Join our dynamic team in Willits as either a City Planner or Senior City Planner, where you'll lead impactful projects, engage with the community, and contribute to the city's vision for a sustainable and inclusive future. As a key strategist, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the city's growth and development, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing innovative land use policies. Bring your expertise to the forefront and be an essential part of our vibrant and thriving community. Special events, community engagement, ordinance writing, current and advanced planning projects — lots of fun and exciting things are happening, such as the new CCC campus, Willits Rails with Trails project, zoning code updates, and administering all the great things associated with the $2.77 million Beautify Willits project - just to name a few! Small team, big impact.

Job Title: City Planner/Senior City Planner

Salary Class & Designation (City Planner): 76J ($71,329.23 – $86,701.06/Annually)

Salary Class & Designation (Senior City Planner): 80J ($76,525.34 - $93,017.03/Annually)

GREAT BENEFITS!

Position Summary: Join our vibrant team in Willits as a City Planner or Senior City Planner! Under the general supervision of the Community Development Director, you'll perform a variety of professional planning duties, administer planning ordinances, conduct project environmental reviews, and provide valuable information to the public.

Distinguishing Characteristics (Senior City Planner): This position is the subject area expert, handling the most complex assignments and serving as project leader on multifaceted programs.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to public inquiries regarding planning, zoning, and related policies.
• Review development proposals for compliance with regulations and prepare reports.
• Prepare planning reports and develop agenda materials for City Council meetings.
• Conduct Initial Studies and prepare environmental documents per CEQA.
• Collect and record land use data and perform fieldwork and site visits.
• Manage the City's Cannabis Program and interpret zoning ordinances.
• Assist in interpreting and resolving code violations in the field.
• Process current planning applications and evaluate plans for compliance.
• Develop and implement systems for processing permit applications.
• Conduct land use studies and compile planning-related data.
• Perform fieldwork to analyze development proposals.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive letters and reports.
• Engage in critical thinking.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Articulate planning strategies to various audiences.
• Work independently while maintaining a high level of productivity.
• Compose planning reports, technical studies, and other planning-related documents with little supervision and editing input from supervisor(s).
• Interpret technical and legal documents related to planning.
• Operate word processing and graphic computer programs.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain related laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Research technical topics and prepare detailed, concise written reports.
• Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions.
• Attend evening or weekend meetings on occasion.
• Operate a motor vehicle safely and perform physically demanding fieldwork.
• Effectively work under pressure.
• Present major planning studies analyses and reports to boards, commissions and committees.
• Capable of managing multiple, high-priority assignments.
• Manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
• Exercise creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems.
• Facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities.
• Showcase excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials and community leaders.
• Work on several complex planning projects simultaneously and successfully coordinate these activities.
• Understand and manage high-profile, sensitive or controversial political situations.
• Exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Ability to formulate effective plans and programs in assigned fields and ability to interpret planning requirements, objectives, and recommendations to interested groups and the general public.

Minimum Qualifications (City Planner):

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in planning, natural resources, or a related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible related experience in city, county or regional planning.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License and satisfactory driving record. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.
• One (1) additional year of qualifying experience may be substituted for the required academic major.

Minimum Qualifications (Senior City Planner):

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in planning, natural resources, or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible related experience in city, county, or regional planning with a concentration in current planning and/or long-range planning.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License and satisfactory driving record. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the application process.

Desirable Experience/Education Special Requirements (Both Positions):

• Experience using GIS software to create reports and maps.
• Some private sector experience will be considered a plus.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification desired.

Apply Now to Join Our Team and Make an Impact!

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to aojeda@cityofwillits.org . In your cover letter, specify the position you are applying for and highlight your relevant experience and qualifications.

Note: Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $69,251.64 - $93,017.03 per year

Benefits:

• 457(b)
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Loan forgiveness
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Willits, CA 95490: Relocate with an employer provided relocation package (Required)

Work Location: In person