Search Jobs

THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL IS SEEKING A PLANNING PROFESSIONAL!

IS IT YOU?

Now accepting applications for the position of

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Salary: $7,836 - $9,525 Monthly

$45.21 - $54.95 Hourly

Plus a great benefits package

4/10 Work Schedule Monday- Thursday

This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Sebastopol is seeking a skilled, enthusiastic, and adaptable candidate to fill the Associate Planner position. The Associate Planner performs various complex, professional-level office and field planning work related to current and advanced municipal planning, including the review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and environmental documents. The successful candidate will provide professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, zoning, permits, and environmental review. In addition, the Associate Planner provides complex professional staff assistance to the Planning Director, other departments, and the public. This position requires the ability to exercise sound judgment in the interpretation, application, and explanation of a wide variety of City policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as applicable local, State, and Federal laws.

The Associate Planner will reflect a demonstrative cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.

Under the supervision of the Fire Marshal, is responsible for performing plan review, construction inspections, and other duties as required.   The position will also be involved to varying degrees with public education, public relations, exterior hazard abatement, engine company pre-fire planning, record keeping, and report writing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Receives supervision from the Fire Marshal. There may be limited supervisory tasks assigned to this classification.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

This position is responsible for the review of plans, to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local fire safety laws, ordinances, and codes. Although not all inclusive the following serve to represent the various types of plans to be reviewed: planning applications; applications for the subdivision of land; site plans for access and water supply; building and tenant improvement plans; fire protection systems including fire sprinkler, fire alarm, kitchen hood extinguishing systems; and other types of plan reviews that are part of various fire code permitted activities.

The position is responsible for performing inspections related to the project and plan review of both new and existing buildings; witnessing various tests required for sophisticated fire protection equipment and verifying proper operation and compliance with applicable codes and standards; prepares necessary correspondence, reports and records; with regards to projects confers with architects, engineers, developers, etc.; attends training courses and meetings of professional organizations as directed. 

Other duties include: attending meetings with other local government agencies such as planning and building departments, architects, contractors, developers, and the general public.  Utilizes the District’s citation process when appropriate and when other means of gaining voluntary compliance are unsuccessful. Provides supervision, work direction and technical assistance as directed. Utilizes tools and technology identified by the District related to performance of tasks. Performs surveys of fire hazards and processes complaints; conducts and participates in public education and public relations programs; performs other related duties as directed. 

JOIN US IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE SEBASTOPOL COMMUNITY!

THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL IS NOW SEEKING AN EXPERIENCED

PLANNING DIRECTOR

Salary: $136,032 - $165,318 Annually

             $11,336 - $13,777 Monthly

Plus a great benefits package

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Sebastopol is seeking a dynamic, professional leader who is a collaborative problem-solver to serve as the next Planning Director. The Planning Director will direct, oversee, and materially participate in the work of the City’s Planning Department, including current and long-range planning, maintenance of the General Plan, Housing Element, and zoning codes, and review of proposals for construction and development within the City of Sebastopol. The selected candidate will coordinate activities, permits, and projects with other City departments. In addition to reviewing and preparing recommendations to the Planning Commission on development proposals, and serve as the official secretary and officer of the Planning Commission.

The Planning Director performs professional planning duties in the fields of long-range planning, current planning, and building permitting, including a variety of diverse professional planning assignments. The incumbent will oversee technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, handle the most complex customer service issues, environmental impact documents, and construction projects, and provide supervision or lead direction to professional and support staff. The director will ensure compliance with all aspects of the City’s General Plan and related ordinances and laws, and perform related work as assigned.

The Planning Director will demonstrate cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.

This position is exempt from the overtime regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is an “at will” classification serving at the pleasure of and receiving administrative direction from the City Manager.

For more information about this great opportunity, please view the brochure or job description below. 

The Position

The Town of Los Altos Hills is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Planner to serve as a key leader within the Community Development Department. Reporting to the Community Development Director, the Principal Planner will assist in the management and administration of planning operations, provide leadership and technical guidance to planning staff, coordinate consultant resources, and oversee the Town's most complex current and long-range planning initiatives.

This position is intended to strengthen the Town's planning capacity by providing senior-level expertise and project management support across a broad range of planning activities. The Principal Planner will play a critical role in advancing major policy initiatives, implementing state-mandated planning programs, managing complex development projects, and ensuring the Department remains responsive to the needs of residents, elected officials, and stakeholders.

The Principal Planner serves as a strategic partner to the Community Development Director and works closely with planning staff, consultants, the Planning Commission, City Council, advisory committees, outside agencies, and community stakeholders to advance the Town's priorities and maintain compliance with evolving State planning requirements.

Los Altos Hills is a unique community with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, wildfire resilience, open space preservation, and thoughtful land use planning. The Principal Planner will help guide the Town through a variety of complex planning efforts, including Housing Element implementation, General Plan maintenance, Safety Element updates, climate adaptation and resilience planning, zoning updates, and review of significant development proposals.

