Job Description and Duties The California Coastal Commission is seeking a new talented addition to its Statewide Planning Unit to enhance statewide evaluation of critical coastal planning issues in the context of the California Coastal Act. The Statewide Planning Unit conducts comprehensive planning, policy research, and analysis related to a wide range of coastal resource and land management issues; develops resources and guidance related to climate change, coastal resiliency, housing, and sustainability; and coordinates with other state, local, and federal agencies on planning and policy matters. The unit is also responsible for development and implementation of staff training and professional development programs through web-based training tools. Under the direction of the Statewide Planning Unit’s Managers and Supervisors, the Coastal Planner (to be filled at the Coastal Program Analyst I or Coastal Program Analyst II level, depending on qualifications and experience) performs a wide variety of training and tasks related to the planning and regulatory functions of the Commission on the topics of climate change and other emerging statewide issues. The position will be responsible for helping to implement the local coastal program (LCP) planning and coastal development permit (CDP) regulatory work in the Statewide Planning Unit, including project management, coordination with other agency units (e.g., legal, enforcement, technical services, etc.), administration of the Commission’s LCP Grant Program, and external communications outside the agency. The duties of this position are expected to focus on coastal resilience and wildfire resilience. In addition, attendance at certain Coastal Commission meetings and making staff presentations will be required. The duties of the Coastal Planner may include, but will not be limited to:
- Review coastal development permit and notice of impending development applications for a variety of climate change issues (e.g., wildfire resilience, sea level rise, sustainable growth), other issues of statewide importance (e.g., low cost visitor-serving accommodations, affordable housing, etc.), and conformity with California Coastal Act requirements;
- Analyze coastal land use plans and zoning ordinances and public works plans in the coastal zone for a variety of climate change issues, other issues of statewide importance, and for conformity with California Coastal Act requirements;
- Prepare written recommendations to the Commission on a variety of climate change issues and other issues of statewide importance;
- Develop training materials and provide information to Commission staff, local governments, permit applicants and members of the public regarding the Commission’s regulatory and planning programs;
- Develop infographics and other content for internal and external audiences on statewide policy topics and other high-priority agency topics;
- Collect, evaluate, report and maintain program evaluation metrics and prepare monitoring and evaluation reports;
- 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;
- Review LCP grant applications, prepare grant agreements, review deliverables, and ensure compliance with grant agreements;
- Attend meetings and conferences with local, state, and federal government agencies;
- Some travel and field work is required;
- Support public participation and public outreach, including environmental justice and tribal communities, related to climate change and other coastal resource issues;
- Prepare and present effective oral presentations.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement. Working Conditions Work regular hours, Monday through Friday, although some evening or weekend work may be required on occasion. Consistent with the Commission’s hybrid work and telework policies, work location may be eligible to be a combination of in-office (a climate-controlled office environment with artificial lighting in the Commission’s office building in San Francisco, or in the field as needed) and remote (an approved alternate work location consistent with the Commission’s telework policy). Effective July 1, 2026, the implementation of a default minimum of four in-person days per week is a statewide requirement for agencies and departments, consistent with Executive Order N-22-25 and guidance released by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). The telework and hybrid work policies are subject to change at any time. Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
- COASTAL PROGRAM ANALYST I
- COASTAL PROGRAM ANALYST II Additional Documents
- Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement Department Information The California Coastal Commission is a small state agency responsible for protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean resources. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally-sustainable development, rigorous use of science, strong public participation, education, and effective intergovernmental coordination. The California Coastal Commission values diversity at all levels of the organization and is committed to fostering an environment in which employees from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We believe the diversity of our employees and their unique ideas inspire innovative solutions to further our mission of protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. We have district offices in Arcata, San Francisco (headquarters), Santa Cruz, Ventura, Long Beach, San Diego and a small legislative office in Sacramento.
Department Website:
https://www.coastal.ca.gov 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 about the Coastal Act, environmental impact analysis and regulation, land use planning in California and the means of implementing Local Coastal Programs, such as zoning and other legal and regulatory processes.
- Familiarity with the functions and relationships of federal, state, regional, county, and city governments and special districts.
- Ability to critically analyze information, creatively explore alternative approaches, and develop defensible policy positions.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to write accurate, complete, and concise staff reports and correspondence.
- Knowledge of and experience working with LCPs, PWPs, and CDPs.
- Ability to work cooperatively with other local, state, and federal agency officials.
- Rigorous in identifying issues and proactive in problem solving efforts.
- Experience with a variety of climate change issues (e.g., sea level rise, sustainable growth, wildfire resilience) and/or other issues of statewide importance (e.g., low cost visitor-serving accommodations, affordable housing, etc.).
- Experience with environmental justice and/or tribal consultation.
- Fast learner, organized, an excellent multi-tasker, and able to perform under pressure.
- Background in planning, environmental studies, geology, coastal engineering, grant management, climate change science, resource management, or a closely related field.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.