Associate Planner

About the Role

The City of Ojai is inviting applications for the role of Associate Planner within its Community Development department. This position offers a chance to contribute to important planning, zoning, and land-use projects in a uniquely engaged and valued local community.

Under supervision, the Associate Planner is tasked with a comprehensive array of activities including current and advanced planning tasks, zoning reviews, environmental evaluations, and code enforcement. This is a mid-level role involving independent decision-making, preparing technical documentation, and providing substantial assistance to the Director of Community Development.

The job also includes designated counter hours at the Planning department, acting as a key contact for the public, developers, architects, and community members seeking guidance on planning, zoning, or development matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Review submitted plans for accuracy and completeness.
• Lead and collaborate on specialized planning, zoning, and environmental research; develop reports and conclusions.
• Enforce zoning and municipal codes by investigating complaints, conducting inspections, and ensuring adherence to regulations.
• Provide support to various commissions and community groups by preparing agendas, reports, and delivering presentations.
• Clarify and interpret city zoning codes, the general plan, and related regulations including the habitat conservation plan.
• Draft staff reports for complex land-use requests such as subdivision maps and conditional use permits, and prepare recommendations for city council and public hearings.
• Prepare initial environmental review documents addressing biological, archaeological, traffic, soil contamination, noise, and community concerns.
• Represent planning and zoning issues at City Council and public forums.
• Maintain and update the zoning map and coordinate efforts with the General Plan.
• Collaborate with city departments and external agencies on planning activities.
• Collect and analyze socio-economic and related statistical data pertinent to planning projects.
• Inspect projects to verify compliance with approved plans and city requirements.

Job Requirements

• Proven knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regulating general plans, housing, zoning, subdivisions, construction, real estate, and redevelopment.
• Familiarity with urban planning and development principles and practices.
• Experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and related environmental review processes.
• Understanding city zoning and code enforcement rules.
• Ability to interpret complex planning regulations and prepare detailed technical reports.
• Strong communication skills—both oral and written—to convey planning program information effectively to the public and officials.
• Competence in preparing planning graphics, interpreting construction drawings, and using modern office technology.
• Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of three years professional experience in municipal planning.
• Possession or eligibility for a valid California driver’s license; certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly wage between $43.81 and $53.26.
• Deferred compensation plan with city matching contributions of 3% of salary or $200/month, whichever is higher.
• Participation in CalPERS and Social Security retirement plans.
• Health insurance coverage through CalPERS, with the city paying 100% of employee premiums and 80% of dependent premiums (up to Platinum plan limits).
• Dental and vision insurance fully covered by the city for the employee.
• City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance policy worth $30,000.
• Annual paid holidays totaling 13 days.
• Vacation starting at 88 hours per year, increasing with length of service.
• Sick leave entitlements totaling 96 hours annually.

Additional Information

The position is full journey level within the Planner classification and may involve technical and functional supervision over junior staff. Employment requires pre-employment background checks, medical examinations including possible drug/alcohol screening, and provision of work authorization documentation. The role mandates travel around various city sites for inspections and project assessments.

The City of Ojai promotes equal employment opportunities and accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with ADA regulations, encouraging candidates to discuss any accommodation needs.