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Associate or Senior Planner
City of Agoura Hills / Agoura Hills, CA
Posted on: August 14, 2025
Application Deadline: CONTINUOUS BASIS with the first review on Friday, September 5, 2025
Job Description
The City is looking to fill one position as either an Associate Planner or a Senior Planner, dependent upon qualifications.
What You’ll Do
ASSOCIATE PLANNER:
• Conducts complex assignments involving current or advance planning projects; confers with applicants and agency representatives to identify problems; evaluates data and proposes methods to resolve conflicting issues of plan implementation, zoning requirements, and environmental impact.
• Serves as project manager for assigned projects, and prepares project reports including related recommendations; leads or participates in oral presentations.
• Responsible for the review and revision of local ordinances; conducts research; coordinates interdepartmental review; schedules public hearings and participates in the discussion of proposed changes.
• Depending upon assignment, schedules and conducts meeting of public committees and public hearings; provides information and distributes materials; reviews proposals or applications; prepares report and makes recommendations; advises of related laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Responds to inquiries, both orally and in writing; interprets planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, or explains procedures; advises the Director, other city personnel, committees and commissions, and the public regarding planning issues.
• Attends and makes presentations to Planning Commission, City Council and other city boards as assigned.
• As a designated representative of the department, attends conferences, meetings or other public functions; may provide information or participate in discussions regarding departmental activities.
SENIOR PLANNER:
• Conducts complex assignments involving current or advance planning projects, including environmental impact studies; confers with applicants and agency representatives to identify issues; evaluates data and proposes methods to resolve conflicting issues of plan implementation, zoning requirements, and environmental issues; provides liaison to, and coordinates consultant reviews; prepares staff reports and supplemental materials for presentation.
• Serves as project manager for major assignments and programs, including specific plans, major development projects and special advance planning programs; prepares and presents project reports including related recommendations; directs or performs grant administration.
• Coordinates the conduct of environmental impact studies, including the preparation of requests for proposal; coordinates project review by other agencies; evaluates conclusions of environmental impact reports and prepares recommendations.
• May direct the activities of lower-level planning staff; assigns and schedules work in accordance with general instructions; conducts training and orientation as required; ensures that work is performed in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures. Coordinates the work of City consultants.
• Attends and makes presentations to the Planning Commission, Architectural Review Panel, City Council and other city boards as needed.
• Responds to inquiries, both orally and in writing; interprets planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, or explains procedures; advises the Director, other City personnel, and the public regarding current or advance planning issues.
• Coordinates the review, monitor and revision of the General Plan; coordinates the City’s affordable housing program; manages grants.
• Coordinates regional planning programs. Participates in the City’s redevelopment program activities.
• Depending upon assignment, schedules and participates in or conducts community meetings; provides information and responds to questions regarding planning matters; advises the Director of meeting results.
• As a designated representative of the department, attends conferences, meetings, or other public functions; may provide information or participate in discussions regarding planning activities.
Required Experience / Skills / Education
EDUCATION: Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance. Example combinations include completion of a (4) four-year college curriculum with major course work in urban planning, or a related field.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER – (2) two years of progressively responsible experience in current or advance planning. A master’s degree in planning, geography, or related field is desirable and may substitute for one year of experience.
SENIOR PLANNER – at least (3) three years of progressively responsible experience with a minimum of one (1) year supervisory experience in current and advance planning which preferably included experience in development review, environmental impact review, architectural review, specific plans, housing and development agreements. A master’s degree in planning, geography or related field is desirable and may substitute for one year of experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of planning principles and practices; related state and federal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. Ability to plan, organize, work; learn, interpret, apply and explain related laws, ordinances, policies and procedures and coordinate planning activities; prepare and present reports; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; meet the public in situations requiring diplomacy and tact; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession of or ability to attain a valid California class C driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of auto insurance are required. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation as a certified planner is preferred. Ability to work extended hours in order to complete projects, attend meeting and accommodate city needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this class the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear, both in person or on the telephone, and operate standard office equipment. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The need to lift, carry and push equipment and supplies weighing up to 40 lbs. is sometimes required. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, color vision and the ability to focus.
MENTAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of the class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; read and interpret data, information and documents; interact with City staff and other organizations; and deal with customer relations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Application Instructions
Submit your application and resume online at www.agourahillscity.gov or to Human Resources, City of Agoura Hills, 30001 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Questions: email Amber Victoria at avictoria@agourahillscity.gov. Applications materials will be screened on a continuous basis with the first review date of Friday, September 5, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Resumes may be attached to completed applications; however, a resume will not be accepted in lieu of an official City Application. This recruitment may close at any time without notice. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply early! Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to interview.
The Fine Print Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including employment verification, reference check, a criminal history questionnaire and Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint check. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the application process should advise the Human Resources Department upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request. The City of Agoura Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
