Job Details

Salary : $80,889.12 - $98,323.68 Annually
Location : CA 93955, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-23
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 05/27/2025
Closing Date: 6/15/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
APPLICATION PROCESS

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate may be required to successfully pass a Livescan fingerprint background check, and a reference check. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Seaside provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
DESCRIPTION
To perform technical planning work including assisting the public with planning and application information; conduct field inspections; prepare planning reports; prepare various illustrations for planning activities; assist in the development and implementation of procedures for maintaining property, administrative and infrastructure data records; mapping projects utilizing conventional and computer assisted techniques; review and evaluation of land use and permit applications. Responsibility areas can include long-range planning activities, general plan amendments, project design, and moderately complex as well as routine current planning projects.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Employees in these classifications receive general supervision from the Senior Planner or assigned staff. Employees in these classifications are not directly responsible for supervision of other planning staff, although they may provide supervision of work product to technical, administrative, or intern staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level class in the professional planning series. Work includes assignments in the area of planning, environmental analysis and zoning administration, including the enforcement of zoning and related development regulations. Requires the application of fundamental planning principles. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher-level employees. However, as experience is acquired, the employee performs with increasing independence. This class is distinguished from that of the Associate Planner by less complex assignments received and less independence/discretion exercised.

Examples of Duties
Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists and answers public inquiries at the customer service counter or over the phone.
• Processes administrative approvals, such as fence height exceptions and temporary use permits.
• Prepares maps, charts and other illustrative materials for various planning reports, staff, and Commission information and general distribution.
• Maintains and updates information contained in the Community Development Department Internet Web Site.
• Assists with generating data and preparing staff reports for land use projects.
• Reviews use permits environmental assessment applications; prepares initial findings; checks plans and permit applications for zoning, signs. Additional or expanded functions required for Assistant Planner:
• Coordinates and cooperates with other City departments and outside agencies; gathers land use data, addresses public input and concerns, prepares plan amendments/revisions and reviews development proposals consistent with local, federal and state laws and guidelines, and provides information on land use and zoning codes, laws, regulations, and ordinances affecting construction and other land use proposals.
• Researches and interprets data, performs necessary field work, and prepares staff reports for various commissions concerning land divisions, site plans, architectural review, variances, use permits, etc.
• Presents and prepares staff evaluations and recommendations for projects at public hearings and various commission meetings including the Planning Commission and Architectural Review Commission; prepares follow-up reports as necessary.
• Assists with preparation of long-range planning documents as assigned.
• Performs project management duties for short-term City projects of small to medium size with increasing complexity and impact.
• Checks for compliance with Zoning Regulations and addressing through follow-up letters and field inspections.
• Assists in field inspections of approved projects to assure the projects are being completed in accordance with approved conditions.
• Performs administrative tasks including staffing of the public counter, building plan check review, business license review, ordinance enforcement, sign permit review, issuing of permits, filing, packet preparation, and collecting fees.
• Prepares diagrams, charts, and other graphic exhibits to accompany staff reports and technical studies.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Conducts field inspections of construction and other land use projects to verify that the conditions of project approval are being met.
• Processes planning development permits for timely action and acts as a liaison between the project applicant, the City, and the community.
• Assists in preparing applications for and administering State/Federal grants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience:

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:

Any combination equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in urban planning, public administration or a related field; and 6 months minimum of professional planning experience. Internship experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
Knowledge of:

• Nomenclature, symbols, methods, and techniques used in mapping and drafting.
• Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning;
• Basic computer skills and competency
• Research methods for records and maps.
• Principles, practices and techniques of municipal planning, including current planning, advance planning, housing, community development, and transportation.
• Purposes, policies, and procedures of the City Council, Planning Commission, and other agencies concerned with public planning and community development.
• Statistical and research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of data affecting public planning.
• Laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting general plans, zoning, development, environmental review, and land use, including but not limited to CEQA, planning and zoning laws, and the Subdivision Map Act.

Ability to:

• Skillfully prepare drafting presentations of data, plans and maps.
• Collect, analyze, and compile data pertaining to planning and zoning functions.
• Establish and maintain records.
• Interpret planning codes and ordinances.
• Research and interpret Assessor's parcel maps and recorded maps.
• Read plans and legal descriptions.
• Prepare technical reports of moderate complexity.
• Develop, sequence and document procedures.
• Effectively communicate in both oral and written forms.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Deal tactfully, patiently, courteously, diplomatically and persuasively with the public.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret technical, statistical, and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research.
• Organize, conduct, coordinate, and present planning research studies.
• Prepare both concise and comprehensive oral and written reports.
• Act as information source to others regarding planning practices to include specialty area as assigned.
• Oversee the development/revision and preparation of maps, charts, and graphic illustrations.
• Effectively make presentations to large and small groups in both formal meetings and group discussion environments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Prepare staff reports to the Zoning Administrator, Water Allocation Committee, Planning Commission and City Council;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, contractors, consultants, advisory bodies, City staff, other governmental agencies, and the public;
• Willingness to attend evening meetings as required

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERSAll City of Seaside 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.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

MOU:

APPLICATION PROCESS: A completed City application form and supplemental questionnaire are required for this position. Applications must be complete and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. The standards as stated on the front of this job announcement represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an examination as the Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the position as determined by the Human Resources Department.

