(Community & Economic Development) Associate Planner

Community Development & Economic Development
Associate Planner 

Open until Filled - Full Time / Permanent Position with Full Benefits

Wage: $7,535. to $9,160 per month

The City of Capitola Community Development Department is recruiting to fill an Associate Planner position.

The Associate Planner carries out activities related to review and processing of development applications, including the preparation of written and oral reports and recommendations to the Zoning Administrator, Architectural and Site Review Committee, Planning Commission and City Council, site design evaluation, interaction with applicants and the public, and coordination of review by other departments and agencies.  Under direction, the Associate Planner also researches, prepares and carries out comprehensive, professional activities related to special studies and area plans, zoning ordinance/map amendments, elements of the General Plan and Local Coastal Program, environmental resource protection, trip reduction program, CEQA/NEPA environmental review, demographic and economic data gathering, research and analysis, historical preservation, and other related work as assigned.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles and practices of city planning, including application review and processing, preparation of area and specific plans, environmental analysis, and zoning enforcement.
• Application of various State laws related to planning issues, including State Planning and Development Laws, the Subdivision Map Act, the Coastal Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, and the Permit Streamlining Act.
• Knowledge of computers and electronic word and data processing; modern office practices and procedures.

Ability to:

• Interact and communicate with the public in a helpful, positive, fair, tactful, resourceful, courteous and effective manner, while providing accurate information regarding city ordinances and the development process, over the public counter, on the telephone, and in the field. 
• Learn, interpret and apply a large number of codes, ordinances, policies and procedures.
• Evaluate applications and proposals against design and use standards, and city and planning policies. Write clear and comprehensive reports.
• Perform thorough research and analysis related to planning issues, including quantitative and statistical analysis.
• Analyze planning issues, information and data, and develop appropriate recommendations for action. Administer and enforce zoning and land development laws with sound judgment and impartiality.
• Use a computer and learn various word processing, database, spreadsheet, permit tracking, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) computer software programs.
• Create clear and effective oral presentations to advisory bodies, decision makers, members of the public, and community groups.
• Establish and maintain harmonious, effective and appropriate working relationships with other city staff, management, elected officials, applicants, and the general public.
• Use good judgment under stressful conditions and with frequent interruptions. Ability to organize information and efficiently prioritize work.
• Employ various conflict management and conflict resolution techniques; and other skills used in dealing effectively with the public.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in city planning or a related field from an accredited college or university, and three (3) years of professional planning experience.  A Master's degree in Planning may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

For more detailed information for this position, please refer to the job description on the City’s website.

To Apply please fill out an our City of Capitola Job Application located on this Career Page under WEB LINKS 

• Please attach Supplemental Questions and any other application materials to the job application. Resumes can not be used in place of the Job Application. 

City Benefits

Benefits: Retirement: CalPERS; 2.5%@55 for classic CalPERS members, 2%@62 formula for new CalPERS Members.  Medical:  contribution by the City to your health, dental and vision care; life insurance; a 457B plan, and Employee Assistance Programs.  Other benefits also include vacation, sick leave, and holidays, and more.

Reasonable Accommodations for disabled applicants will be made.  If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the examination or application process, please provide the City of Capitola with advanced notice and every attempt will be made to consider your request.

The City of Capitola encourages workplace diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Capitola is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.