Associate Planner or Senior Planner (Based on qualifications)

The Town of Los Gatos is recruiting for
Associate Planner or Senior Planner
Filing Deadline: October 20, 2024

• $113,992.30 – $146,686.40 Annual Salary (Associate Planner)
• $131,295.01 – $168,769.30 Annual Salary (Senior Planner)

**Plus excellent benefits and 3% salary increases scheduled for July 2025 and July 2026.**

The Opportunity: The Town of Los Gatos is recruiting for a Planner at the Associate or Senior level to perform a variety of professional planning work, research and analysis related to the Town’s Planning and Zoning Ordinances and assignments associated with land use, infrastructure, economic development, and the environment. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, as well as the physical, social, and economic concepts underlying planning functions, and the ability to present and explain these concepts to the public, is required. Planners are required to attend evening meetings and make public presentations to the Planning Commission, Town Council, and other stakeholders.

Associate Planner is the experienced journey level of the Planner series. Incumbents are assigned increasingly complex tasks, including planning projects of moderate complexity and scope. Work is performed in accordance with policies established by the Department Director, but considerable scope exists in which professional judgment may be exercised and technical decisions made. Incumbents are responsible for planning work that is technically difficult and requires the ability to independently interpret policies and to exercise sensitivity to public concerns.

Senior Planner is the advanced and supervisory classification of the Planner series. Incumbents are responsible for difficult planning work. Work is performed in accordance with policies established by the Department Director, but a great degree of latitude is given to exercise professional judgment and to make technical decisions. The Senior Planner supervises technical staff and manages large and complex planning projects involving difficult and sensitive policy issues. Senior Planners supervise and coordinate the work of assistant planners, planning technicians, and/or interns.

Schedule: The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, with evening meetings. This position is not eligible for a remote or hybrid work schedule.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Associate or Senior Planner position is an individual who values customer service, and has an interest in both current and advanced planning. The ideal candidate will bring collaborative, team-centered qualities to the Department; be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and self-assured with the ability to exercise a high degree of common sense and sound judgment. Possession of a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Architecture or Urban Design and Historic Preservation experience is desirable. Possession of a valid driver’s license may be required for some assignments or responsibilities.

The candidate will possess:

• Knowledge of planning and zoning functions and California State laws, CEQA, and architectural and site design review;
• Effective communication skills with all project members, including contractors, architects, special consultants, applicants, and coworkers;
• Effective presentation skills;
• Basic to advanced computer skills, and,
• A proven ability to navigate land use conflicts.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience is qualifying and may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

• Associate Planner: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or a related field and two years of experience in city planning.
• Senior Planner: Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or a related field and five years of experience in city planning.Desirable Qualifications
• Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners.
• Completion of a certificate program in land use, transportation, geographic information systems, public policy, or related area from an accredited institution.
• State licensing or registration in a related field such as architecture or landscape architecture.

Job Announcement URL:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/losgatos/jobs/4670536/associate-planner-or-senior-planner-based-on-qualifications?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs