives general direction from the Parking Manager, or a higher-level position. May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower-level staff as assigned.

Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Review and analyze land development projects including but not limited to VMT, TDM, LOS, parking compliance and other transportation related issues.

• Assist the day-to-day operations of the City’s 3,000+ on and off-street public parking spaces in downtown San Mateo along with public parking spaces in other commercial areas such as 25th Avenue. Duties may include customer service for commercial parking areas, ordering parts for paid parking equipment, evaluating monthly permit parking programs and making policy recommendations, ensuring that signage in restricted parking areas is in good condition and correct for the restriction needed.

• Evaluate and make recommendations on technical aspects of transit planning, capital, or operating projects involving various transit modes such as rail, auto traffic, bicycle and pedestrian transportation and paratransit parking.

• Participate in the development of policies, procedures, and operational actions related to effective parking management, including periodic review of parking related policy issues such as rates, time limits, enforcement hours, loading zones, and other issues.

• Assist or lead in The City’s Residential Parking Permit Program and downtown parking permit program. Duties may include responding to resident inquiries, evaluating new RPPP program area applications, conducting parking occupancy studies, assisting in permit data analysis, establish new public/private lease agreements and participating in community meetings. 

• Provide recommendations resulting from the analysis of alternative transportation system improvements; forecast and prepare transportation capital improvement program project lists. 

• Assist in the compliance of the circulation element of the General Plan, and the City's component of any county or regional transportation plan; provide information and technical support necessary for the development of the City's Transportation Demand Management program. 

• Prepare and/or review reports and studies related to the functioning, improvement and impacts on the transportation system. This may include the evaluation of alternative network improvements and the impacts of proposed or forecasted land development projects.

• Provide support for grant-funding to deliver transportation capital improvements projects, in coordination with Caltrans, San Mateo County Transportation Authority, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and other agencies; identify and pursue grant funding opportunities in support of transportation related goals for the City.

• May review and check the work of subordinate personnel on specific projects for technical accuracy. May obtain consultants and manage consultant contracts.

• Work with other jurisdictions, congestion management agencies, citizens, business, or professional organizations as necessary. 

• Assist other sections, divisions, or departments on matters related to transportation planning. 

• Develop requests for proposals for parking services, equipment, and technology in coordination with the Police Department. 

• Prepare administrative reports and make presentations to the Sustainability and Infrastructure Committee, City Council, various committees, and advisory boards as directed. 

• Research and draft ordinances and policy for review. 

• Prepare initial studies; coordinate the preparation or review of environmental impact reports; participate in coordinating City planning activities with outside departments. 

• Collect, record and summarize statistical and demographic information; establish and maintain a comprehensive database.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at www.cityofsanmateo.org 

The City of Half Moon Bay Community Development Department invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Senior Planner.  The Department is seeking an attentive and well-qualified Senior Planner Supervisor to join the Planning Division. The Senior Planner reviews and manages complex development projects through the entitlement process, oversees professional planning assignments, manages long-range planning studies, and incorporates meaningful community engagement into planning initiatives. At any given time, the Senior Planner may be interpreting zoning regulations, managing consultant work, preparing detailed project analyses, or advising the public on planning matters.

The Senior Planner reports to the Community Development Director and supervises more junior planners. Senior Planners may also serve as project manager for major private development proposals and City planning projects, serve as Deputy Zoning Administrator, and act as staff liaison to the Planning Commission.

• Manage a variety of complex planning projects, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use development.
• Apply policies and procedures of the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP), General Plan, and zoning regulations.
• Direct consultant services for CEQA and technical reviews.
• Conduct and present analyses of planning proposals; prepare staff reports and recommendations.
• Facilitate public engagement and represent the City at meetings, workshops, and hearings.
• Provide guidance to architects, contractors, developers, and the general public regarding development standards.
• Supervise and mentor planning staff in best practices and project review.
• Coordinate interdepartmental project review and collaborate with external agencies.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings as required.

