The City of Ojai is seeking an experienced and community‑oriented Associate Planner to join our Community Development team. This position provides an opportunity to participate in meaningful planning and land‑use work in a unique, engaged, and highly valued community.
About the Position
Under direction, the Associate Planner performs a full range of professional current and advance planning duties, zoning review, environmental analysis, and code enforcement. This is a journey‑level position that exercises independent judgment, prepares technical reports, and provides high‑level support to the Director of Community Development.
This position will also have scheduled Planning Counter hours, serving as a primary point of contact for members of the public, applicants, architects, developers, and community members seeking planning, zoning, or development information.
The role additionally includes responsibility for conducting zoning and code enforcement, including responding to complaints, inspecting sites, ensuring compliance with city ordinances, and working collaboratively with residents to resolve issues.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
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Strong understanding of local planning, zoning, development review, and CEQA processes
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Excellent communication skills, especially when working with the public at the Planning Counter
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Ability to balance customer service expectations with enforcement responsibilities
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Experience preparing planning reports, presenting at public meetings, and interpreting complex ordinances
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Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects independently
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Commitment to fostering positive, collaborative relationships with the community and City staff
To Apply: Please submit a completed employment application and resume through the City of Ojai's employment portal at https://ojaicity.applicantpro.com/jobs/. This recruitment will remain open until Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $43.81 to $53.26 per hour
Deferred Compensation: City matches the greater of 3% of salary or $200/month.
Retirement: Participation in CalPERS and Social Security.
Health Insurance: Access to CalPERS health plans. City pays 100% of employee and 80% of dependent premiums (up to PERS Platinum rate).
Dental & Vision Insurance: City pays 100% of employee premium.
Disability Insurance: City paid short- and long-term disability.
Life/AD&D Insurance:$30,000 City paid policy.
Holidays: 13 paid holidays annually.
Vacation: Starts at 88 hours per year, with increases based on service.
Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Ojai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Ojai will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the city.
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
Under direction, to perform professional level work in the field of current and/or advance planning; to conduct zoning and code enforcement; to provide information and assistance to developers and the public on planning related matters; and to provide highly technical and responsible support to the Director of Community Development.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full journey level in the professional Planner class series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including responsibility for the application of professional knowledge and skills to various municipal planning problems and projects. Responsibilities include the preparation of specific reports and plans with opportunity for 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. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Associate Planner level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant Planner level with three years of experience and successful performance reviews. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the Associate Planner level.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Check plans submitted by developers and the public; review applications for completeness and accuracy.
Oversee, participate in, and coordinate special planning, zoning, and environmental studies; prepare reports and findings.
Conduct zoning and code enforcement.
Serve as staff to a variety of commissions, committees, and groups; prepare agendas and appropriate reports; make and present findings and recommendations.
Interpret and explain zoning code, general plan, habitat conservation plan, and related codes.
Prepare staff reports for complex land use applications including subdivision maps, conditional use permits, development review, and related matters; prepare recommendations for City Council agenda and hearings.
Prepare City initial environmental review documents for projects dealing with complex issues on biological and archaeological resource impacts, traffic impacts, contaminated soils, noise impacts, and neighborhood controversy.
Present planning and zoning matters to the City Council and citizen committees.
Update zoning map and coordinate with the General Plan.
Coordinate planning activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.
Participate in the work of professional and technical employees including data collection, analysis, plan formulation, and implementation of a wide variety of planning, zoning, and environmental review activities.
Maintain detailed socio-economic data and other relevant statistics.
Perform inspections for projects for compliance with approved Plans and other City requirements and/or ordinances.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to general plans, housing, zoning, subdivision, building and construction, real estate, and redevelopment.
Principles and practices of urban planning and development.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Recent developments, current literature, sources of information, and research techniques related to the field of urban planning.
City zoning and code enforcement regulations.
Statistical principles.
Architectural styles, history, and design philosophies.
Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and related equipment.
Mathematical principles.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Ability to:
Interpret and apply the polices, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning programs and functions.
Analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.
Check building plans for conformance with land use, architectural and zoning regulations, and suggest changes to achieve compliance.
Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Perform professional planning work with a minimum of supervision.
Manage project development and implementation.
Prepare basic planning graphics including site plans and land use maps.
Read and interpret construction drawings.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three years of professional municipal planning experience.
Training:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
Possession of an American Institute of Certificated Planners (AICP) certificate is desirable.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to work in a standard office environment; ability to travel to different sites and locations.
