Project Planner

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. Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture here.

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. Read more about the Community Development Department here.

THE POSITION

The Community Development Department’s Planning Division is seeking a knowledgeable, motivated and proficient Project Planner in the Development and Environmental Review 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 controversy. Note that the eligibility list established for these positions may be used to fill future Project Planner needs within any section of the Planning Division (Zoning, Development and Environmental Review, Design Review and Historic Preservation, or Long Range and Special Studies).

General Description: Under minimal supervision, this Project Planner position acts as lead staff on complex project review and planning studies 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 policy and ordinance amendments; development of implementation programs; preparation of annual reports; complex plans examination; review of development applications; advanced report preparation; and other complex and controversial special studies. This position also coordinates, delegates, and reviews the work of project team members and professional consultants and other planners on complex projects or special studies; explains regulations and procedures; researches information; interprets data; and works with other City Departments and agencies as a representative of the Planning Division.

Specific Duties for the Development and Environmental Review Section Project Planner:

Reviews development applications requiring extensive policy analysis for conformance with design, environmental, social or legal requirements.

Independently makes presentations and represents the City at Board, Commission, City Council and community interest group meetings.

This position may also coordinate and review the work of project team members, professional consultants, and other planners on complex projects or special studies; and works with other City Departments and agencies as primary representative of the Planning Division.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of municipal planning, zoning, environmental protection, coastal planning, and growth management issues.

Local, State, and Federal laws, and regulations pertaining to municipal planning and their practical application to local situations.

Principles of urban design and ramifications of environmental, legal, social and economic concerns involved in policy development and project review.

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:

Read and understand site plans, architectural renderings, project proposals, and municipal ordinances and guidelines.

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.

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

Take initiative and demonstrate flexibility to coordinate and complete new projects as they arise.

Learn and work with a variety of permitting software.

Work effectively as part of a team and help mentor junior staff.

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. California coastal planning experience is also 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 (1) 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.

CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON MONDAY APRIL 13, 2026.

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.