JOB
The current vacancy is for Associate Planner I/II in the Public Works Department. The City of Santa Cruz is recruiting for an Associate Planner I/II to manage the stormwater development review, conduct inspections, and lead environmental compliance and watershed protection initiatives. This position oversees the City's Clean River, Beaches and Ocean Fund (Measure E) Oversight Committee, serves as the lead for the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, and administers consultant contracts and public education programs. The Associate Planner I/II works collaboratively with City staff, developers, regulatory agencies, consultants, and community stakeholders to implement programs and projects that protect water quality and enhance the City's waterways.
Associate Planner I salary range is: $8,107- $10,450 monthly ($46.77 - $60.29 hourly)
Associate Planner II salary range is: $8,919 - $11,496monthly ($51.46 - $66.32 hourly)
The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Associate Planner I/II vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.
Recruitment #27-001
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
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On Thursday, 07/23/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
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Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
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Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
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Week of 07/27 and 08/03/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 08/14/26.
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Week of 08/17 and/or 08/24/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
Basic FunctionUnder general supervision, performs professional land use planning, urban planning, and environmental review and compliance work such as current and advance planning, housing, community development, historic preservation, parks and open space planning, water resource and utility planning and environmental planning; reviews zoning and development applications; complies with various regulations; coordinates activities with agencies and other interested parties; analyzes planning and environmental issues; coordinates special projects; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing CharacteristicsThe
Associate Planner I is the entry level class in the professional planning series and is responsible for providing staff support through research, data collection and report preparation, performing the less complex and more routine planning and environmental review tasks under closer supervision. Incumbents learn the application of fundamental planning principles within the local environment. After demonstrating proficiency at the I Level, incumbents are expected to advance to the full professional II Level in the planning series.
The
Associate Planner II is the journey level classification in the professional planning series and is distinguished from the Associate Planner I with more diversified and complex assignments and level of independence. Incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties, including the research and analysis of planning and environmental issues, the coordination of complex planning projects, and the preparation of related reports, studies and recommendations. The Associate Planner II is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Planner in that the latter is the lead-worker classification responsible for performing the most complex planning tasks and acting as the functional supervisor of an assigned specialty area. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
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Reviews and processes various plans and applications for subdivision, housing, commercial and public infrastructure developments; reviews and processes variances, design permits, conditional use permits, design permits and other discretionary permits.
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Determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval; identifies problems and analyzes alternatives.
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May be assigned to investigate and respond to complaints of zoning code violations.
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Plans, organizes and conducts research studies; determines appropriate data sources; conducts analysis of complex issues and data.
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Prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, community needs, parks, open spaces, water utility planning and/or environmental issues, depending upon area of assignment; recommends the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial, public infrastructure and community uses.
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Maintains, updates and analyzes demographic and other data related to community planning; participates in the review, development, revision and maintenance of general plan elements, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances and/or other policies and procedures.
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Reviews plans, proposals, requests and studies presented by other City staff, developers, consultants, advisory bodies and members of the public; prepares analyses related to compliance, feasibility and impact.
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Interprets, applies and explains federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).
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Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements; communicates and coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies; coordinates the development review process on public and private projects.
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Resolves difficult issues, consults with experts, and determines need for technical resources.
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Determines consistent approaches in analysis, legal and regulatory interpretations, mitigation measures, permitting and scoping of projects.
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Oversees the preparation of environmental documents, permits, technical reports, and studies.
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Manages projects including consultants, contracts and budgets.
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Serves as staff liaison to commissions, advisory bodies and citizen groups, as assigned; assists in the preparation of meeting agendas for various commissions, boards and community groups, including reviewing draft materials and preparing comments; organizes meetings and work sessions ensuring timely notification of appropriate parties; prepares materials for and makes presentations to the City Council, commissions, boards and community groups.
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May prepare, coordinate and administer grant applications or contracts.
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May provide work coordination and project direction for other planning personnel and contract consultants.
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Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on slippery, level and uneven surfaces, kneeling, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The position may work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.
Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise-qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- Director of Planning and Community Development
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Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development
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Principal Planner
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Senior Planner
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Associate Planner I/II
