Location
Description
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.
Ideal Candidate
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate at either level will be a collaborative, team-oriented planning professional who thrives in a small coastal community. They will demonstrate strong communication and customer service skills, an ability to analyze planning applications, manage multiple priorities, engage the community, and support high-quality development reviews. Familiarity with planning in the California Coastal Zone is highly desirable.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS — Assistant Planner
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies, or related field.
- Experience: One year of experience in a city or county planning department; a master’s degree or relevant certifications may count toward experience.
- License: Valid California Class C Driver’s License or ability to travel as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS — Associate Planner
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies, or related field.
- Experience: Three (3) years of municipal planning experience.
- License: Valid California Class C Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record.
Additional Information
Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume or N/A”. To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and 2) Resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligibility List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Half Moon Bay will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents relate to visa applications/transfers to H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer qualification.
Benefits
Retirement: PERS Classic employee receives 2% at 55; single highest year and PEPRA employee receives 2% at 62, with highest 3 years. Classic employees pay 7% employee contribution and PEPRA employees pay half the normal costs (currently 6.5%). The City of Half Moon Bay does not participate in Social Security, except the required Medicare.
Health Insurance: Employee can choose from medical plans provided through CalPERS. Dental Insurance is available through Delta Dental and Vision coverage is available through VSP. The City provides an allowance of $1,900 per month, which can be used for medical premiums. Any unused portion may be taken as additional compensation.
Dental and Vision premiums are paid by the employer up to family coverage.
Other Insurance: The City provides long-term disability coverage equal to 2/3 of monthly salary to a maximum of $6,000/mo.
Life Insurance: City provides coverage equal to 1 X annual base salary.
Holidays: 14 paid holidays per year.
Vacation: Accrual of 12 days annually for the first four years; increasingly periodically thereafter to 23 days annually after 21 years.
Administrative Leave: 12 days per year. Sick Leave: Accrual at the rate of 12 days per year.
Education Incentive: $1,500 annually for eligible expenses upon approval.
Deferred Compensation: Voluntary participation in ICMA or CalPERS 457 plans are available.
Special Instructions
APPLICATION PROCESS
Filing Deadline: Monday, January 5, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
To be considered, submit a complete online application and current resume CalOpps. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received.
SELECTION PROCESS Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, and written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternative testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION WILL BE VIA-E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION. Finalist interview/assessment will be held at the City of Half Moon Bay.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Half Moon Bay is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, or sexual orientation. Candidates needing accommodation in the recruitment process should advise Human Resources when submitting their application.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: All employees are designated disaster service workers under Government Code Section 3100. Employees must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
Contact
For questions, please contact Ernest Azevedo, Management Analyst, at eazevedo@halfmoonbay.gov