Sustainability Planner (Associate Planner) at City of Coronado, California – Coronado, California

The City of Coronado is Accepting Applications for the Position of

Sustainability Planner (Associate Planner)

The Community Development Department promotes orderly growth that enhances the City of Coronado’s economic vitality and compliments its unique coastal character. The Department is responsible for review of new development proposals, and administers the City’s current planning, advance planning building safety, and code enforcement programs, as well as various programs related to Sustainability, Active Transportation, Historic Preservation, and Affordable Housing.

The City of Coronado Community Development Department is seeking a qualified and experienced candidate to serve as a full-time Associate Planner specializing in Sustainability. The selected candidate will primarily be assigned to lead implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan and Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Plan, as well as manage Active Transportation programs and projects, and perform related tasks as assigned.

The following duties are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:

• Climate Action Planning: The Sustainability Planner will be responsible for managing projects and programs identified in the City’s adopted Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance environmental sustainability. ?Key initiatives include reducing vehicle miles traveled by fossil fuel-powered vehicles; promoting alternative and active modes of transportation; increasing rooftop solar installations; improving municipal, residential, and commercial energy efficiency; enhancing water conservation; improving waste diversion programs; implementing Sea Level Rise adaptation measures; and, serving as the City’s subject matter expert on climate action and sustainability issues. ?The Sustainability Planner will also represent the City in local and regional sustainability matters with residents, businesses, and other state, local, and federal agencies.
• Active Transportation Planning: The Sustainability Planner will be responsible for coordinating the City’s various existing and future active transportation and mass transit programs, including pedestrian facilities, bicycle infrastructure including the regional Bayshore Bikeway; the San Diego – Coronado commuter Ferry; the City’s Free Summer Shuttle; and municipal bus service (operated by San Diego Metropolitan Transit System). ? The Sustainability Planner serves as the staff liaison to the City’s Mobility Committee and will be responsible for coordinating special events related to active transportation such as bike-to-work day, bike safety events in partnership with the local school district, and promotions for the Free Commuter Ferry and Free Summer Shuttle.
• Grant Management: The Sustainability Planner will be expected to seek, evaluate, prepare, and manage applications for grant funding to help finance various plans and projects related to sustainability and/or active transportation.
• General Land Use and Planning: The Sustainability Planner may occasionally be tasked with other land use and planning activities carried out by the Community Development Department, which oversees the City’s current planning, advance planning, code enforcement, affordable housing, and historic preservation functions. ?

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will possess a professional history that demonstrates the following necessary competencies and attributes:

• Possess strong knowledge of current trends, strategies, and best practices related to climate action, sustainability, sea level rise, and active transportation.
• Have familiarity with common California land use and planning laws and practices.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences including residents, businesses, developers, contractors, consultants, other agency members, and co-workers.
• Possess strong research skills and the ability to analyze professional and scientific studies and reports, along with the ability to determine the feasibility of projects and programs, and research, compile, analyze, evaluate and present information effectively.
• Be able to effectively frame and communicate complex concepts orally and in writing.
• Have the ability to prepare high quality staff reports, briefs, agreements, memoranda, and written correspondence.
• Speak comfortably and make effective oral presentations on complex subject matters to elected and appointed officials and members of the public.
• Have the ability to prepare well-written, concise, and easy-to-understand staff reports and technical papers.
• Have strong communication skills and establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, consultant teams, and outside agencies; and be able to effectively provide information to the public on relevant projects and programs
• Have familiarity with researching, applying for, and managing grants.
• Be able to prepare scopes of work for Requests for Proposals/Qualifications, provide support in the selection and administration of professional consultant contracts, including evaluation and assistance in the selection of consultants; and, oversee consultant performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Have the ability to effectively simultaneously manage multiple complex high-priority projects with competing deadlines.
• Demonstrate the ability to self-start, work independently with minimal supervision, and have the flexibility to change course quickly and effectively as needed.
• Be able to provide exceptional customer service on a consistent and routine basis.

To view the full job description, Click here: Associate Planner

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: At least three (3) years of increasingly responsible professional level planning experience.

Education/Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university major course work in urban planning, sustainability, or a related field.

Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License with a safe driving record.

Examination & Selection Process

Application Review Phase:

A completed City of Coronado employment application and resume must be received by the Human Resources Division by 11:59 PM PST on May 18, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on the basis of relevant education, training, and experience.

Examination Process:

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an oral panel interview (100%) schedule for the week of June 8, 2026

Final Interview:

The top candidates will be invited to an interview with the Director of Community Development and Senior Planner, scheduled for the week of June 15, 2026.

Candidate Selected:

The final candidate will be issued a conditional offer, subject to the successful completion of a background check and medical examination.

Additional Information:

All candidates who successfully obtain a 70% or above in each phase of the exam process will be placed on an eligibility list for a period of at least six (6) months. The City of Coronado participates in E-Verify, all new employees are required to submit verification of legal right to work in the United States. The City of Coronado is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Individuals with disabilities who will require reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any portion of the examination process may voluntarily request the accommodation from the City five working days prior to the requested accommodation. Documentation of the need for the accommodation may be required upon receipt of the request.

THE CORONADO COMMUNITY:

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, Glorietta Bay, and San Diego Bay, this picturesque seaside resort destination is linked to the Southern California coastline and the city of San Diego by the graceful and stately San Diego - Coronado Bridge, and to the south by a narrow strip of land known as the Silver Strand.

This uniquely enchanting city which measures 13.5 square miles, is home to some of the world's most pristine beaches, 18 public parks, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a public pool, and recreation facilities, as well as dedicated bicycle paths.

This vibrant, thriving community welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually to soak up the sun and the sand while enjoying the lush surroundings and village appeal of Coronado. With 15 hotels, including amongst them three world-class resorts, 1,900 hotel rooms, and many highly acclaimed restaurants, this island community has a resident and Navy population of approximately 23,000 as well as a flourishing tourist population. Coronado is also home to Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado (NASNI) Naval Amphibious Base Coronado (NAB), and Silver Strand Training Complex, Coronado, supported by nearly 20,000 military and civilian personnel.

• A rich benefits package contributes to the total compensation value. Benefits include voluntary retirement savings/deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, group term life, short-term and long-term disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and more.
• Lateral Vacation Service Credit, effective January 1, 2023, employees shall be given credit for prior verifiable public service employment for annual leave accrual rates.
• As part of ensuring our employees maintain a work/life balance, employees earn 144 hours of Annual Leave per year for the first 5 years. After 5 years, the accrual rate increases.
• The City provides Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance in an amount equal to a one-time annual salary or $50,000, whichever is greater, at no cost to the employee.
• The City provides short- and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of income. Employees that earn over the maximum benefit of $5,000/month available under the long-term disability plan, have the option to purchase enhanced long-term disability insurance.
• The City provides up to $2,000 per fiscal year for reimbursement of directly related costs of tuition, school fees, books, and required materials for approved courses and professional development opportunities. Student Loan Repayment can be used under this benefit.
• Longevity Pay; bonus at 5 years and every 5 years after.
• Access to community pool and gym. Valuable experience, training opportunities, and engaged leadership in a supportive community environment.