JOB DESCRIPTION

The Town welcomes applicants with a range of professional planning experience. The position may be filled at either the Associate Planner or Senior Planner level depending on the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated ability to independently manage planning assignments.

Under the general direction of the Community Development Director, the Associate/Senior Planner is assigned a broad range of professional planning responsibilities, including:
• Managing planning and development projects
• Providing technical assistance to the Department
• Conferring with engineers, developers, architects, and the public
• Conducting research and analysis
• Implementing elements of the Town's General Plan, including housing policy, economic vitality, and climate action initiatives

Associate Planner($102,984–$125,160 annually)
The Associate Planner is the mid-level classification in the Town’s professional planning series. The position performs the full range of planning duties in current and long-range planning and independently manages routine and moderately complex assignments with occasional direction on unusual or complex issues.

Senior Planner ($113,304–$137,712 annually)
The Senior Planner is the advanced classification and performs more complex, difficult, or sensitive planning assignments. In addition to the full range of planning duties, the Senior Planner exercises greater independent judgment and takes on regular responsibility for managing complex development and long-range planning projects. The Senior Planner may also provide technical guidance, training, or lead supervision to lower-level staff.

EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS
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In addition to traditional Current Planning residential project reviews, the Associate/Senior Planner also works in areas such as wireless applications, commercial use permits, economic vitality, housing policy, long range planning, climate action and small subdivisions. Examples of projects may include:

• General Plan Implementation – Help implement San Anselmo’s newly adopted General Plan through updates to the Zoning Code, development standards, policies, programs, and other implementation actions
• Housing Policy & Housing Element Implementation – Advance the Town’s adopted Housing Element through housing programs, zoning updates, regulatory changes, annual reporting, and implementation of evolving state housing legislation
• Complex Current Planning Projects – Manage interesting and challenging development and land use applications, including residential and mixed-use projects, subdivisions, design review, use permits, variances, and other discretionary applications
• Economic Vitality & Downtown Initiatives – Collaborate with Town departments, local businesses, property owners, and community partners on initiatives that support a vibrant downtown, strengthen the local economy, and enhance San Anselmo’s commercial areas
• Zoning & Development Code Modernization – Develop and implement amendments to the Town’s zoning and development regulations to address community priorities, General Plan policies, housing requirements, emerging legislation
• Community Planning & Special Projects – Lead or contribute to special planning initiatives involving sustainability, transportation, historic resources, resilience, public spaces, and other projects that shape San Anselmo’s future, often involving significant community engagement and collaboration with boards and commissions
• Committee & Commission Liaison –Serving as a point person for Town committees including Planning Commission, Climate Action Commission, and Economic Development Committee

Associate Planner ($102,984–$125,160 annually)
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. At minimum, a candidate should possess:
• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in regional planning, zoning administration, land use review, community development, or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, urban planning, regional planning, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Senior Planner ($113,304–$137,712 annually)
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. At minimum, a candidate should possess:
• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience in a public agency
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, urban planning, regional planning, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
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• Possession of a valid California driver’s license (Class C)

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE
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• Principles and practices of land use planning and development, including zoning, subdivision, and design review
• Environmental laws and regulations, particularly CEQA and related State and Federal requirements
• Code enforcement procedures and basic inspection practices Statistical and research methods for collecting, analyzing, and presenting planning and environmental data
• Modern office procedures and technology, including GIS, databases, and standard office software applications
• Report and presentation preparation, including maps, plans, charts, and tables for staff, commissions, and councils
• Town operations, policies, and procedures related to planning, permitting, and community development
• Interagency coordination practices, including working knowledge of regional and State agencies involved in land use, housing, and environmental review
• Economic development principles, with an understanding of local business vitality and strategies for supporting and enhancing commercial districts
• Housing policy and programs, including housing element implementation, inclusionary housing, accessory dwelling unit programs, and density laws
• Climate action and sustainability planning, including greenhouse gas reduction, carbon neutrality goals, and adaptation strategies
• Effective community outreach, education, and communication strategies for engaging diverse residents, stakeholders, and Town committees

DESIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES
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• Interpret, explain, and apply zoning, land use, environmental, and development regulations
• Conduct technical research and analysis, evaluate planning proposals, and interpret maps and plans
• Prepare clear, concise, and well-organized reports, correspondence, and presentations for staff, commissions, and the Town Council
• Manage multiple planning projects from application through completion, balancing deadlines and community priorities
• Coordinate effectively with Town departments, regional agencies, consultants, and community groups
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, with officials, applicants, and the public
• Facilitate public meetings and community outreach, presenting complex information in an accessible manner
• Analyze issues, develop practical solutions, and exercise sound judgment within established policies
• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and adaptability in a small team
• Integrate sustainability and housing goals into planning and policy work
• Maintain accurate records and project documentation consistent with legal and administrative standards

The Town of San Anselmo supports workplace diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

BENEFITS

The Town offers a generous compensation and benefits package to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of its employees, including:

1. HEALTH INSURANCE

2. DENTAL INSURANCE

3. VISION INSURANCE

4. CALPERS RETIREMENT

5. DEFERRED COMPENSATION (457)

6. FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

7. LONGEVITY PAY

8. LIFE INSURANCE

9. WAIVED COVERAGE CASH BACK