JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of Watsonville is looking for a planning professional to streamline current planning efforts and implement the recently adopted Downtown Watsonville Specific Plan and the 6th Cycle Housing Element. This plan focuses on increasing infill housing and promoting economic growth. The position can be filled at the Senior, Associate, or Assistant level. This recruitment will fill one current vacancy and establish a list for future openings.

SENIOR PLANNER

To provide lead supervision to professional planning staff; and to coordinate and participate in the most complex and large scale planning projects such as development of the General Plan and major development proposals. Employees in this classification receive minimal supervision within a broad framework of policies and procedures. Employees in this job class direct, coordinate, and monitor the work of others in a lead capacity. This job class requires comprehensive mastery of the principles and practices of professional municipal and environmental planning and functions at an advanced journey/lead level of classification.

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

To perform a variety of difficult assignments in the preparation and presentation of planning reports; to perform technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, environmental impact reports, and construction projects; and to enforce zoning ordinances and regulations. Employees in this classification receive limited supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Positions in this job class may provide training and direction to newer employees and on a project basis. This job class functions at the second journey level classification of the professional planning series and is distinguished from the Assistant Planner classification by the greater scope, variety, and technical complexity of assignments.

ASSISTANT PLANNER

To perform professional planning work of average difficulty, and to assist higher-level planners in the execution of their duties by providing technical and professional support. Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures. This job class functions at the first journey level of classification, requiring knowledge of professional planning principles and practices.

Deadline to apply is December 1, 2025.

BENEFITS

City of Watsonville offers excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and dependents. Benefits also include holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City offers Public Employees Retirement benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution.

BENEFITS

City of Watsonville offers excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the employee and dependents. Benefits also include holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City offers Public Employees Retirement benefits. Employees shall pay the full employee share of CalPERS contribution.