Job Details

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 PositionUnder direction, the Associate Planner performs a full range of professional current and advanced 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.The role includes 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.Responsibilities also include conducting zoning and code enforcement, responding to complaints, inspecting sites, ensuring compliance with city ordinances, and working collaboratively with residents to resolve issues.Ideal Candidate ProfileStrong understanding of local planning, zoning, development review, and CEQA processesExcellent communication skills, especially when working with the public at the Planning CounterAbility to balance customer service expectations with enforcement responsibilitiesExperience preparing planning reports, presenting at public meetings, and interpreting complex ordinancesStrong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects independentlyCommitment to fostering positive, collaborative relationships with the community and City staffCompensation & BenefitsSalary: $43.81 to $53.26 per hourDeferred Compensation: City matches the greater of 3% of salary or $200/monthRetirement: Participation in CalPERS and Social SecurityHealth 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 premiumDisability Insurance: City paid short‑ and long‑term disabilityLife Insurance: $30,000 City paid policy with AD&DHolidays: 13 paid holidays annuallyVacation: Starts at 88 hours per year, with increases based on serviceSick Leave: 96 hours per yearEqual Opportunity EmployerThe 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.ResponsibilitiesCheck plans submitted by developers and the public; review applications for completeness and accuracyOversee, participate in, and coordinate special planning, zoning, and environmental studies; prepare reports and findingsConduct zoning and code enforcementServe as staff to various commissions, committees, and groups; prepare agendas and appropriate reports; make and present findings and recommendationsInterpret and explain zoning code, general plan, habitat conservation plan, and related codesPrepare 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 hearingsPrepare 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 controversyPresent planning and zoning matters to the City Council and citizen committeesUpdate zoning map and coordinate with the General PlanCoordinate planning activities with other City departments and outside agenciesParticipate 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 activitiesMaintain detailed socio‑economic data and other relevant statisticsPerform inspections for projects for compliance with approved Plans and other City requirements and/or ordinancesPerform related duties and responsibilities as assignedQualificationsKnowledge ofPertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to general plans, housing, zoning, subdivision, building and construction, real estate, and redevelopmentPrinciples and practices of urban planning and developmentCalifornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)Recent developments, current literature, sources of information, and research techniques related to the field of urban planningCity zoning and code enforcement regulationsStatistical principlesArchitectural styles, history, and design philosophiesModern office methods, practices, procedures, and related equipmentMathematical principlesSafe driving principles and practicesAbility toInterpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning programs and functionsAnalyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendationsCheck building plans for conformance with land use, architectural and zoning regulations and suggest changes to achieve complianceInterpret planning and zoning programs to the general publicPerform professional planning work with a minimum of supervisionManage project development and implementationPrepare basic planning graphics including site plans and land use mapsRead and interpret construction drawingsCommunicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writingEstablish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of workOperate modern office equipment including computer equipment and softwareOperate a motor vehicle safelyMinimum QualificationsThree years of professional municipal planning experienceBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning or a related fieldPossession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's licensePossession of an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certificate is desirablePhysical ability to work in a standard office environment; ability to travel to different sites and locations#J-18808-Ljbffr