Job Details

Salary : $105,961.18 - $128,797.50 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Classified
Job Number: 2025-00109
Department: Community Development
Division: CD - Long Range Planning and Special Studies
Opening Date: 07/29/2025
Closing Date: 8/15/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION
ABOUT US

At the City of Santa Barbara, the best part of our organization is our people. As a City of Santa Barbara employee, you will work in an environment with other motivated individuals who are passionate about their work. We strive to provide employees with the support they need to thrive.

The mission of the Community Development Department is to assist the public in managing the development of the community in order to protect and preserve the quality of life, promote a sound economic base and appropriate design, and ensure safe construction, all in balance with the constraints of the City's environment and resources.

THE POSITION

The Community Development Department is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated and proficient Project Planner for the Long Range Planning and Special Studies section. The Project Planner classification is the highest level of professional planner and acts as a project manager for a variety of controversial and complex projects/programs that can involve significant policy considerations and substantial public input. Note that the eligibility list established for this position may be used to fill other future staffing needs within the Planning Division.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced planner interested in working on longer term, high profile projects with significant internal and external collaboration and public engagement, while making a difference in the community via policy development and implementation. The highest priority for the Project Planner position at this time is implementation of the 2023-2031 Housing Element Programs, including research and development of new policies and regulations to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. Other work assignments anticipated are vital General Plan updates and Local Coastal Plan amendments, providing a unique opportunity to work cooperatively with multiple City departments and Coastal Commission staff.

Under minimal supervision, the Project Planner manages projects requiring extensive policy analysis and independently makes presentations and represents the City at Board, Commission, City Council, and community interest group meetings. Assignments can include General Plan and Local Coastal Program updates or amendments, ordinance amendments, development of implementation programs, preparation of annual reports, and advanced research and report preparation. This position also coordinates, delegates, and reviews the work of project team members, professional consultants, and other planners on complex projects or special studies; explains regulations and procedures; and works with other City Departments and agencies as a representative of the Planning Division.
BENEFITS

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning, environmental protection, coastal planning, and growth management issues.
• Principles of urban design and ramifications of environmental, legal, social and economic concerns involved in policy development and project review.
• Local, State, and Federal laws, and regulations pertaining to municipal planning and their practical application to local situations.
• Theories and practices in a broad range of planning and resource issue areas, including environmental review, project review, and policy development.
• Site design and planning for development projects with an understanding of the City's physical factors and the community needs to prepare planning recommendations.

Ability to:

• Research and prepare reports regarding planning and community development issues and policies.
• Prepare technical planning proposals and environmental documents consistent with the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, ordinances, and department policies.
• Prepare zoning ordinances.
• Administer contracts and oversee work of professional planning consultants on significant policy projects and environmental documents.
• Independently present City policy and guidelines and represent the Planning Division in a variety of public forums.
• Work directly with policy and decision makers on major projects and long-range studies. Explain planning requirements and respond to questions and complaints regarding planning recommendations.
• Effectively represent the City in meetings with Design Review Boards and City Council.
• Read and understand site plans, architectural renderings, project proposals, and municipal ordinances and guidelines.
• Take initiative and demonstrate flexibility to coordinate and complete new projects as they arise.
• Work effectively as part of a team.
• Use personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications. Learn new skills like basic webpage development after receiving supportive training.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Four (4) to five (5)years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience. At least one (1) year of project management responsibility. Experience with a local government agency is highly desirable.

Education and/or Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban/regional planning, policy development, environmental studies, public administration, or a closely related field.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important that your application and supplemental questionnaire show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess which qualifies you for this position. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most qualified candidates will be invited to continue in the selection process.

The selection process will consist of an initial application screening and an interview of qualified candidates. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is currently one vacancy within the Community Development Department.

Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email and spam regularly throughout the recruitment process. You may also log into your governmentjobs.com account to view these emails.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2025.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The City of Santa Barbara is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, or other factors. We believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where employees feel valued, respected and empowered.

Disaster Services Assignments

As public employees, we play an enhanced role in the event of a disaster or other emergency in our community. You will be registered as a disaster services worker, and you will be issued a disaster services identification card. In the event of a disaster or other emergency, make sure that your family is safe and secure first, then report to your assigned emergency location. Hourly employees generally do not receive disaster services assignments.
THESALARY RANGE consists of five steps, each representing an increase of approximately five percent. STEP INCREASES, through the top salary step, are tied to job performance with annual performance reviews. Employees receive annual performance reviews.
THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS may vary and are subject to collective bargaining:

Note: Part-time employees receive pro-rated benefits, e.g., 50%, 60%, etc.

• The City is a member of the Coastal Housing Partnership, which offers home loan assistance and rental reductions.
• A standard 9/80 schedule is observed, with most offices closed every other Friday.
• Flexwork/Telecommuting is available.
• Bilingual pay may be available at a rate of $64 / pay period.
• Vacation is accrued at 96 hours / year, increasing with City service.
• Personal leave (32 hours) is provided each July 1st at the start of the fiscal year (pro-rated the first year).
• Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 96 hours / year.
• Holidays: 12 holidays are observed / year. Paid holiday time is awarded at the employee's applicable schedule, i.e., 9/80, 4/10, etc.
• Retirement: The City does not participate in Social Security.
  
  • PERS Miscellaneous Formula: "Classic" members: 2.7% @ 55; City contributes 12.03% and employee contributes 8% of salary. "New" members: 2% @ 62; City contributes employee 12.03% and employee contributes 7.75% of salary.
• Insurance including medical, dental and vision benefits are available under a group plan. Click here for the benefits rate sheet: General Unit Rate Sheet.
• Cafeteria 125 Plan: Employees who opt-out of the group insurance coverage or who select employee only coverage may be eligible for a cash pay-out of up to $362.38 / month.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: City-paid term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment ($50,000 each) are provided.
• Employee Assistance Program: A City-paid EAP is available for employees and members of their household.
• Long-term Disability Insurance is provided.
• State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) is provided. Employee pays 1.1% of salary. For 2025, the anticipated SDI/PFL rate is 1.2% of salary.
• Deferred Compensation Savings Plans (457) are available to employees through a deferred compensation program.
• Uniforms will be provided by the City to those employees required to wear a uniform.
• Employee must pay an amount equal to 1.45% of salary toward Medicare. An equal amount is paid by the City.

Revised 12/1/2024
01

Describe one planning-related project or study that you managed. Please provide information on your role, major challenges, the outcome, and lessons learned.
02

Describe your experience and role in amending or creating new regulations (e.g., stakeholder outreach, developing procedures or guidelines, preparing ordinance amendments).
Required Question