Examples of Duties

Leadership and Administration

• Assists the Community Development Director in the administration and management of the Planning Division.
• Provides leadership, mentorship, technical guidance, and training to planning staff.
• Assists with work planning, project prioritization, performance management, and professional development of planning personnel.
• Coordinates and oversees the work of planning consultants and technical specialists.
• Assists with departmental budgeting, consultant procurement, contract administration, and strategic planning efforts.
• Serves as acting manager for planning operations in the absence of the Community Development Director, as assigned.

Long-Range Planning

• Leads and manages major long-range planning initiatives and policy projects.
• Oversees implementation of Housing Element programs and other state-mandated planning requirements.
• Assists with updates to the General Plan and its elements, including Housing, Safety, Land Use, Open Space and Conservation, and related implementation programs.
• Coordinates planning efforts related to wildfire resilience, climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, hazard mitigation, and emergency preparedness.
• Manages updates to zoning regulations, objective design standards, development regulations, and related planning policies.
• Conducts research and analysis regarding planning legislation, emerging policy trends, and regulatory changes affecting local government.

Current Planning

• Serves as project manager for complex development applications, including residential, institutional, public, and special projects.
• Reviews development proposals for consistency with the General Plan, Municipal Code, zoning regulations, state law, and applicable planning policies.
• Evaluates environmental, design, land use, infrastructure, and community impacts associated with development proposals.
• Coordinates multidisciplinary project reviews involving Planning, Building, Engineering, Fire, Public Works, and outside agencies.
• Provides technical guidance and recommendations regarding planning, zoning, and development issues.

Environmental Review and Project Management

• Oversees and coordinates environmental review activities pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• Manages consultant preparation of Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and related environmental documents.
• Develops project scopes, budgets, schedules, and consultant contracts.
• Monitors project progress and ensures timely completion of assigned planning initiatives.

Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Coordination

• Prepares and presents staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, policy analyses, and recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and advisory committees.
• Represents the Town in meetings with residents, property owners, developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and community organizations.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding planning policies, development proposals, and land use regulations.
• Facilitates community outreach and public engagement efforts related to planning projects and policy initiatives.
• Coordinates with regional agencies and partner organizations on planning and environmental initiatives.

Other Duties

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Of

• Advanced principles and practices of urban and regional planning.
• California planning, zoning, subdivision, housing, and environmental laws and regulations.
• Housing Element implementation and General Plan administration.
• Safety Element planning, hazard mitigation, wildfire resilience, and climate adaptation strategies.
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and environmental review procedures.
• Municipal government organization and administration.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Consultant contract administration and budget management.
• Public engagement and community outreach techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, coaching, and staff development.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS), permit tracking systems, and related planning technologies.

Ability To

• Assist in the management and administration of a municipal planning program.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to professional planning staff.
• Coordinate and oversee consultant teams and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and effectively.
• Analyze planning, environmental, and policy issues and develop practical solutions.
• Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, ordinances, and planning policies.
• Prepare clear, concise, and effective reports, presentations, and policy recommendations.
• Build productive working relationships with elected officials, commissioners, staff, residents, developers, consultants, and public agencies.
• Exercise sound judgment in politically sensitive and technically complex situations.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Represent the Department and the Town in a professional and effective manner.

Qualifications

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, city planning, environmental planning, public administration, architecture, geography, or a closely related field.

Eight (8) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience, including substantial experience managing complex planning projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and leading policy development and implementation efforts.

Experience in both current planning and long-range planning is highly desirable.

A master's degree in urban planning, public administration, environmental planning, or a related field is desirable.

Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred. Candidates without AICP certification must demonstrate equivalent senior-level professional planning experience and expertise.

Demonstrated experience with Housing Element implementation, General Plan updates, Safety Element planning, wildfire resilience, climate adaptation, zoning administration, CEQA compliance, consultant management, and public engagement processes is highly desirable.

Experience supervising, mentoring, or providing technical leadership to professional planning staff is desirable.

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record.

We're hiring the person, not just the title.

 

• Deputy Community Development Director - $182,763-$233,258
• Planning Manager -$162,189 -$207,000

Belmont's Community Development Department is hiring, and uniquely, this is one opening that can be shaped by the right candidate. Depending on your experience and qualifications, the City will appoint at either the Deputy Community Development Director or Planning Manager level.

As Deputy Community Development Director, you would step into a senior leadership role working hand-in-hand with the Director to guide the department's overall direction. This is a position for someone with a broad portfolio of experience who is ready to share responsibility for the department's success, represent the City at a high level, and help set the strategic course for community development in Belmont.

As Planning Manager, the focus sharpens around leading the planning function directly, overseeing the Planning Commission, managing a robust pipeline of current development projects, and driving advance planning initiatives tied to City Council priorities. This is the right fit for a strong planner-leader who wants to go deep on planning practice while growing into greater management responsibility.

Both roles involve mentoring staff, improving processes, developing policy, and working in a collegial environment where good judgment and a sense of humor go a long way. Whichever title you come in at, you'll have a genuine opportunity to make your mark on Belmont's future - not from the sidelines, but from the room where decisions get made.