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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.

The City of Half Moon Bay is looking for a motivated, collaborative, and forward-thinking planning professional to join our Community Development Department as our next Assistant or Associate Planner (DOQ). If you’re excited about protecting coastal resources, supporting thoughtful development, working directly with the community, and helping guide the future of a small coastal town, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department coordinates and manages the City’s development-related functions: including long-range planning, housing policy and programs, planning project review, zoning and building code updates, development and subdivision review, permit processing, building inspection services, and code compliance. The Department also serves as the environmental coordinator for the City, ensuring compliance with the California Coastal Act and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).     

The Department provides staff support to the City Council, Planning Commission, Architectural Advisory Committee, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.  The Department team includes a Director, two Senior Planners, an Associate Planner for Housing, part-time Planning Analyst, Administrative Assistant, Permit Technician, Community Preservation Specialist, and a Building Official.

DESCRIPTION

The Position

The City of Half Moon Bay invites qualified candidates to apply for Assistant Planner or Associate Planner (appointment dependent on qualifications). Both positions support the City’s current and long-range planning functions with a strong focus on the City’s Local Coastal Program.. The Assistant/Associate planner reports to the Senior Planner-Supervisor.

Assistant Planner – Essential Job Functions

• Perform routine and moderately complex administrative, technical, and professional work in current planning.
• Conduct technical review of development and land use applications.
• Prepare staff reports for routine land use permits and present recommendations.
• Serve as first point of contact at the public counter; provide customer service to residents, applicants, architects, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Explain municipal codes, ordinances, the General Plan, and the certified Local Coastal Program.
• Coordinate project review with departments and agencies.
• Research and compile data needed for ordinance drafting and permit review.
• Support long-range planning tasks and community engagement.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Associate Planner – Essential Job Functions

• Apply Local Coastal Program policies and conduct thorough analysis for compliance.
• Prepare detailed staff reports; present to Planning Commission and City Council.
• Evaluate environmental impacts and prepare CEQA documents (NOEs, Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, NODs).
• Coordinate CEQA work with Senior Planners and consultants.
• Conduct technical and policy studies on zoning, land use, coastal access, housing, transportation, and related topics.
• Assist with zoning code amendments and long-range planning initiatives.
• Coordinate consultant contracts.
• Provide technical and professional advice to applicants, residents, staff, and agencies.
• Review architectural drawings, elevations, landscaping, and site plans for compliance.
• Prepare maps, graphics, charts, and databases using GIS.
• Participate in community engagement efforts, workshops, and hearings.
• Support design review and long-range planning documents.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

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.