Location
Description
Are you a planning professional looking for an amazing opportunity on the Coast? The City of Pacifica is a beautiful coastal community, just south of San Francisco with an exciting opportunity.
THE CITY OF PACIFICA IS SEEKING QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THE POSITION OF AN
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
Salary FY 25-26: $8,646.00-$10,194.00 Monthly
Salary FY 26-27: $8,905.00-$10,500.00 Monthly
Salary FY 27-28: $9,172.00-$10,815.00 Monthly
Plus an Excellent Benefits Package
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, the Assistant/Associate Planner performs professional-level work in current and/or advanced planning and special projects. Completes technical assessments and studies and prepares written analyses and reports. Provides community outreach and education.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level class in the Planner series. Initially under close supervision, Assistant Planners learn to apply concepts and work procedures and perform professional planning work. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform duties required of the positions at the Associate level, but usually exercise less independent judgment and discretion in matters related to work procedures and methods.
Associate Planner
This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Planner Series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the elevated performance of a full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Provide general assistance and advice to the developers and the public on current planning and zoning matters, both orally and in writing.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Received direct and general supervision from the Community Development Director or designee. Exercises no supervision of staff. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to interns.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE
FOLLOWING:
Assistant and Associate Planner
- Serves as project manager on planning and development projects, including processing applications and reviewing plans for routine to complex commercial, industrial, residential, mixed use, and/or tree removal projects.
- Provide general assistance and advice to the developers and the public on current planning and zoning matters, both orally and in writing.
- Process development permit and subdivision applications for hearing in accordance with State law.
- Performs plan check functions for various projects. Receives and reviews applications for building permits for completeness.
- Reviews business license applications and ensures consistency with land use standards and prior development and entitlement approvals.
- Prepare and present reports for Planning Commission and City Council action on current advanced planning projects.
- Prepare periodic major and minor revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan and Coastal Land Use Plan.
- Formulate, prepare and present ordinances, projects and studies addressing special planning problems and issues related, for example, to Community Development funding, redevelopment, commercial development, provision for low and moderate income housing, or coastal access.
- Periodically work with community groups and committees on special projects with Zoning Ordinance and General Plan revisions. May be asked to represent City at regional meetings related to Community Development.
- Provide general assistance and advice to the developers and the public on current planning and zoning matters, both orally and in writing.
- Assists the public at the front counter, on the phone, via email, and answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, code interpretation, development standards, project status, and the City’s processes.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
In addition to the Assistant Planner duties, Associate Planner duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Writes staff reports and collects supporting documentation for submission to the Planning Commission, City Council, Open Space and Parkland Advisory Committee, and other commissions and committees.
- Interprets and ensures compliance with City codes, General Plan, Specific Plan, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions. Attends and participates in professional group meetings. Seeks and maintains knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
- May serve as liaison to the Planning commission and other commissions and committees.
- Represents the Community Development Department and City of Pacifica in regional planning working groups, including but not limited to countywide storm water and housing working groups.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Ideal Candidate
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of
Assistant and Associate Planner
- State and local laws related to current and advanced planning including CEQA, the Subdivision Map Act, Planning and Zoning Law, and the California Coastal Act.
- Principles, practices, theories, and trends of urban, land use, and regional planning, zoning, and environmental review.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications GIS and mapping data.
- Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
- Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning. Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
In addition to the qualifications of the Assistant Planner, Associate Planner knowledges include:
- Principles and practices of project management.
- Familiarity with applying federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to zoning and land use planning.
- Practices of researching planning and zoning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Skill/Ability to:
Assistant and Associate Planner
- Organize and coordinate complex zoning and planning projects and to prepare sound recommendations; ability to write clearly and concisely, to perform basic statistical and mathematical procedures, and to prepare graphic materials in the form of maps, charts, matrices, etc.
- Communicate effectively at public meetings, with the general public, and with staff of other City divisions, departments and governmental agencies.
- Learn and interpret City planning and zoning programs to the general public.
