Associate Planner

City of Ojai•Ojai, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

Strong understanding of local planning, zoning, development review, and CEQA processes
Excellent communication skills, especially when working with the public at the Planning Counter
Ability to balance customer service expectations with enforcement responsibilities
Experience preparing planning reports, presenting at public meetings, and interpreting complex ordinances
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects independently
Commitment to fostering positive, collaborative relationships with the community and City staff
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.
Knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning and development.
Knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Knowledge of recent developments, current literature, sources of information, and research techniques related to the field of urban planning.
Knowledge of City zoning and code enforcement regulations.
Knowledge of statistical principles.
Knowledge of architectural styles, history, and design philosophies.
Knowledge of modern office methods, practices, procedures, and related equipment.
Knowledge of mathematical principles.
Knowledge of safe driving principles and practices.
Ability to interpret and apply the polices, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to planning programs and functions.
Ability to analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare detailed technical reports and recommendations.
Ability to check building plans for conformance with land use, architectural and zoning regulations, and suggest changes to achieve compliance.
Ability to interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Ability to perform professional planning work with a minimum of supervision.
Ability to manage project development and implementation.
Ability to prepare basic planning graphics including site plans and land use maps.
Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Three years of professional municipal planning experience.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning or a related field.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Possession of an American Institute of Certificated Planners (AICP) certificate is desirable.

Responsibilities

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.

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.