Temporary Planning and Community Development Technician
City of Santa Cruz is looking for Temporary Planning and Community Development Technician in Santa Cruz, CA.
This local job opportunity with ID 3662895372 is live since 2026-05-04 14:28:34.
Salary : $64,380.00 - $90,600.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 26-065
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 04/30/2026
Closing Date: 5/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
The Position
The Community Development Department is seeking a Temporary Planning and Community Development Technician. Under general supervision, the Planning and Community Development Technician performs a variety of complex technical, clerical and administrative activities related to one or more programs in the Planning and Community Development Department such as Residential Rental Inspection, Code Enforcement, Building and Safety, Administration, Current Planning, and/or Advanced Planning; identifies and recommends appropriate modifications to meet the goals and objectives of the programs; prepares, processes and maintains data; and performs related duties as assigned.
This temporary position is represented by the SEIU bargaining unit. Temporary positions are limited to a total of 999 hours per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
Recruitment #26-065
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Under general supervision, the Planning and Community Development Technician performs a variety of complex technical, clerical and administrative activities related to one or more programs in the Planning and Community Development Department such as Residential Rental Inspection, Code Enforcement, Building and Safety, Administration, Current Planning, and/or Advanced Planning; identifies and recommends appropriate modifications to meet the goals and objectives of the programs; prepares, processes and maintains data; and performs related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Planning and Community Development Technician is a para-professional classification responsible for performing administrative, technical, clerical, and customer service duties in support of varying divisions and programs within the department, such as Residential Rental Inspection, Code Enforcement, Administration, Building & Safety, Current Planning, and/or Advanced Planning programs with minimal supervision and instruction. Incumbents are required to attain knowledge of City policies and procedures, possess good problem solving and organizational skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
Position requires: Prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires far vision and near vision in reading written reports and other work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience
SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.
UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees' bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees' International Union.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE
Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick - 12 days/year
Holidays - up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT
All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Bilingual Pay if required by position
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)
Shift Differential
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.
01
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."
02
This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license.
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?
04
If you have completed two (2) years of college-level course work or a degree in Business Information Systems, Management Information Systems (MIS) or related field, please indicate your degree or field of study, the courses completed, the name of the accredited college or university you attended, and the number of semester units completes. If you have not completed two years of relevant coursework in these fields, please write "N/A."
05
Please select the option that best describes how many years of responsible general office experience that you have. This experience must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.
06
Based on your answer above, please describe your responsible general office experience, such as knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, and equipment; standard software applications; word processing and computer data entry systems, filing and record keeping; organization and prioritization of multiple tasks to meet shared deadline; and providing a high level of customer service to the public. Be sure to specifically also discuss how your clerical responsibilities and technical work have increased over time, and include the employers where experience was obtained and duration of experience. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
07
Desirable Qualification: The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish. I possess this bilingual ability:
08
Desirable Qualification: Do you have any experience working in a public agency. The experience selected here must be reflected in the Work Experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.
Required Question
Salary : $64,380.00 - $90,600.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Cruz, CA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 26-065
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 04/30/2026
Closing Date: 5/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
The Position
The Community Development Department is seeking a Temporary Planning and Community Development Technician. Under general supervision, the Planning and Community Development Technician performs a variety of complex technical, clerical and administrative activities related to one or more programs in the Planning and Community Development Department such as Residential Rental Inspection, Code Enforcement, Building and Safety, Administration, Current Planning, and/or Advanced Planning; identifies and recommends appropriate modifications to meet the goals and objectives of the programs; prepares, processes and maintains data; and performs related duties as assigned.
This temporary position is represented by the SEIU bargaining unit. Temporary positions are limited to a total of 999 hours per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
Recruitment #26-065
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
- On Thursday, 05/14/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:
- Application- Online application preferred. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.
- Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.
- Week of 05/18 and 05/25/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 05/29/26.
- Week of 06/01 and 06/08/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.
Under general supervision, the Planning and Community Development Technician performs a variety of complex technical, clerical and administrative activities related to one or more programs in the Planning and Community Development Department such as Residential Rental Inspection, Code Enforcement, Building and Safety, Administration, Current Planning, and/or Advanced Planning; identifies and recommends appropriate modifications to meet the goals and objectives of the programs; prepares, processes and maintains data; and performs related duties as assigned.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Planning and Community Development Technician is a para-professional classification responsible for performing administrative, technical, clerical, and customer service duties in support of varying divisions and programs within the department, such as Residential Rental Inspection, Code Enforcement, Administration, Building & Safety, Current Planning, and/or Advanced Planning programs with minimal supervision and instruction. Incumbents are required to attain knowledge of City policies and procedures, possess good problem solving and organizational skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment within established guidelines.
Typical Duties
(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
- Performs complex technical, clerical, customer service, and administrative duties in support of the Planning and Community Development Department's various functions such as the Rental Inspection Program, Code Enforcement, Administration, Building and Safety, Current Planning, and/or Advanced Planning functions.
- Assists supervisor and manager in the continued development of assigned programs and makes recommendations to better meet the goals and objectives of the programs.
- Acts as the first point of public contact for the programs and processes and responds to requests from citizens in person and through phone calls, email and letters.
- Updates the land use management system and other department-specific software with various types of information and to track payments, seek compliance, continue processes, or otherwise track project/program status.
- Generates and reviews reports from department systems and makes corrections to the database as necessary.
- Prepares correspondence and insures that notice letters and other materials are sent to program participants in a timely manner.
- Implements and administers computer database systems and provides support to end users.
- Reviews, sorts and prioritizes incoming correspondence and documents.
- Posts payments through the financial system and performs post-payment processing, including scheduling inspections and status updates.
- Assesses penalties and tracks non-payments, researches invoice and billing discrepancies.
- Coordinates with other City departments in support of the department programs including implementation of citywide standards of use, training materials, and other program related information external departments may require; and resolution of customer service and program issues.
- Collaborates to problem solve, review and improve processes related to the databases; conducts process analysis and testing.
- May review reports and audit system data updating the land use management system(s) with new information, and provide additional training or documentation, as needed for data and process integrity.
- Assesses the need for additional correspondence with participants related to invoicing, user rights, system access, permit status, system changes, other general data updates (contact information, property ownership) and fee increases.
- Accept applications and other materials from the public or other departments, assess their completeness, prepare and review applicable fees, and enter information into appropriate software systems.
- Perform reviews and approvals of basic application or license requests.
- Independently completes special projects and assignments of a technical nature that can be related to the department as a whole or individual divisions or functions.
- Designs and maintains various record keeping and filing systems.
- Tracks pending items, such as permits and researches and follows up on matters with appropriate department staff.
- Documents new and modifies existing work processes and procedures in coordination with subject matter experts and with approval from assigned manager.
- Generates reports on program performance measures for internal review and for City Council reports, external agency reimbursement and other database analysis.
- Performs a variety of administrative duties, including tracking office supply inventory and mailing expenses, photocopying, and processing service requests.
- Assists with the design, creation, and maintenance of visual presentations, flyers, graphic materials, informational materials and department webpages.
- Provides clerical staff support at administrative hearings.
- Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.
Position requires: Prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires far vision and near vision in reading written reports and other work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:
Education and Experience
- Two (2) years of college-level course work in Business Information Systems, Management Information Systems (MIS) or related field and,
- Two (2) years of responsible general office experience.
- High school diploma or tested equivalent and;
- Four (4) years of increasingly responsible technical and clerical work experience.
- Management information systems, database structure and data verification methods, and standard software applications.
- Basic principles of system analysis.
- Principles of organization and program management.
- Standard office procedures, practices and equipment.
- Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and business correspondence format.
- Data management and record keeping techniques.
- Filing and record keeping principles and procedures.
- Basic mathematic principles.
- Word processing and computer data entry systems.
- Perform specialized technical, complex and detailed program support work.
- Organize and coordinate work activities and set priorities.
- Interpret, explain and apply applicable policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations.
- Make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately, including calculation of fees due.
- Perform accurate cash handling.
- Make recommendations related to process and program improvement.
- Make sound decisions within established guidelines.
- Work independently and as a team member.
- Proficiency in use of internet and social media applications, and conducting website research.
- Provide good quality customer service.
- Efficiently coordinate multiple tasks under the pressure of deadlines.
- Coordinate information and issues with other City departments.
- Learn and utilize computer software, including webpage related to the relevant program(s).
- Follow written and oral directions.
- Operate computer and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with property owners, managers, the general public and personnel from City departments.
- Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
- Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
- The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish.
- Experience working in Planning and Community Development functions.
- Experience working in a public agency.
- Administrative Services Supervisor
- Code Compliance Specialist (if Code Compliance Technician assignment)
- Planning and Community Development Technician
- Administrative Assistant III
- Administrative Assistant I/II
SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit. The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.
UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees' bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees' International Union.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE
Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick - 12 days/year
Holidays - up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT
All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Bilingual Pay if required by position
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)
Shift Differential
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.
01
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."
- I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions
02
This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license.
- Yes, I have a valid California driver's license.
- I do not have a valid California driver's license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment as a condition of employment if selected for this position.
03
Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?
- Yes
- No
04
If you have completed two (2) years of college-level course work or a degree in Business Information Systems, Management Information Systems (MIS) or related field, please indicate your degree or field of study, the courses completed, the name of the accredited college or university you attended, and the number of semester units completes. If you have not completed two years of relevant coursework in these fields, please write "N/A."
05
Please select the option that best describes how many years of responsible general office experience that you have. This experience must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.
- No experience
- Less than 2 years.
- At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
- At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
- At least 4 years, but less than 5 years.
- 5 or more years.
06
Based on your answer above, please describe your responsible general office experience, such as knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, and equipment; standard software applications; word processing and computer data entry systems, filing and record keeping; organization and prioritization of multiple tasks to meet shared deadline; and providing a high level of customer service to the public. Be sure to specifically also discuss how your clerical responsibilities and technical work have increased over time, and include the employers where experience was obtained and duration of experience. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
07
Desirable Qualification: The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish. I possess this bilingual ability:
- Yes
- No
08
Desirable Qualification: Do you have any experience working in a public agency. The experience selected here must be reflected in the Work Experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.
- Yes
- No
Required Question