- Organize and coordinate complex zoning and planning projects. Prepare sound recommendations.
- Write clearly and concisely and to make technical information easily understood.
- Apply accepted principles and standards of planning in a creative manner and with initiative.
- Perform basic statistical and mathematical procedures.
- Site planning and architectural design principles.
- Prepare graphic materials in conjunction with written work in the form of maps, charts, matrices, etc.
- Analyze and interpret regional data within the local setting.
- Communicate effectively at public meetings, with the general public, and with staff of other City divisions, departments and governmental agencies.
- Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
- Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, on the telephone and in writing.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
In addition to the qualifications of the Assistant Planner, Associate Planner skills/abilities include:
- Manage complex planning projects such as mixed use, multi-jurisdictional, and/or larger projects.
- Interpret City planning and zoning programs for the general public.
- Identify and prepare responses to address issues and concerns of the public, City Council, Planning Commission, and other stakeholders.
- Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact on and of various City programs and services.
- Independently conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
- Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner.
Experience and Training
Assistant Planner
Experience
One (1) year of professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.
Training
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in urban planning, environmental studies, engineering, or a related field.
Associate Planner
Experience
Three (3) years of professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.
Training
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in urban planning, environmental studies, engineering, or a related field.
Certification
Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.
License
Possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Physical Skills
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points.
To operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites.
Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone.
This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Working Environment
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. When conducting site visits, employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions and road hazards. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing City and departmental policies and procedures.
Benefits
Benefits. The City of Pacifica provides a highly competitive compensation and benefits package that includes the following:
Retirement
The City contracts with CalPERS to provide a retirement plan that utilizes the formula of 2.5% @ 55 for "Classic members" or 2% @ 62 for "PEPRA members." Classic Members contribute 8% employee contribution plus 2.5% employer cost share for a total contribution of 10.5%. PEPRA members pay 6.75% employee contribution plus 2.5% employer cost share for a total contribution of 9.25%. The City does not participate in Social Security.
Insurance
The City provides its employees with a medical insurance allowance that allows employees to purchase medical insurance through either Teamsters Union #856 Health and Welfare or CalPERS medical benefits plan. Some plans require employee contributions.
Employees with proof of qualifying health insurance coverage through another group health plan may qualify for a "Health In-Lieu Payment" when declining city coverage.
The City contributes toward a dental insurance plan and vision plan for employee and all eligible dependents.
The City pays premiums for:
- Life insurance premium in the amount of two (2) times annual salary up to $200,000
- Long term disability insurance (to begin sixty days after onset of non-work-related illness or injury)
Long-Term Disability Insurance and Life Insurance: City provides paid long-term disability and life insurance coverage through Voya Financial, and an Employee Assistance Program through MHN.
Deferred Compensation
May participate in the 457 deferred compensation plan with one of three offered plans.
Vacation
Accrual begins at ten (10) days annually and increases based upon years of service.
Sick Leave
Twelve (12) days per calendar year
Administrative Leave
72 hours per fiscal year
Holidays
Thirteen (13) holidays (includes two floating holidays pro-rated based upon hire date) per year
Union and Probation
Position is a member of Teamsters Local 350 and serves a twelve (12) month probationary period.
Special Instructions
Interested candidates must submit a completed online employment application, cover letter, and respond to the supplemental questionnaire in CalOpps.org. Resumes in lieu of a completed application will not be accepted. Applications can be obtained online at
https://www.calopps.org/city-of-pacifica
.
Examination and Selection Process:
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Applicants may be screened to the most qualified and invited to the next step in the recruitment process which may include panel interviews and a skills assessment. The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations.
Human Resources has the right to revise this process as needed based on business needs.
After a mutual interest has been established, the final candidate must pass a City of Pacifica background check which includes but is not limited to the Department of Justice finger printing scan.
At the City of Pacifica, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. To us, equal opportunity employment is not just about compliance, it’s about who you are, how you can help our City and who you want to be. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and residents.