Salary : $75,934.95 - $96,914.34 Annually
Location : Arcata, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 252600003
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 08/13/2025
Closing Date: 9/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

Are you a highly organized person with experience in land use and urban planning, plus enjoy a team environment? If so, consider applying to be a City of Arcata Senior Planner.

Please note: Interviews tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th.

GREAT BENEFITS including, the City currently pays the majority of the medical coverage premium for employees (and their dependents) and 100% of the premium for dental and vision coverage. The City also offers a $400/month health insurance opt-out option, if applicable. Additionally, 10 days Mgt. Leave; vacation accrual increases with service; immediate City contribution to deferred comp, increasing with service; longevity pay, etc. See more in the "Benefits" tab.

DESCRIPTION
This position manages, oversees, performs, and supervises complex professional land use and urban planning work within the City's Community Development Department and performs other related duties as assigned.

The Senior Planner is the advanced journey level classification in the professional planning series. Work is performed under the supervision and direction of higher level staff as assigned, and incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. Direct supervision is exercised over assigned technical, clerical, and temporary employees, as well as assigned volunteers and interns.
Examples of Duties

• Manages and coordinates the development review and land-use permitting functions; meets with and assists prospective applicants, engineers, architects, developers, and community groups; interprets and explains applicable City policies and standards and provides technical assistance to the public.
• Receives and processes a wide variety of applications; reviews project plans and application materials for accuracy and completeness; prepares and publishes legal notices; develops and monitors schedules for development applications; assures compliance of projects with Federal, State, and local laws, codes, plans, policies, and regulations.
• Conducts research and evaluation of proposed projects with respect to their potential environmental effects, including the preparation of initial studies, evaluation of technical environmental studies, and the preparation of all documentation required under relevant regulatory rules, including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Quality Act (NEPA), etc.
• Processes and investigates complaints, and enforces the Arcata Municipal Code as it relates to assigned duties.
• Prepares reports and recommendations for decision-making bodies; attends and provides staff support to assigned committees and boards; makes oral presentations to City Council, commissions, committees, and community groups.
• Plans, organizes, and oversees the public information and customer service functions for the public counter; responds to public requests for information and inquiries from prospective applicants; develops and disseminates materials designed to market and/or explain City programs to the general public; directs the preparation of maps, charts, models and other graphic materials.
• Meets and coordinates work with a wide variety of the general public, non-profit and private businesses, other governmental and regulatory agencies, developers, planning and environmental consultants, architects, and others; responds to questions and comments from the public in a courteous and timely manner.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures and makes recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies and procedures.
• Assists with the preparation and administration of the departmental budget; drafts contracts for and coordinates the employment of planning consultants, environmental consultants, and other contract personnel.
• May provide technical and functional supervision of assigned staff.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Review full job description
Typical Qualifications and Requirements

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be possession of a Bachelor's Degree in Planning or a closely related field, and at least three (3) years of professional experience in municipal planning.

For this vacancy, some applicants may have complete knowledge of each or many of the areas below, while others may only have knowledge of certain areas. If in doubt, please apply anyway.

Thorough knowledge of: principles and practices of comprehensive urban and environmental planning; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations; applicable principles, practices, and programs; statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of urban planning and environmental studies; methods and techniques applicable to processing and reviewing relevant project plans and application materials, including scheduling and record keeping; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing, and making effective public presentations of complex information.

Substantial knowledge of: principles of municipal budget preparation and administration; modern office practices, methods and equipment, including computers and applicable software.

Ability to: interpret and apply pertinent planning and environmental laws, rules, and regulations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; read, analyze, and evaluate architectural and site plans and related technical reports; read and understand Title reports, deeds and legal descriptions of real property, easements, and covenants, conditions, and restrictions; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; write technical and administrative reports, procedural guidelines, standards, and correspondence in a precise and understandable manner for intended audience; communicate complex standards and laws in a manner that is understandable to intended audience; make effective presentations to Council, commissions, committees, and community groups; supervise, train, and oversee assigned staff; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in course of work; prepare and administer assigned budget; exercise sound judgment within the context of established guidelines.
Additional Information

Other Requirements

• Possess a valid Class C California Driver's License.
• A commitment to understand and support diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Willing and able to work a flexible and varied work schedule that is often determined by the needs of the systems and operations.
• Able to work nights and weekends as required.
• Comply with clean and neat grooming standards and present a professional appearance when serving as a representative of the City.

Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job, including sitting or standing for periods of time, lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Arcata employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATON:
The City of Arcata is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability or on any other non-merit factors in its process of recruitment, selection, promotion or other conditions of employment. In accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act reasonable efforts will be made during the examination process to accommodate people with special physical or mental requirements. If special accommodations are necessary, please contact the Personnel Department (707-825-2114) prior to the testing date. When indicating you have a special need, one of the following definitions will apply to you. A disabled person is anyone who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities: i.e., walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, working or learning; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

• In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.
• All potential City employees must complete a required pre-employment physical examination, receive DOJ fingerprint clearance, and have a satisfactory driving record (if required to drive for city business).

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED.
The City of Arcata is proud to offer the following benefits:
Retirement:
CalPERS Program:

• 2% @ 55 for "CLASSIC" members. Currently, employees pay 10% (7% member rate and 3% of employer rate).**
• 2% @ 62 for "NEW" members. Currently, employees pay 10.75% (7.75% member rate (subject to actuary change annually) and 3% of employer rate).**

**For vacancies filled by a current City of Arcata employee who is already a CalPERS member, the employee will remain at his/her current CalPERS formula. For existing employees who are 2.7% @ 55 members: currently employees pay 11% (8% member rate and 3% of employer rate).

Medical:
The City currently pays the majority of the premium for employee and family for medical, dental, and vision. The City offers a choice of three different medical plans: Anthem Blue Cross EPO 250 Plan, Anthem Blue Cross EPO 500 Plan, and Anthem Blue Cross High Deductible Health Plan. City contributes approximately eighty percent (80%) of each plans' premiums. Employee/dependent contribution is fully paid by the City for dental (Ameritas); and vision (VSP) coverage. City offers $400/mo. health insurance opt out option.

Vacation:
Accrues at 8 hours per month upon employment and increases with time in service.

Sick Leave:
Accrues at 8 hours per month with no limit. 48 hours of Family Illness Leave are also allowed per year and are deducted from employee's accrued Sick Leave. This is not accruable.

Bereavement Leave:
An employee may be granted up to 40 hours per year bereavement leave with pay. This is not accruable.

Management Leave:
10 or 14 days (dependent on position) leave per year.

Holidays:
The City provides 13 fixed holidays per year, in addition to 32 hours floating holidays.

Life Insurance:
The City pays the premium on a $50,000 term life insurance policy for eligible employees.

Longevity Pay:
Employee receives an additional 3% of base pay after 5 years of continuous service; an additional 3% after 10 years; and an additional 3% after 15 years.

Deferred Compensation:
One Deferred Compensation plan available; with City contribution upon employment and increases with time in service.

Other Benefits:
Other benefits include City-paid membership in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the employee and eligible dependents; an education and training reimbursement program; a physical fitness reimbursement program; optional participation in supplemental health coverages through AFLAC; optional participation in pre-tax Unreimbursed Medical and Dependent Care Assistance programs; Tobacco Cessation and Adoption incentive plans; and free bus service on all routes operated by Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) for employee and immediate family members.

Although benefits have been reported as accurately as possible, there has been no warranty of complete benefit summary intended. All information provided is subject to the actual terms of the legal documents that control benefit programs.
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 or result in dismissal. This section must be completed. Applications may be rejected if you write, "see resume", "see attached" or anything similar.

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

02

Describe your knowledge, training and experience with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Subdivision Map Act, California Planning & Zoning Law, and local laws and regulations.
03

Project Management - Describe your project management experience, including contract management, timelines, public hearings, application processes, public comment, review/approval bodies, and stakeholder coordination. In your answer include: employer, job title, length of time in position, and the average percentage of daily time spent on this work.
04

Public Outreach & Engagement - Describe a public outreach or engagement effort you participated in. Include your role, the intent of the outreach, outcome, lessons learned, and what worked best. In your answer include: employer, job title, length of time in position, and the average percentage of daily time spent on this work.
05

Long Range Planning - Describe your experience preparing long-range planning documents (e.g., specific plans, General Plan elements, strategic plans). In your answer include: employer, job title, length of time in position, and the average percentage of daily time spent on this work.
06

Written & Oral Reports - Describe your experience preparing and presenting written and oral reports. Include audience type, frequency, years of experience, and examples (links if available). In your answer include: employer, job title, length of time in position, and the average percentage of daily time spent on this work.
Required Question