The California Coastal Commission (Commission) is seeking new talented additions to its San Diego District Office in San Diego. The San Diego District Office has responsibility for carrying out the requirements of the California Coastal Act in San Diego County. This Coastal Program Analyst (also referred to as a “Coastal Planner”) position is located in the Commission’s San Diego Office, and the selected candidate will be hired as either a Coastal Program Analyst I or II, depending on the level of their experience. This position represents the ‘line’ planning position in the Commission and will be responsible for helping to implement the local coastal program (LCP) planning and coastal development permit (CDP) regulatory work in the San Diego District, including project management, coordination with other agency units (e.g., legal, enforcement, technical services, etc.), and external communications outside the District. In addition, attendance at certain Coastal Commission meetings and making staff presentations will be required.
The person in this position will reporting directly to the District Supervisor. Duties include:
- Review coastal development permit applications for conformity with California Coastal Act requirements;
- Review and process after-the-fact coastal development permit applications;
- Analyze coastal land use plans (LUP) and zoning ordinances prepared by cities and counties in the coastal zone for conformity with California Coastal Act requirements;
- Draft and review planning policies for LCP and LUPs;
- Prepare written recommendations to the Commission on permit applications and other matters;
- Review compliance by applicants with the terms of previously issued coastal permits;
- Coordinate with District Enforcement staff on ways to address Coastal Act violations;
- Monitor the coastal regulatory and planning programs of assigned cities and counties and participate through means such as commenting on proposed developments under review at the local level and assisting local government planners in interpretation of California Coastal Act and LCP policies;
- Provide information to permit applicants and members of the public regarding the Commission’s regulatory and planning programs;
- Take a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems of LCP interpretation and implementation;
- Perform miscellaneous other tasks, including analyzing the environmental impacts of projects in the coastal zone; interpreting aerial photographs and mapped information; visiting the sites of coastal projects; and attending meetings with local, state, and federal government agencies;
- Some travel and fieldwork;
- Support public participation and public outreach; including support for in-person and virtual public hearings;
- Prepare and present effective oral presentations to various audiences; and
- Possible work on grant projects.
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Knowledge of the California Coastal Act; the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); current state planning law, and principles and practices of land use planning is critical.
- A background in planning, environmental studies or resource management, or a closely related field is desirable.
- The successful candidate must demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to research and creatively explore complex coastal resource issues. Effective writing and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as a team member are critical.
- Experience with environmental justice and/or tribal consultation is desirable.
- The candidate must be able to work cooperatively with other local, state and federal agency officials and will be expected to be rigorous in identifying issues and pro-active in their problem-solving efforts.
Application deadline: July 18, 2024
