Coastal Planner

Job Description and Duties

The California Coastal Commission (Commission) is seeking a new talented addition to its Central Coast District Office in Santa Cruz. The Central Coast District Office has the responsibility for carrying out the requirements of the California Coastal Act in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties. The Coastal Program Analyst (also referred to as a “Coastal Planner”) position is located in the Commission’s Santa Cruz Office, and the selected candidate will be hired as either a Coastal Program Analyst I or II, depending on the level of their experience. The position represents the ‘line’ planning position in the Commission, and will be responsible for helping to implement the local coastal program (LCP) planning and coastal development permit (CDP) regulatory work in the Central Coast District, including project management, coordination with other agency units (e.g., legal, enforcement, technical services, etc.), and external communications outside the District. In addition, attendance at certain Coastal Commission meetings and making staff presentations will be required. The person in this position will report directly to the District Supervisor. Duties include:

• Review coastal development permit applications for conformity with California Coastal Act requirements;
• Analyze coastal land use plans and zoning ordinances prepared by cities and counties in the coastal zone for conformity with California Coastal Act requirements;
• Prepare written recommendations to the Commission on permit applications and other matters;
• Review compliance by applicants with the terms of previously issued coastal permits;
• Monitor the coastal regulatory and planning programs of assigned cities and counties and participate through means such as commenting on proposed developments under review at the local level and assisting local government planners in interpretation of the California Coastal Act and Local Coastal Program (LCP) policies;
• Provide information to permit applicants and members of the public regarding the Commission’s regulatory and planning programs;
• Take a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems of LCP interpretation and implementation;
• Perform miscellaneous other tasks, including analyzing the environmental impacts of projects in the coastal zone; interpreting aerial photographs and mapped information; visiting the sites of coastal projects; and attending meetings with local, state, and federal government agencies;
• Some travel and fieldwork is required;
• Support public participation and public outreach;
• Prepare and present effective oral presentations; and
• Possible work on grant projects.

Duties will be adjusted commensurate with the level at which the position is filled. This positi on is a 12 Month Limited Term assignment with the p ossibility of Extension and/or becoming Permanent.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located in the Santa Cruz office. The California Coastal Commission is a hybrid workplace and offers telework for all employees. Telework is available for this position in accordance with the California Coastal Commission’s Telework Policy and Procedures with a minimum of two in-office days per week. This Telework Policy is subject to change.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Familiarity with land use planning principles and techniques, coastal management, and strong analytical writing and researching skills:

• Knowledge of and experience with land use planning and regulatory techniques.
• Familiarity with the functions and relationships of federal, state, regional, county, and city governments and special districts.
• Knowledge of and experience with the means of implementing LCP, such as zoning and other legal and regulatory processes.
• Ability to analyze information, creatively explore alternative approaches, and develop defensible policy positions.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to write accurate, complete, and concise staff reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge of and experience with the impacts of development on, and ways to avoid impacts to, typical Central Coast natural resources (such as natural shorelines and beaches, dunes, streams, wetlands, agricultural and rural lands, surface and groundwater supplies, public views, etc.) and other coastal resources (such as no and low cost visitor opportunities, public rights-of-way, etc.).
• Knowledge of and experience with a broad range of resource protection laws and provisions.
• Knowledge of and experience with working with LCPs and CDPs.
• Time management and computer skills including the ability to use data base management systems.
• Advanced degree in environmental or land use planning or law or related field.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Writing sample (5 pages or less).