Find & Apply For Urban / Transportation Planner Jobs in Santa Barbara, California

SALARY:

$109,037 - $131,412 Annually The County of Santa Barabar is currently accepting applications to fill two full-time Planner III vacancies. One vacancy is in the Community Services Department, Parks Divisions located in Santa Barbara and the other vacancy is in the Planning & Development Department, Development Review Division located in Santa Barbara. We are also establishing one employment list for future full-time, part-time and extra-help (temporary) vacancies in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. Please select the departments and locations you are interested and willing to accept employment for current and future vacancies.

POSITION

Under direction, performs complex and specialized planning work; conducts and presents studies and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and other groups; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this class work at an advanced journey level on complex and specialized assignments such as large physical projects with significant environmental impacts and mitigation measures, and development of new or complex general plan policies. They work independently with minimum supervision; some incumbents train and assign work to entry-level planning and support staff.

The Community Services Department:

The Parks Planner position with the Community Services Department performs park and trail planning, reviews proposed developments for consistency with County policy and Parks programs, calculates fees, administers contracts, coordinates project development teams, conducts site visits and coordinates inspections on park improvements and trails, coordinates and monitor performance of outside consultants and contractors, prepares environmental statements and other planning documents for park projects, make presentations to the Park Commissions, Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, coordinates with other County departments, outside agencies, and various groups related to park projects, conducts public workshops with neighborhood communities and organizations in development of parks and trails projects, researches opportunities for funding of projects, writes grant proposals, and assists in administration of grant program. Perform other related duties as necessary. The position for the Community Services department will be located in the Santa Barbara office. For more information, please visit us at: www.sbparks.org .

The Planning and Development Department:

The Planning and Development Department has a wide variety of planning projects and programs. For more information on the Planning and Development Department, please visit us at: http://sbcountyplanning.org/ . The Department has five divisions. The current Planner III vacancy is in the

Development Review Division:

This division is responsible for reviewing and processing applications for development projects. These projects include subdivisions and a variety of residential, commercial, and agricultural development projects. The Division is responsible for preparing environmental documents in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines and coordinating with consultants on more complex environmental documents. More information on the Development Review Division may be found at https://www.countyofsb.org/791/Development-Review The Planning and Development Department is also establishing a Planner III list for future vacancies which may occur in the:

CANNABIS PROGRAM

This unit within the Development Review Division offers an opportunity to work in the new cannabis industry in California. Santa Barbara County has a long history of agriculture and is now positioned to be a leader in the cultivation of cannabis in the State. Program planners work with industry representatives, the public, and state and local agencies in permitting, mitigation monitoring, and enforcement of cannabis activities in the county.

For more information visit http:

//cannabis.countyofsb.org/ LONG

RANGE PLANNING DIVISION

This division prepares updates to the County Comprehensive Plan's mandatory general plan elements, Local Coastal Program, and community plans, and to the implementing zoning ordinances. This division drafts new land use/environmental policies and other related legislation and presents them to the Board of Supervisors for adoption.

For more information visit:

