Associate Planner

The City of Ojai is seeking an experienced and community‑oriented Associate Planner to join our Community Development team. This position provides an opportunity to participate in meaningful planning and land‑use work in a unique, engaged, and highly valued community.

Under direction, the Associate Planner performs a full range of professional current and advanced planning duties, zoning review, environmental analysis, and code enforcement. This is a journey‑level position that exercises independent judgment, prepares technical reports, and provides high‑level support to the Director of Community Development.

The role includes scheduled Planning Counter hours, serving as a primary point of contact for members of the public, applicants, architects, developers, and community members seeking planning, zoning, or development information.

Responsibilities also include conducting zoning and code enforcement, responding to complaints, inspecting sites, ensuring compliance with city ordinances, and working collaboratively with residents to resolve issues.

• Strong understanding of local planning, zoning, development review, and CEQA processes
• Excellent communication skills, especially when working with the public at the Planning Counter
• Ability to balance customer service expectations with enforcement responsibilities
• Experience preparing planning reports, presenting at public meetings, and interpreting complex ordinances
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects independently
• Commitment to fostering positive, collaborative relationships with the community and City staff

• Salary: $43.81 to $53.26 per hour
• Deferred Compensation:
  City matches the greater of 3% of salary or $200/month
• Retirement:
  Participation in CalPERS and Social Security
• Health Insurance:
  Access to CalPERS health plans. City pays 100% of employee and 80% of dependent premiums (up to PERS Platinum rate)
• Dental & Vision Insurance:
  City pays 100% of employee premium
• Disability Insurance:
  City paid short‑ and long‑term disability
• Life Insurance: $30,000 City paid policy with AD&D
• Holidays: 13 paid holidays annually
• Vacation:
  Starts at 88 hours per year, with increases based on service
• Sick Leave: 96 hours per year

The City of Ojai is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Ojai will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the city.

• Check plans submitted by developers and the public; review applications for completeness and accuracy
• Oversee, participate in, and coordinate special planning, zoning, and environmental studies; prepare reports and findings
• Conduct zoning and code enforcement
• Serve as staff to various commissions, committees, and groups; prepare agendas and appropriate reports; make and present findings and recommendations
• Interpret and explain zoning code, general plan, habitat conservation plan, and related codes
• Prepare staff reports for complex land use applications, including subdivision maps, conditional use permits, development review, and related matters; prepare recommendations for City Council agenda and hearings
• Prepare City initial environmental review documents for projects dealing with complex issues on biological and archaeological resource impacts, traffic impacts, contaminated soils, noise impacts, and neighborhood controversy
• Present planning and zoning matters to the City Council and citizen committees
• Update zoning map and coordinate with the General Plan
• Coordinate planning activities with other City departments and outside agencies
• Participate in the work of professional and technical employees, including data collection, analysis, plan formulation, and implementation of a wide variety of planning, zoning, and environmental review activities
• Maintain detailed socio‑economic data and other relevant statistics
• Perform inspections for projects for compliance with approved Plans and other City requirements and/or…