The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one Senior Planner vacancy:

This Senior Planner will play a crucial role in reviewing complex professional-level tasks related to land use and planning laws, zoning, housing, discretionary entitlements with associated report writing for consideration by the County Zoning Administrator and/or Planning Commission, and the review of building permits and environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Senior Planner will also serve as the lead on assigned projects, which may include overseeing a number of programs (examples include: County General Plan & Housing Element, Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, Santa Clara Valley Ag Plan, and Habitat Plan) and works independently, assuming responsibility for more complex projects (such as Stanford master planning), and must be resourceful and responsive to specialized assignments from Executive Management or the Board of Supervisors. The Senior Planner may also be responsible for reviewing development and parcel maps/subdivision proposals, as well as building plans, and permits. The County will be embarking upon a comprehensive General Plan Update, and other various vision plans and may be expected to oversee and manage these efforts. The County also processes large and complex private development applications for large private institutional uses, new quarries, places of worship and agricultural processing campuses. A Senior Planner with areas of expertise related to long-range/comprehensive planning and/or major project development processing experience, coupled with strong CEQA experience is desired. 

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 (desired, not required).
• 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.

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 August 04, 2025.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, PLEASE CLICK THE JOB ANNOUCEMENT URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.

We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Senior Planner to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development.

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Cover Letter is required.

The Town of Portola Valley is seeking a Senior Planner to help guide thoughtful development, protect our natural character, and enhance the quality of life that makes our community so special. If you’re a creative, collaborative planning professional who enjoys both strategic visioning and hands-on project work, this is your chance to make a direct and lasting impact in a close-knit town setting!

Under the general direction of the Planning and Building Director, our Senior Planner will perform professional level work related to municipal planning, zoning, housing, and environmental analysis; reviews and will manage complex development projects; perform professional duties in support of long range planning studies, interpret and enforce various zoning regulations of the Town; completes complex and technical assessments and prepares written analyses; provides professional assistance to the public; presents information and reports to the Architecture Site Control Commission (ASCC), the Planning Commission, and the Town Council; and performs related work as required. 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS 

• Opportunities to expand your skills and grow within our organization. 

• Collaborate with a variety of agencies and professional disciplines. 

• Enjoy a newly remodeled, modern office space designed for collaboration and productivity. Position equipped with a City-issued laptop, sit/stand desk, and other modern workplace tools.  

• Opportunity for hybrid flexibility: potential for one day per week telework after six months of employment.  

DESCRIPTION 

The City of Thousand Oaks Community Development Department is excited to announce a rewarding career opportunity for a motivated Associate Planner to join our dynamic team! If you are results-oriented, bring a positive attitude, thrive on creativity, and are passionate about making a difference through public service, this is the place for you.  .  

As an Associate Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the community’s future by managing a variety of current and long-range planning projects.  Working under general supervision, you will:   

• Conduct professional Planning work involving land use, zoning, and community development.  

• Review, analyze, and process development applications of moderate to complex scope.  

• Prepare and present staff reports, plans, and recommendations to decision-making bodies. 

• Collaborate with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to promote thoughtful growth. 

• Contribute to long-range plans and projects that align with the City’s General Plan and vision.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage and process applications for development projects, including residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and institutional proposals.  

• Facilitate in-person and virtual permit submittals.  

• Respond to phone and email inquiries. 

• Consult and advise property owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the public regarding applications, City policies, codes, and other plans.   

• Prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials.  

• Exercise sound independent judgement.  

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work.   

• Attend and present information to City Council, Planning Commission, Administrative Hearing Officer, and community meetings as assigned.  

• Plans, organizes and conducts research studies and prepares recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing and environmental needs, updates and analyzes demographic and other data required for the planning function, participates in the review, development or revision of the various of the General Plan, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinance and other policies and procedures.  

• Independently performs responsible and varied professional planning duties.  

• Provide sound recommendations based on detailed analysis and project evaluation.   

We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an entry-level professional in urban planning -- our next Planning Technician. This role will be expected to provide clear analysis and excellent customer service. The Planning Technician will have the opportunity to work in the field of current planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plan and environmental review.

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Cover Letter is required.

We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Assistant Planning Director to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional in urban planning who has a proven track record for providing high level analysis, excellent customer service skills, and exceptional leadership. They will be able to demonstrate an interest in community development and a passion for working with residents and staff to make the City vital, safe and attractive. 

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

This is a challenging job in a great city! Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Cover Letter is preferred, but not required.