Associate/Senior Planner

Annual Salary

Associate Planner -  $118,009.63 -  $143,441.79 

Senior Planner -  $126,543.66 -  $153,815.38 

The Position

Do you have a passion for public service and a desire to contribute to a dynamic team in a fast-paced work environment? Are you a planning professional with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a desire to learn and take on new challenges, and who enjoys exposure to the many different aspects of planning?

If so, the City of Cupertino has an excellent opportunity for an Associate/Senior Planner to join the Community Development Department.   We are looking for a team member who thrives in a fast-paced environment, who is solution driven, focused and detail-oriented, and can easily pivot on priorities. You will join a collaborative and innovative team with a   great organizational culture, that values flexibility and teamwork, and prides itself in providing transparent and accountable public service.

The position performs a variety of professional planning duties, including zoning and planning administration, development and environmental review, assistance in housing programs, plan preparation, code enforcement duties, and special projects; and prepares reports and recommendations relative to assigned areas of responsibility. An eligible list will be established through this process and may be used to fill future vacancies.

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.

Conduct and review studies and prepare reports related to mid-range and long-range planning projects; evaluate and review development plans for completeness and compliance with City policies and ordinances; compile, update, and analyze data on land use, population, urban growth patterns, economic and social trends, industrial development and other demographic data essential to land use planning; assist in conducting analytical research regarding environmental or other planning related issues; perform zoning code enforcement work, including investigation of citizen complaints, field checks, issuance of correction notices, and court appearances; interpret zoning ordinances, development standards, City plans and policies regarding development for public inquiry; process development applications and prepare staff reports;   give presentations to appointed and elected bodies including preparation of graphic materials; respond to requests for planning information; assist in plan preparation, coordination, monitoring and other activities related to federal, state, and local housing programs; and perform related duties as required.

Associate Planner - Knowledge of:  principles, practices and trends of public planning; maps, site plans, and architectural drawings; laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to zoning and land use, including familiarity with recent changes to State law streamlining the review of residential development applications; statistical and research methods as applied to the collection, analysis, and presentation of planning data; business correspondence, report writing, and English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar; computer software, including word processing, spreadsheet, database and graphics applications; principles, objectives and procedures of municipal planning, urban design, and zoning; environmental laws, regulations, and review processes; techniques used in the development and maintenance of comprehensive plans; applicable laws related to sub-division, annexation, zoning and land ease.   Ability to: interpret and explain planning and zoning programs, ordinances, statutes and City policies and procedures to the general public; read and interpret architectural and engineering plans and specifications; on a continuous basis, sit at a desk or in meetings for long periods of time, twist and reach office equipment, stand, walk, climb or squat while conducting field checks; visually differentiate between colors on land use maps; lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less; prepare reports on graphic presentations; learn applicable laws and regulations pertaining to environmental protection and land use development; attend evening and weekend meetings; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action; perform complex planning work requiring independent judgment; represent the planning division at community and neighborhood meetings.

Senior Planner – In addition to the Knowledge and Abilities of Associate Planner – More thorough knowledge of: principles, objectives and procedures and legal framework of development review and the balancing of City objectives and private land use rights.   Ability to: handle a variety of complex assignments involving different analytical approaches; mentor, train, assign, review, and evaluate subordinate personnel as assigned; provide project leadership; work with minimum supervision, while maintaining effective communication with supervisors and management.

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: Both levels require a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, environmental studies, architecture, engineering, geography or a related field.  In addition to the Bachelor’s degree: two years of professional planning experience is required for Associate Planner; and five years of progressively responsible professional planning experience is required for Senior Planner.   Experience with Adobe Suite and Arc GIS is desirable. Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners is a plus.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license.

Application and Selection Process

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your City of Cupertino employment application to Human Resources. Final Filing Date: 5:00 p.m., February 13, 2025. Applications must be filled out completely. Failure to complete the supplemental application will disqualify the applicant from the recruitment process. Failure to list work experience or stating “See Resume” in the work experience section of the application will be considered an incomplete application and subject to rejection. Resumes may be attached separately. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City’s employment page at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cupertino , or application materials may be submitted to: Human Resources, 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014. Late applications will not be accepted. 

Applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined in this job announcement. Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which may include a written examination and/or panel interview.  An eligible list will be established as a result of this process and will remain in effect for 3 months from the date established and may be extended up to one year. 

Additional Information

The City of Cupertino is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, sex (including gender and pregnancy), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, age, medical condition, genetic characteristics, and physical or mental disability. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Cupertino Human Resources upon submittal of application.  Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.  

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Salary : $118,010 - $153,815