Salary : $6,277.51 - $7,562.22 Monthly
Location : Lompoc, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Job Number: 0650725
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 07/29/2025
Closing Date: 8/19/2025 12:00 AM Pacific

DEFINITION/SELECTION PROCESS
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST FOR A POTENTIAL FULL-TIME VACANCY. Interested applicants must submit on-line application -- NO paper applications will be accepted. If you forget your password, have application login problems, or get an error message during the application process, please call the NeoGov helpline at 1-855-524-5627 for assistance.

The City reserves the right to stop accepting applications prior to the posted deadline, if sufficient numbers of qualified applications are received. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. The recruitment is officially closed once it has been removed from the City's website.
RECRUITMENT CLASSIFICATIONS:
Assistant Planner: $75,330 - $90,747 AnnuallyAssociate Planner: $79,106 - $95,333 Annually(May be appointed at either level, depending on candidate's current planner level and qualifications. If appointed at Assistant Planner lever, may be career ladder, at a later date to the associate level, depending on performance and qualifications.)
The Assistant Planner jog class represents the entry level professional class in the Planner series. Incumbents work under supervision with work reviewed by higher authority. The work tends to be routine with questionable decisions being referred to higher classes. As the incumbent gains knowledge, a greater degree of independence in decision-making is achieved with less reliance on higher classes.
The Associate Planner job class represents the professional and technical level of the Planner series. The work involves moderately complex planning assignments requiring considerable skill in the research analysis and presentation of data. The incumbent works under the general supervision and makes routine decisions independently by reference to written information, precedent and other data.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: Based upon screening of the City application, résumé, and responses to supplemental questions, applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include but is not limited to panel interview and/or written examination, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job-related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.
SELECTION PROCESS: As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.

Failure in any one part of the examination or selection processes will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties and/or may be required to perform specific additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

ALL LEVELS:

• Performs professional work in planning, zoning and redevelopment
• Screens and evaluates applications for conditional use permits and variance maps
• Accepts and reviews for completeness applications for presentation to committees and the Planning Commission
• Confers with applicants and project sponsors on presented plans
• Reviews environmental impact data and makes recommendations
• Plan checks building permit requests, conferring with building inspectors, officials, architects, developers and others
• Examines plans and working drawing for compliance with City ordinance, the general plan, technical specifications and aesthetics
• Prepares requests for proposals, evaluates proposals and monitors consultant work
• Initiates correspondence to developers and the public
• Answers questions from the public regarding zoning code
• Confers with various citizen committees
• Attends meetings, such as Planning Commission, planning committee, and City Council meetings, as assigned
• Interprets and applies the zoning ordinances
• Participates in the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports
• Processes various legal documents, such as lot-line agreements
• Prepares maps, charts and graphics
• Does site inspections
• Reviews final plans to insure conformance with conditions of approval
• Prepares and presents staff reports
• Tabulates and compiles various data for reports to committees, commissions and Council
• Assists in the review of the City's comprehensive general plan and preparation of new ordinances
• Performs related work as required.

ALLOCATION FACTORS: Positions in the series are allocated to the individual job classes on the basis of the amount of supervision and review of work, the level of difficulty of work and the level of access to higher authority in making decisions and the responsibility for supervision of professional staff.
If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at (805) 875-8208.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Include any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. The typical qualifying entrance background is completion of substantial college level course work in planning or a related field, usually at the bachelor's degree level AND

• ASSISTANT PLANNER: Some previous analytical experience in parti-time or full-time work, usually in the field of planning.
• ASSOCIATE PLANNER: Two (2) years of professional planning experience involving public sector planning.

LICENSE REQUIRED: Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License.
KNOWLEDGE OF:

ALL LEVELS:

• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Basic principles, practices and trends of public planning
• Basic statistics and graphic presentations

Additionally, ASSOCIATE PLANNER:

• Basic economics and sociological and ecological planning
• Municipal, political and governmental processes
• Architectural review guidelines and design principles

ABILITY TO:
ALL LEVELS:

• Read, understand, interpret and apply complex written materials
• Collect, tabulate and compute planning statistics
• Prepare charts, tables, maps and graphic presentations
• Communicate effectively in writing and orally
• Organize and conduct planning research studies.

Additionally, ASSOCIATE PLANNER:

• Read and interpret site plans, landscape plans and related material
• Evaluate plans, proposals and design

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL: Strength:Light-exert force to 25 pounds occasionally, or 10 pounds frequently, or negligible force constantly; may involve significant standing, walking, pushing and/or pulling; frequent fingering, typing; occasional to frequent standing; occasional walking, sitting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, handling, gripping, grasping, twisting at the waist, reaching at, above and below shoulder level, extending neck upward, downward and side to side, climbing stairs; and on rare occasion, climbing ladders, crouching, kneeling. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication.

MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL: Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; read complex material; utilize complex math skills; utilize complex writing skills; understand, remember and carry out complex job instructions; respond quickly to changing priorities; communicate effectively orally; perform effective multi-tasking; work under pressure; work within deadlines.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work is performed indoors; constantly uses a computer; occasionally drives motorized vehicles; occasionally works around machinery and is exposed to excessive noises; on rare occasion is exposed to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, dust, fumes, gases or odors; and work both alone and with others.
The information herein does not either constitute an expressed or implied contract. These provisions are subject to change without notice.

