Project Planner

Salary : $110,199.70 - $133,949.40 Annually
Location : Various locations in Santa Barbara, CA
Job Type: Full-time Classified
Job Number:
Department: Various
Opening Date: 10/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

DESCRIPTION
THE POSITION

Project Planner for Public Works
The Project Planner for the Public Works Department will act as planning staff on a wide variety of complex projects in environmental review and technical studies requiring regulatory review and recommendations supporting presentations outside agency meetings, along with internal interest groups. Assignments can include policy and ordinance reviews; development of implementation programs; preparation of annual reports; 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; research information; interprets data; and works with other City Departments and agencies as a representative of the Engineering Division. This position specifically supports the Public Works Department's Engineering Division in its delivery of an extensive Capital Improvement Program that supports a wide range of City projects-including Airport, Waterfront, Streets, and Water/Wastewater infrastructure-similar in scale and complexity to work typically performed by consulting firms. To support this program, the Project Planner position requires strong skills in client and project management; preparation and implementation of CEQA/NEPA compliance; public outreach; mitigation and monitoring; habitat restoration; regulatory permitting; and technical expertise in local resource areas.

Learn more about the Public Works Department
Project Planner for Community Development

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 managing long 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. Typical work assignments for the Project Planner position in Long Range Planning includes implementation of programs from the 2023-2031 Housing Element , including research and development of new policies and regulations to meet the housing needs of everyone in the community. Other work assignments include General Plan updates (including the 8-year Housing Element cycle), Local Coastal Plan amendments, annual reporting on the General Plan and Housing Element and special studies in support of policy changes, providing a unique opportunity to work cooperatively with multiple City departments, Coastal Commission staff, and subject matter experts.

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

Learn more about the Community Development Department
Please note: The eligibility list for this recruitment may be used to filled other position vacancies while the list remains active.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of complex planning projects.
• Principles and practices of urban planning, zoning and growth management.
• Principles and practices of project planning.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
• Principles of the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• Principles and practices of technical research and analysis.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Negotiate and manage complex planning projects with consultants and developers.
• Administer contracts with outside consultants.
• Prepare and conduct presentations.
• Review development proposals in order to ensure compliance with laws, regulations and policies.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Organize and correlate statistical data.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
  - Making observations
  - Communicating with others
  - Reading and writing
  - Operating assigned equipment and vehicles

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 to five years of increasingly responsible urban planning experience including one year of project management responsibility.

Training/Education:

• Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, geography, public administration, business administration or a related field. (such as Biology, Archeology, GIS, Environmental Studies)

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Desirable Training and Experience:

• Knowledge of California Coastal Act

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. Be sure to be thorough in your responses. Statements such as "See application", "Extensive Experience", or "See Resume" are not an acceptable substitute for a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

The selection process may consist of an application screening, written exam, computer skills exam and/or an oral interview. The successful candidate's employment history will be thoroughly evaluated prior to appointment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is currently one vacancy within the Public Works Department and 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.

OPEN & CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT: Because this recruitment is open and continuous, applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as soon as possible. The filing period for an open and continuous recruitment may be closed at any time.

FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION CITY APPLICATION AND RESPONSES TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:30 PM ON NOVEMBER 20, 2026.
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.

• 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

The following Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination for this position and will be used in determining your qualifications. In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Responses such as "See Resume" or "See Application" will result in your application not being considered. By continuing in the recruitment process, you are certifying that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of your knowledge. If you are selected to continue in the recruitment process, your qualifications may be evaluated through employment verification, reference checks, written/skill assessment, and oral examinations. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.