Coastal Commission Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The California Coastal Commission is seeking a talented addition to its Statewide Planning Unit to enhance statewide evaluation of coastal housing 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.
The Coastal Housing 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 housing 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 related to housing in the Statewide Planning Unit, including project management, provides guidance and assistance to district offices, coordination with other agency units (e.g., legal, enforcement, technical services, etc.), close coordination with local government partners and state agency partners including the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and external communications outside the agency. In addition, attendance at certain Coastal Commission meetings and making staff presentations will be required. The person in this position will report directly to the Coastal Housing Coordinator (Coastal Program Analyst III).
The duties of the Coastal Housing Planner may include but will not be limited to the following:

• Assist coastal cities and counties with certified LCPs in understanding how to develop LCP amendments that will successfully implement and achieve the objectives of various state housing laws in their jurisdictions in a manner that is consistent with the Coastal Act.
• Assist Coastal Commission staff in determining whether various state housing laws apply to a given project application and how to harmonize the project with the Coastal Act and other state housing laws.
• Review coastal development permit and notice of impending development applications and analyze coastal land use plans and zoning ordinances and public works plans in the coastal zone for a variety of issues of statewide importance (e.g., climate change, smart growth, sustainability, low-cost visitor-serving accommodations, short term rentals, wildfire resilience) and conformity with California Coastal Act requirements.
• Analyze coastal permit applications and LCP submittals, particularly those related to coastal housing planning and development, and assist in preparation of staff recommendations for action by the Coastal Commission.
• Coordinate with HCD to ensure consistency between the Coastal Act, LCPs, local housing elements, and state housing laws in the coastal zone.
• Track and prepare reports on the Commission's planning and regulatory efforts related to state housing laws.
• Attend meetings and coordinate with Statewide Planning Unit, legal staff, legislative staff, technical staff, and planners from other District offices regarding coastal housing work statewide.
• Represent the Commission before various board and commission hearings, state and local governing bodies and private interest groups. Participate in task forces and various meetings as needed.
• Provide information to permit applicants and members of the public regarding Coastal Commission's regulatory and planning programs related to various coastal housing issues.
• Provide guidance and information to local government planning and regulatory staff related to LCP compliance and implementation of state housing laws in the coastal zone.
• Develop training, informational materials, and planning and policy guidance related to various coastal issues.
• Work as part of a team on other special projects and issues of statewide importance (e.g., climate change, smart growth, sustainability, low-cost visitor-serving accommodations, short-term rentals, wildfire resilience).

Working Conditions
This position can be filled in the San Francisco, Santa Cruz, or Long Beach office. The California Coastal Commission is a hybrid workplace and offers telework for all employees. Telework is available for this position in accordance with the California Coastal Commission's Telework Policy and Procedures with a minimum of 4 days in-person office work per week. 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

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528035
Position #(s):
348-101-4726-901
Working Title:
Coastal Housing Planner
Classification:
COASTAL PROGRAM ANALYST I $4,928.00 - $5,598.00 A
$5,083.00 - $6,058.00 B
$6,096.00 - $7,633.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Shall Consider:
COASTAL PROGRAM ANALYST II
$7,328.00 - $9,178.00
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/21/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
CA Coastal Commission
N/A
Attn: Human Resources
455 Market St. Suite 300
San Francisco , CA 94105
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
CA Coastal Commission
N/A
Human Resources
455 Market St. Suite 300
San Francisco , CA 94105
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - submit cover letter that describes how your qualifications align with the desirable qualifications for this position (2 pages or less)
• Other - Three professional references

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
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, state housing laws, 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.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other local, state and federal agency staff and officials.
• 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 and CDPs.
• Experience with environmental justice and/or tribal consultation.
• Rigorous in identifying issues and proactive in problem solving efforts.
• Experience with issues of statewide importance (e.g., low-cost visitor-serving accommodations, affordable housing, sustainable growth, wildfire resilience, sea level rise)
• Fast learner, organized, an excellent multi-tasker, and able to perform under pressure.
• Background in land use planning, environmental studies, resource management, or a closely related field.

Benefits Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website: https://www.coastal.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Erin Prahler
(619) 924-8414
erin.prahler@coastal.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Ashley Reineman
(805) 585-1800
humanresources@coastal.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.