Job classes in this unit are subject to the City's Personnel Rules, Procedures, and Policies. Benefits include the following:

Bilingual Pay: Individuals determined to be in an eligible position and qualified by the City will be eligible for $150 per month bilingual pay. Employees with both oral and written bilingual skills shall receive $190 per month bilingual pay.

Deferred Compensation:The City encourages and supports employee enrollment in either MissionSquare or CalPERS deferred compensation plan. Employees may contribute up to the maximum amount according to the IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits.

Dental Insurance:Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents.

Health Insurance:Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents. Employees can select from three (3) Blue Shield plans.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):Employees of the City of Lompoc are eligible to receive EAP services administered by Anthem Blue Cross. Employee, spouse, and eligible dependents are entitled to receive five (5) sessions per family member, per incident. Services include counseling for various reasons/needs.

Holidays:Thirteen (13) days per year including one floating holiday.

Life Insurance:The City provides life insurance in the amount equivalent to two years' annual salary up to a maximum of $300,000. The premium is paid entirely by the City. Employees are eligible for enrollment after the first day following six (6) months of continuous employment. Additional employee coverage is available at group rates.

Long-Term Disability Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee is eligible for insurance. The City pays 100% of the premium.

Retirement: Third Tier -- Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 62 formula. Employees pay 50% of the normal cost of the member's contribution as prescribed by PEPRA. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

Second Tier --Employees hired after November 19, 2011 and before January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 60 formula. An eight percent (8%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.

First Tier --Employees hired prior to November 19, 2011 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2.7% at age 55 formula with 1959 survivor's benefit. A ten percent (10%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 12 consecutive months.

Social Security: As a City of Lompoc employee, your earnings are not covered by Social Security. Under the Social Security law, there are two ways your Social Security Benefit amount earned under previous employers may be affected, "Windfall Elimination Provision" and "Government Pension Offset Provision." FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or for the deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778, or you may contact your local Social Security Office.

Section 125 Tax Deferral:Program used for out-of-pocket health premiums, medical costs not covered under health plan, and day care/elder care.

Sick Leave:Commencing at the time of appointment, sick leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate and the employee is eligible to use those benefits reflected as their sick leave balance; accrual rate is 12 days/year.

Tuition Reimbursement:The City will provide tuition reimbursement for college courses in accordance with Personnel Procedures Manual Chapter 43 "Tuition Reimbursement for College/University Courses." In addition, the City will provide community college students up to 100% tuition reimbursement and 100% reimbursement for required course books per semester. (Course syllabus and receipts identifying books purchased are required for books).

Vacation:Commencing at the time of appointment, vacation leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate based upon length of employment. Employees are eligible to use vacation leave following completion of six months employment and accrue 10 days per year, which increases to 21 days based on years of service.

To view the Unrepresented Compensation Plan and for more benefit information, go to the following link:
01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview.By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration. "See Resume" is not an acceptable answer to the questions.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Some college
• Associate degree
• Bachelor degree
• Master degree

03

What is the highest level of degree you possess; SPECIFICALLY in relating to planning or a related field?

• No degree
• Associate Degree NOT related to Planning
• Bachelor's Degree NOT related to Planning
• Master's Degree NOT related to Planning
• Associate Degree / related to Planning
• Bachelor's Degree / related to Planning
• Master's Degree / related to Planning

04

Indicate your level of professional work experience in planning or other related.

• No Experience
• Unskilled or Trainee Level (less than 1 year)
• Trainee Level (1 year to less than 2 years)
• Semi-skilled Level Some experience (2 years to less than 3 years)
• Skilled Level- Highly experienced (3 years to less than 4 years)
• Advanced Skilled Level - Extensive experience (4+ years)

05

Indicate your level of experience making presentations to and supporting Commissions and City Council.

• No Experience
• Unskilled or Trainee Level (less than 1 year)
• Trainee Level (1 year to less than 2 years)
• Semi-skilled Level Some experience (2 years to less than 3 years)
• Skilled Level- Highly experienced (3 years to less than 4 years)
• Advanced Skilled Level - Extensive experience (4+ years)

06

Indicate your level of experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and reviewing environmental documents.

• No Experience
• Unskilled or Trainee Level (less than 1 year)
• Trainee Level (1 year to less than 2 years)
• Semi-skilled Level Some experience (2 years to less than 3 years)
• Skilled Level- Highly experienced (3 years to less than 4 years)
• Advanced Skilled Level - Extensive experience (4+ years)

07

Indicate your level of experience processing discretionary and subdivision map requests, and writing staff reports.

• No Experience
• Unskilled or Trainee Level (less than 1 year)
• Trainee Level (1 year to less than 2 years)
• Semi-skilled Level Some experience (2 years to less than 3 years)
• Skilled Level- Highly experienced (3 years to less than 4 years)
• Advanced Skilled Level - Extensive experience (4+ years)

08

Indicate your level of experience preparing findings of fact and conditions of approval and mitigation measures for projects.

• No Experience
• Unskilled or Trainee Level (less than 1 year)
• Trainee Level (1 year to less than 2 years)
• Semi-skilled Level Some experience (2 years to less than 3 years)
• Skilled Level- Highly experienced (3 years to less than 4 years)
• Advanced Skilled Level - Extensive experience (4+ years)

09

Are you an American Planning Association (APA) member?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation?

• Yes
• No

11

Have you worked in public sector?

• Yes
• No

12

Have you worked for a municipality?

• Yes
• No

Required Question