TESTING PROCESS: The testing process for this position may include a written examination, interview panel, and a selection interview.

LOYALTY OATH OR AFFIRMATION: All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath and affirmation prior to actual employment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: All City employees are required to serve a one year probationary period.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, covered medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran's status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment actions, decisions, policies or practices. Reasonable accommodation in the application, testing and selection process will be made upon request of disabled applicants.

IMMIGRATION REFORM & CONTROL ACT 1986: In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act 1986, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be in satisfactory health and free from disabling defect which would preclude satisfactory performance in the job for which applied.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified individuals with mental and physical disabilities, and/or medical conditions in accordance/compliance with the State Fair Employment Housing Act (FEHA) and Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990. To request reasonable accommodation, you must notify the Human Resource Representative listed on this bulletin as soon as possible and before the last day to file, in order to make the necessary arrangements during each step of the examination process.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Seaside City Employees' Association):

The City of Seaside offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

Special Pay:

1. Longevity Pay Program: A 2.5% salary increase will be provided after 8 years of service and 15 or more shall receive an additional 2.5% (total of 5%) with the City of Seaside.

2. Spanish Bilingual Pay Program: Designated employees can earn up to a 5% salary adjustment for using Spanish in the course of their work (written and/or oral communication).

Health and Welfare Benefits:

1. Blue Shield PPO Medical Insurance Plans:
Three Plans available

2. Guardian Dental Insurance:
Calendar Year Deductible (waived for preventive services): $50 per person;
Co-Payment for Preventive, Basic, and Major Services using Plan Provider: 20%;
Co-Payment for Orthodontic using Plan Provider: 50%;
Annual Limit for Preventive, Basic, and Major Services: $1,500;
Lifetime Limit for Orthodontic Services: $1,500

3. Vision Service Plan:
Co-Payment for Annual Exams (with Plan Provider): $10
Co-Payment for Bi-Annual Lenses & Frames: $25
Maximum Benefit for lenses, frames, and contact lenses: $130

4. Long Term Disability Plan: After 90 day elimination period, plan pays 67% of salary to a maximum of $9,000 per month. City and employee split premium 50/50.

5. Life Insurance: $50,000 term life insurance policy (City paid).

Retirement Benefits:

California Public Employees' Retirement System: The plan you are enrolled in is based on the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA).

1. "Classic" PERS Members:

• Plan: 2% @ 55
• Employee Contribution Rate: 7% (Pre-Tax)
• Retirement based on single highest year

2. New PERS Members:

• Plan: 2% @ 62
• Employee Contribution: 6.25% (may be adjusted annually - required to be 50% of Normal Cost as determined by CalPERS)

3. Deferred Compensation Matching Program (IRS 457 Plan): The City of Seaside will match employee's contribution up to $50 per month.

Paid Time Off:

1. Vacation Time: Employees earn between 10 and 22 days of vacation annually depending on years of service.

2. Sick Leave: Employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.

3. Holidays: The City recognizes 13 paid holidays annually. In addition, members shall receive 2 floating holidays (16 hours). Initial floating holiday accrual for newly hired employees shall be prorated in accodance to the MOU schedule.

Continuing Education:

1. Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $3,000 per fiscal year for qualifying course work.

2. Educational Incentive Pay: Up to 6% for qualifying degree programs and continuing education.

For more information, visit the City's
01

Your application must include the following:1. At least 10 years of employment history (assuming you have been employed for ten years)2. Explanation for any gaps in employment3. A reason for leaving each job4. Three professional references (including names and phone numbers of present and past supervisors or managers, or persons for whom you have directly provided services, not peers)5. A clear demonstration in your application and responses to supplemental questions, of all relevant education and experience. Responses such as "See Resume" or "See Application" will result in disqualification and will not be considered further.6. Certificate of degree attached to your applicationRESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF AN APPLICATIONI understand that my application may be rejected if incomplete or if I fail to provide any of the information listed above.CLICK YES TO ACKNOWLEDGE

• Yes
• No

02

Did you attach the required proof of degree from an accredited four-year college or university? Failure to attach is a cause of disqualification.

• Yes
• No

03

Applicants who completed their education outside of the United States must submit verification of degree and/or course equivalency with the application. Organizations that provide foreign education credential evaluation services can be found at www.naces.org. You must attach all pertinent documents before submitting the application.

• Yes
• No

04

OPTIONAL: Are you a Veteran? Veterans are defined in accordance with California Government Code 18973 which states that a "veteran" means any person who has served full time for 30 days or more in the armed forces in time of war or in time of peace in a campaign or expedition for service in which a medal has been authorized by the government of the United States, or during the period September 16, 1940, to January 31, 1955, or who has served at least 181 consecutive days since January 31, 1955, and who has been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, but does not include any person who served only in auxiliary or reserve components of the armed forces whose service therein did not exempt him or her from the operation of the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940.

• Yes
• No

05

OPTIONAL: If you are a veteran, are you requesting a Veterans' Preference? If so, you must attach a copy of your DD214 with your completed application form.

• Yes
• No

06

How did you hear about this recruitment?
Required Question