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Associate Planner
City of Santa Clarita / Santa Clarita, CA
Posted on: April 9, 2025
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
This position manages and oversees complex planning projects pertaining to the City’s General Plan, Housing Element, Specific Plans, Master Plans, and Zoning Code. This position works independently to conduct studies, perform analyses, and make recommendations on complex General Plan, zoning, land, redevelopment, economic development, and environmental issues. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manages and oversees complex planning projects, such as zone changes and amendments, General Plan amendments, tract maps, and specific plans • Conducts complex planning studies and analyses; recommends and implements long-range planning strategies to complex planning issues; ensures compliance with the General Plan, Unified Development Code, and Federal, State, and local laws • Prepares and/or manages the preparation of complex environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) • Administers consultant contracts and prepares budget decision packets • Provides information and assistance to City staff, developers, property owners, and members of the public regarding complex planning laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; assists with and resolves the more complex and sensitive planning issues at the public counter and on the phone • Facilitates and leads discussions with City staff, developers, property owners, community groups, Planning Commission, and City Council on complex planning projects and issues • Supervises, trains, mentors, and directs the technical work of lower-level planning employees • Other duties as assigned
Required Experience / Skills / Education
Bachelor’s degree in planning, urban studies, geography or a related field • Three years of planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience managing complex planning projects • A valid Class C California driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out job-related functions • Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable • Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
Strong understanding of the laws, regulations, principles, and practices of government planning and the ability to apply it to General Plan, zoning, land, redevelopment, economic development, and environmental issues • Strong understanding of the Subdivision Map Act, Planning and Zoning Law, and the California Environmental Quality Act • Strong leadership skills and the ability to supervise, mentor, and train employees; establish employee goals and priorities; evaluate and provide constructive feedback on employee performance; and quickly and effectively address and resolve poor performance issues • Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to make clear presentations regarding complex planning issues in a way that represents a positive City image to the public and the development community • Strong written communication skills and the ability to write clear, concise, detailed correspondence and reports representing a thorough analysis of planning principles • Strong analytical skills and the ability to review and evaluate planning, zoning, and development plans and ensure compliance with planning policies and laws • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, developers, outside agencies, and members of the public • Strong strategic planning skills, including the ability to analyze complex planning-issues, be an innovative thinker, and provide sound short-term and long-term planning solutions • Strong teamwork skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team • Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize workload, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, and consistently meet time-sensitive deadlines • Strong project management skills including the ability to evaluate planning needs, make sound decisions, manage resources, implement directives, and meet critical deadlines • Strong customer service skills and the ability to interact with people in a tactful, professional, and helpful manner • Strong work ethic and the ability to conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner • Strong mathematical skills and the ability to read figures quickly and accurately and solve mathematical calculations • Strong computer skills and the ability to produce work in computerized systems and applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook • The ability to drag, push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds
Application Instructions
This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position.
Associate Planner | Job Details tab | Career Pages
All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance. All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted. As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need. Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees’ Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.