https://www.countyofsb.org/499/Long-Range-Planning

ENERGY, MINERALS, AND COMPLIANCE DIVISION

The Energy, Minerals and Compliance Division oversees oil and gas activities offshore Santa Barbara County, the onshore facilities that support those offshore operations, onshore oil and gas development, surface mining, and renewable energy projects. Our oversight includes planning, policy development, permit processing, environmental review, permit compliance, and public outreach. The Compliance Unit also oversees mitigation monitoring and permit compliance for residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial projects throughout the County. More information on the Energy, Minerals, and Compliance Division can be found at: https://www.countyofsb.org/864/Energy-Minerals-Compliance The Ideal Candidate for these positions will possess: Knowledge and experience of land use planning and permitting, ideally with experience with the following: Santa Barbara County regulations CEQA California coastal regulatory requirements Working knowledge of construction practices and processes. Ability to read and interpret one or more of the following: Architectural drawings, designs, diagrams Site plans Engineering plans Mechanical drawings Grading plans Experience conducting and coordinating field inspections for conformance to plans, specifications and departmental and County standards and conditions. Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract administration. Ability to prepare bid proposals, draft requests for proposal, requests of quotes for architectural and engineering services and review and make recommendations on bids and quotes. Knowledge of project budget preparation and control principles, proposal development and grant writing. Demonstrated ability to research grant sources and assist in the preparation of grant applications and assists in the administration of grant programs. Successful track record of establishing effective working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders with divergent interests. Experience working in a multi-jurisdictional land use regulatory environment including other County Departments and local, State and Federal agencies. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to analyze complex projects. Experience implementing projects using California State Housing Laws. Ability to conduct research, surveys and/or analysis of legislation, grants, contracts, work programs, and/or organizational and staffing patterns, and determine fiscal and administrative impact. Ability to formulate appropriate solutions based on data analysis and departmental input, prepare, and present comprehensive reports and documents to support functional efficiencies and improvements to operational performance. Advanced degree from an accredited university or college with major coursework in urban planning, regional planning, environmental studies, or life, physical, or social sciences or a closely related field. Reviews applications to determine whether they meet legal submission requirements and to determine the potential significant environmental impacts of the proposals; studies supportive materials necessary for initial environmental assessments of projects and analyzes the projects in conjunction with environmental documents to determine consistency with adopted State and County goals, policies, plans, and ordinances; meets with applicants to negotiate proposed permit conditions. Aids in the selection and management of consultants by developing contracts, monitoring performance and billings, and reviewing technical analyses and documents. Reviews comments from the public and county departmental staff; prepares project reports with analysis and comments for public distribution; states environmental impacts as well as recommendations for mitigating adverse impacts and disposition of the projects. Makes oral presentations of reports before decision-making bodies. Confers with County staff to ensure compliance with conditions of approval and proper implementation of the project. Researches land use, transportation requirements, community design, resource constraints, environmental thresholds, and other development or environmental issues; analyzes data to compile reports on development policies; computes descriptive statistics from data to incorporate in reports; interprets adopted State and County policies, guidelines, ordinances, and zoning regulations for the public. Serves as project manager for complex projects or participates in teams undertaking highly complex projects for special planning studies or environmental-related policies that are required to implement, amend, or revise the Comprehensive Plan. Compiles, develops, and indexes a wide variety of environmental resource data using a computerized data base; develops or supervises the development of reference materials, brochures, and computer information systems to clarify and streamline the permit process and to make public information available concerning zoning and land use permit requirements. Assigns work to and provides training for entry level planning and support staff; responds to questions related to general processes and specific cases; reviews and edits staff reports and recommendations. Develops and processes amendments to County zoning and subdivision ordinances by conferring with advisory committees and holding public workshops to obtain public input on the development of new policies and programs. Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably including course work in urban and regional planning, environmental studies, or life, physical, or social sciences; AND two years of journey-level professional experience developing land use policies or regulations or applying zoning regulations, community plan policies, CEQA, NEPA, and other ordinances or policies in a land use planning environment; OR, Two years of experience performing duties equivalent to the class of Planner II with Santa Barbara County; OR, An advanced degree in urban and regional planning, AND one year of journey-level professional experience developing land use policies or regulations or applying zoning regulations, community plan policies, CEQA, NEPA, and other ordinances or policies in a land use planning environment; OR, A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Additional Qualifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at time of appointment.

Extensive Knowledge of:

principles and practices of urban and regional planning and environmental review; zoning administration, comprehensive planning, and/or development review; state and federal laws, policies, and regulations related to planning and environmental issues including CEQA.

Ability to:

plan, organize, and carry out work independently; set priorities to meet deadlines; read, understand, and interpret regulations and policies; compile and analyze relevant information, draw valid conclusions, and develop recommendations to resolve issues; explain policies and regulations to others; write staff reports, policies, ordinances, and correspondence using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation; prepare and give public presentations before decision-making bodies; record, create, and maintain records information for future access; establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public; use personal computers and software to prepare reports, create presentations, and manage projects; read and understand site plans, architectural drawings, and topographic maps.

Desirable Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

redevelopment; basic techniques of supervision; contract administration to monitor completion of work specified, examine expenditures, and approve payments; database software, and statistical analysis.

Ability to:

plan, assign, and evaluate work of staff; plan and present training for staff; conduct and facilitate group meetings to obtain input on policy development.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Applicants who meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates. Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Conditional Job Offer :

Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period. Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

BENEFITS

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. For benefits information click here . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for: Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION DEADLINE AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE

Friday, September 25, 2026 at 4:59 PM PST. Postmarks will not be accepted. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com. Collin Graham, cgraham@coutnyofsb.org