Location
Description
- Are you a detail-oriented planning professional with experience in development review, zoning interpretation, and environmental analysis?
- Do you value thoughtful land use decisions, high-quality residential design standards, and meaningful public engagement?
- Are you looking to grow your career in a small, service-focused organization where your work has a visible impact on the community?
If so, the Town of Los Altos Hills invites you to apply and become part of a collaborative team committed to maintaining the character and quality of one of the region’s most distinctive residential communities.
Location
26379 Fremont Rd. Los Altos Hills, 94022
About the Town
Los Altos Hills is primarily a residential community of approximately 8,000 residents within an 8.6 square mile area. An additional 5.8 square mile area of unincorporated land adjacent to the Town’s boundaries is within Los Altos Hills’ sphere of influence. The Town is home to Foothill College. Town Hall, constructed in 2005, provides a modern and comfortable work environment and is within walking distance of downtown Los Altos.
Residents are known for their strong civic engagement and active participation in Town governance. The Town’s inclusive and open approach to local government is central to its identity and contributes to its reputation as a thoughtful and progressive community.
The Town organization includes 27 full-time employees across Administrative Services, Engineering, Planning, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and the City Clerk’s Office. Law enforcement services are provided by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, and fire protection is provided by the Los Altos Hills County Fire District.
Ideal Candidate
The Town of Los Altos Hills is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Assistant Planner to join the Community Development Department. This full-time, non-exempt position offers competitive compensation and benefits and provides the opportunity to work on a wide range of planning projects, including residential development review, zoning administration, environmental review, and policy research.
The Assistant Planner performs professional-level planning work involving project review, report preparation, public engagement, and interpretation of the Town’s Planning and Zoning Ordinances. This position supports the Planning Commission and City Council through written staff reports and presentations and works closely with residents, architects, builders, consultants, and other public agencies.
This role is well-suited for a motivated planning professional who values thoughtful development standards, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving in a residential community setting.
Example of Duties
Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to:
Reviews and makes recommendations on development proposals, including site development permits, variances, conditional development permits, conditional use permits, lot-line adjustments, and subdivisions.
Prepares draft staff reports and recommendations for the Planning Commission, City Council, and Site Development hearings; attends meetings and presents findings as needed.
Conducts field investigations and site inspections to assist with project evaluation and ensure compliance with approved plans and conditions of approval.
Coordinates plan review with Town consultants and other public agencies.
Evaluates and approves administrative-level development permits and reviews building plans for zoning compliance.
Conducts research and analysis on planning topics, including land use surveys, General Plan amendments, Census data, and Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Responds to public inquiries and interprets planning and zoning regulations for residents, architects, and builders.
Conducts site analysis meetings with design professionals and residents.
Evaluates projects for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), prepares exemptions or Negative Declarations, and coordinates Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) as necessary.
Ideal Candidate
To be considered for the Assistant Planner position, candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, architecture, environmental studies, or a related field.
One to two years of professional experience in urban or environmental planning, preferably with a public agency. A Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
Experience working with diverse public and private stakeholders in the planning and development process.
Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Working knowledge of zoning codes, land use principles, and environmental regulations, including CEQA.
Strong analytical skills to evaluate development proposals and planning issues.
Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prepare professional staff reports and present recommendations in public meetings.
Sound judgment and decision-making aligned with Town policies and design standards.
Proficiency in office software and familiarity with GIS or planning database systems.
Strong customer service skills and the ability to explain regulations in a clear and professional manner.
Ability to prepare maps, exhibits, and technical materials to support project review.
Benefits
CalPERS Retirement
New employees with no prior CalPERS service or have a break in CalPERS service of 6 months or more: 2% @ 62. Employees are required by law to pay 50% of the normal cost, or 6.5%.
New employees who are classic CalPERS member and did not have a break in service for more than 6 months: 2% @ 60. Employees are responsible for CalPERS member contribution, currenlty set at 7.0%.
Health Insurance – Town provides a generous flexible spending allowance to employees at a rate that currently covers up to the Kaiser premium cost.
Dental Insurance – Town paid insurance through Assurant Employee Benefits for employee and eligible dependents.
Vision Insurance – Town paid insurance through VSP for employee and eligible dependents.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADD) Insurance – Town paid Life and ADD insurance for active employees to receive a lump sum amount up to the employee’s annual salary in the event of a qualified loss while employed by the Town.
Special Instructions
Applicants must complete the online application and all supplemental questions in full. Please do not indicate “see resume” or “see application” in lieu of answering a question. Applicants are encouraged to provide clear, concise, and complete responses that demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications.
This recruitment is scheduled to close on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. First and second interviews are tentatively scheduled to occur in April 2026. Selected candidates will be contacted directly.
The Town reserves the right to modify the recruitment schedule or close the recruitment early based on the number and quality of applications received.