Associate Planner

Join the City of San Carlos as an Associate Planner!
Help shape the future of the “City of Good Living”

The City of San Carlos is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative Associate Planner to join our Advance Planning Division. If you're passionate about long-term city growth, innovative planning, and meaningful community impact, this is your opportunity to thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment.

As an Associate Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the City’s future through exciting long-range planning initiatives, including the Downtown Specific Plan, Downtown Master Streetscape Plan, Northeast Area Specific Plan, and Housing Element Implementation, among others. This is a rare opportunity to work on high-profile projects that will influence the City's development and character for decades to come.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• Resourceful, curious, and adaptable - ready to navigate complex projects and diverse community interests.
• Naturally communicative and collaborative - comfortable engaging with a range of stakeholders, including residents, developers, business owners, city officials, and staff.
• Team-oriented - committed to collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning in a fast-paced work environment.

Why San Carlos?

• Work just steps away from Caltrain and a vibrant downtown filled with shops and restaurants.
• Be part of a close-knit, values-driven team where your contributions are recognized and celebrated.
• Make a real impact in a community that values thoughtful growth and inclusive planning.

Come join a city that’s small in size but big on ambition. We welcome fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and the drive to make a difference.

The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the City:

Final Filing Date: Before 5:00pm, Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Tentative Interview Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025

Appointment to this position is contingent upon:

*Reference check

*Employment and education verification

*Department of Justice fingerprinting criminal history records check

About the Position

Under general direction, performs professional-level tasks related to municipal planning, zoning, housing, economic development and environmental analysis; researches and analyzes a variety of planning data; prepares various studies and recommendations; prepares and reviews environmental documents; reviews development and subdivision proposals, building plans, permits, and parcel maps; works with developers, architects, attorneys, and the public regarding City standards and policies; may serve as staff to various Commissions and/or committees; and does related work as required.

This classification is a journey level class in the professional planning series.  With the requisite experience, the incumbent can independently assume responsibility for more complex projects and specialized assignments. This position differs from the Assistant Planner position by increased responsibility for project management.

General direction is received from the Planning Manager overseeing the Advance Planning Division. Direct supervision and supervision through secondary managers may be provided with specific project assignments in the Community Development Department. Responsibilities may include functional supervision of subordinate staff.

Essential Duties

• Conducts assigned planning projects involving long-range planning, land use, populations, structures, economic activities, housing, transportation, environmental and related subjects; conducts research, and confers with community members, interested parties, and agency representatives to identify problems and opportunities.
• Analyzes data with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies; determines methods for compliance with local and state law.
• Prepares professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations; makes oral presentations to the public and elected and appointed decision makers.
• Conducts review of planning applications; coordinates review with various City and outside agencies; may lead a team on complex implementation of long range planning projects; responds to inquiries both orally and in writing; interprets planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, within established parameters; explains City procedures in person, over the phone and in writing.
• Drafts resolutions, findings, ordinances and amendments to them, and California Environmental Quality Act documents.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of graphs, charts and other displays.
• Provides information on city, regional and state environmental, zoning, and subdivision requirements to consultants, developers, property owners and the general public.
• Works extensively on the computer to manage work programs, produce written documents, prepare maps and graphics, analyze data, create graphics, research on the Internet, and communicate with others through e-mail.
• May administer contracts and oversee the work of consultants.
• May provide staff support to city agencies, commissions or ad-hoc advisory groups.
• Performs duties consistent with the City’s commitment to exceptional customer service.

Job-Related and Essential Qualifications

Knowledge of:  Principles, practices and purpose of municipal planning; site and project design review; nomenclature, symbols, methods, practices, techniques and instruments used in planning, GIS mapping; statistics and statistical analysis as applied to land use, transportation, zoning and specific plan studies; principles and techniques of developing and maintaining a specific plan; site planning and architectural design; laws and other regulations relating to municipal planning; knowledge of or capacity to learn Geographic Information System software, database software, and graphics software.

Ability to:  Operate personal computers and utilize planning applications; analyze and compile statistical, economic and technical data; read, understand and apply state laws, local ordinances and guidelines to permit applications; prepare well written reports and oral presentations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, developers and the public; read and interpret architectural and construction plans; communicate clearly, concisely and tactfully with a variety of audiences; learn, retain and apply knowledge of laws and ordinances.

Skills in: 

Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data pertaining to planning and zoning situations;  applying urban, environmental, housing, zoning, and transportation planning principles and methods to local problems; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others; communicating effectively, orally and in writing; understanding and interpreting maps, plans, building elevations, specifications, and legal descriptions; creating word processing documents, sending e-mails, and researching topics on the Internet.

Education and Training

Any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of progressively responsible, experience in current and advanced planning or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the knowledge and skills listed above.

Education: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in city or regional planning, urban planning, public policy or a closely related field. A Master’s degree may be substituted for one year of experience.

Training: Any recent training such as, academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification.

Special Requirements

Speak clearly and understandably; operate standard computer programs. Ability to travel to various locations within and outside the City of San Carlos to meet program needs and fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a California driver’s license and satisfactory driver’s record is required. Must be able to actively participate in evening meetings. 

Other Requirements: Must have the willingness and ability to: work the hours necessary to accomplish the assigned duties, including evening and week-end hours; attend evening meetings; travel out of town and attend workshops, conferences, seminars during work and non-work hours.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, as determined by the City.