Special Districts Planning Technician

Special Districts Planning Technician

Salary

$58,868.42 - $71,554.86 Annually

Location

Santa Maria, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

FY 26-00146

Department

Recreation and Parks

Division

Rec & Parks - Parks

Opening Date

07/14/2026

Closing Date

8/4/2026 8:00 AM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

OPPORTUNITY

Closing Date: 08/04/2026 8:00 AM

Interview Date: Tentatively week of August 24,2026

The Recreation and Parks Department is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented professional to serve as our next Special Districts Planning Technician. This position plays a vital role in supporting the planning, permitting, and coordination of the Citys Landscape Maintenance Districts while working collaboratively with City staff, developers, contractors, and the public. If you enjoy solving problems, working with technical information, delivering exceptional customer service, and contributing to projects that enhance the beauty and functionality of our community, we encourage you to apply.

WHO WE ARE:

The City of Santa Maria is a full-service City with a City Council/City Manager form of government with over 700 employees and serves approximately 108,000 constituents. The City of Santa Maria is located on the beautiful central coast of California and covers over 23 square miles. The City has a harmonious balance of maintaining coastal and agricultural lands while promoting business. Santa Maria has been recognized nationally as an All-America City by the National Civic League and offers reasonably priced housing, community festivals, quality schools, and is in close proximity to beaches, cultural arts, a local airport, wineries, and higher education institutions.

WHAT WE DO:

The Department of Recreation and Parks mission is to enrich the lives of the residents of Santa Maria through quality recreation programs and services; and to provide safe and well-maintained facilities and parks, while anticipating the changing needs of the community. The department operates 234 acres of developed parkland in 28 neighborhood and community parks, part of the 1,774-acre Los Flores Ranch Park property, the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, and other community centers. The department provides programs in aquatics, youth and adult sports. It also manages the Citys Urban Forest Program.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a technical, customer-focused environment and enjoys coordinating multiple projects simultaneously. They possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, communicate effectively with both the public and internal stakeholders, and take pride in maintaining accurate records while delivering exceptional service.

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:

Cover Letter and Resume

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:

Special Districts Planning Technician

DUTIES

These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

• Issues related permits; maintains files and records; coordinates inspection requests; researches status of property and related improvements; supports various operating systems; calculates and collects permit and other fees; answers calls; refers inquiries.
• Facilitates the routing of plans to various City departments during review.
• Verifies, organizes and maintains appropriate records, maps, plans, drawings, and files, and completes appropriate archiving of hard copy and electronic City records.
• Types and prepares permits that are ready for issuance;
• Plan checks for routine maps, lot line adjustments, easements, deeds, public improvement plans, building site plans, grading plans, legal descriptions, and other technical review.
• Maintains various databases; prepares GIS maps, exhibits and other graphic presentations.
• Researches information from technical resources such as City standards, codes, ordinances, and state and federal regulations; researches status of property and improvements; collects data from various sources and prepares various reports.
• Tracks construction inspections.
• Assists inspection staff in the field or office during construction with various related technical duties.
• Coordinates development-related street tree bonding or surety; develops and maintains database for parks and street tree maintenance; analyzes and prepares report data; analyzes current and historical data for decision-making purposes; prepares written reports and correspondence;
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the Department Director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Individual Contributor:

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyper link to see the full definition Individual Contributor Competencies):

• Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
• Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
• Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
• Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
• Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
• Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
• Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ideally, one-year technical engineering support experience; and
• Graduation from high school, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• OR any combination of education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the above minimum requirements. Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
• Typing, basic construction, writing, local and state construction standards, codes and city ordinances, office operations, customer service orientation, efficiency, accuracy, etc.
• Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent).
• Use computer and other office equipment effectively.

SELECTION PROCESS

The completed electronic application packet will include the online application, cover letter and resume. If a cover letter, and resume are not attached, your application will be considered incomplete.

Those applicants invited to interview will be notified electronically at the e-mail address provided by each candidate through the application process. Therefore, it is the applicants responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment. A tentative interview date has been scheduled for the week of August 24, 2026. The oral board panel will recommend a limited number of candidates to the eligibility list from which the successful candidate may be selected. This recruitment may also establish an eligibility list for future Special Districts Planning Technician openings.

If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.

The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/human-resources/salary-group-agreements.

Retirement

The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.

Health Insurance

Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance

Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program

The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.

Wellness Program

Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The Citys Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.

Mentorship Program

This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants leadership skills and promote professional growth.

Succession Planning

The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.

Deferred Compensation

Employees may participate in the Citys 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.

The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).

Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP)

Based upon your bargaining unit the City may participate in a PEHP plan that will provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket cost of qualified medical expenses such as prescription drugs, doctor co-pays, eyeglasses and cover the reimbursement of medical insurance premiums upon separation or retirement.

Holidays

The City offers seven (7) paid holidays per year. In addition, based upon your bargaining unit a bank of floating holiday hours is available to be used at the employees discretion.

Vacation

The City initially offers two weeks of paid vacation per calendar year for all full time employees. Accrual rates increase thereafter based upon your bargaining unit.

Sick Leave

Sick leave shall accrue a rate of eight hours for each month of continuous service, or approximately two weeks per year for all full time employees. Employees may use up to half of their annually accrued sick leave for family illness and up to five days (40 hours) per calendar year for bereavement leave.

Management Leave

Management level employees may receive a prorated amount of management leave time each new calendar year.

Educational Incentive Program

In addition to regular pay when education is in addition to the regular requirements of the job specifications and is work related.

Tuition Reimbursement

Based on your bargaining unit, you may be reimbursed for tuition and book costs of approved job related courses. The maximum amount of tuition reimbursement in any calendar year will vary based upon your bargaining unit.

Auto Allowance

Management level employees may receive auto allowance based upon the need of the position.

Telephone/PDA Stipend

Management level employees may receive a telephone and/or PDA stipend based upon the need of the position.

Bilingual Pay

Bilingual pay is provided to employees who are required by their department head to use both English and Spanish in communicating with the public while performing the duties of his/her position and who demonstrate appropriate skills in both speaking and understanding the Spanish language shall receive compensation. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Employer City of Santa Maria

Address 110 East Cook Street, Room 1

Santa Maria, California, 93454

Phone 805-925-0951 ext. 2203

Website http://www.cityofsantamaria.org