City of Salinas, CA
Salary:
$8,917.00 - $11,380.00 Monthly Location :
Salinas Permit Center, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
25-00671 Department:
Community Development Opening Date:
08/15/2025
The City of Salinas Community Development Department invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Senior Planner. This recruitment will be used to fill one vacancy in the Advanced Planning and Project Implementation (APPI) division and one in the Current Planning division.
APPI division services include leading the update and maintenance of the General Plan and Zoning Code Updates and other long-range planning documents, the preparation and/or processing of complex planning projects and initiatives and coordinating the implementation of General Plan and Zoning Code Updates and community plan goals, policies, and actions. This position's primary focus will be to support the preparation of future growth area specific plans and policy and content development for the General Plan and Zoning Code Updates. The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented individual with experience in long-range planning and project management.
The Current Planning division promotes a vibrant and sustainable Salinas by ensuring that development conforms to our General Plan and Zoning Code or any other applicable regulations and standards. Ideal candidates will possess a robust background in both long-range and current planning, with a working knowledge of CEQA Guidelines, Subdivision Map Act, and other California housing production laws. This lead planner will manage and coordinate the processing of large development applications across city divisions and departments to expedite entitlement and permitting approvals for housing and commercial development in the Future Growth Area.
An additional Educational Achievement premium of 2.5% will be paid for a Bachelor's degree plus 2.5% for a job-related graduate degree. Click
here
for a complete list of benefits.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
All applicants must provide proof of the required education at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department. Applicants with foreign degrees/transcripts must provide U.S. degree equivalency by submitting a credential evaluation report. Applications are incomplete without the required documents and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received.
Summary of Duties:
The Senior Planner performs responsible professional and technical work to organize, develop, and implement planning, housing, and community and economic development activities within a Community Development Department division.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is the advanced journey level class in the Planner series. The incumbent provides highly skilled, responsible, and experienced technical staff assistance to direct activities in one of the following areas: current and advanced planning, plan and project implementation, economic development or housing and community development. It is distinguished from the Associate Planner position in the degree of complexity of assignments.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
Receives direction from a Planning Manager, Assistant Community Development Director, or designee. May exercise supervision over professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Essential Job Functions
Assists with coordinating the City's housing, community development, economic development and planning activities Performs complex and sensitive planning and community development work and negotiates and mediates sensitive issues within assigned programs Assists in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities Responsible for the preparation and implementation of long-range city plans including the general plan, area specific plans, community plans and associated policies, projects, and actions Processes complex planning projects that include Annexation and Sphere of Influence Amendments and Development Agreements Coordinates with local, regional, state, and federal agencies on land use, housing, environmental, and long-range planning initiatives Reviews, evaluates, constructively comments on, and processes administrative and discretionary development proposals and applications, architectural design, and other plans to ensure development projects and proposals conform to the General Plan and Zoning Code Meets with and advises developers regarding development applications and processes; explains purposes, regulations, and directives of development practices Prepares ordinances, City Council reports, and other written reports to outside agencies Analyzes and interprets legislative proposals and activities Coordinates, reviews, and participates in the work of professional and technical employees in data collection, analyses, plan formulation, and implementation of a variety of planning and redevelopment activities Evaluates environmental and technical studies for all levels of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Quality Act (NEPA) compliance Directs and coordinates special studies; prepares reports and findings related to population growth, annexation, and fiscal matters Conducts and oversees research analysis, and the use of a variety of data including studies of land use, population, social and economic conditions, housing, and community facilities Negotiates, develops, and administers contractual agreements Represents the Department at public meetings/hearings and presents major matters to the City Council, Planning Commission, and citizen committees, as required Provides support and guidance to the Housing and Land Use Committee, Planning Commission, Historic Resource Board, and similar committees/commissions Assists in budget preparation and administration May supervise, train, and evaluate technical and clerical staff, as assigned Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace Performs related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Principles and practices of municipal urban planning, housing, and community and economic development Recent developments, current literature, and informational sources in the field of planning, community development, and economic development Research methods and procedures Principles and practices of public administration, project, and budget Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations relating to urban and regional planning and community development programs Grant and contract administration Negotiation techniques Applicable laws related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and environmental regulations Real estate financing, construction and development practices and procedures Research methods and procedures Mathematics and statistics Written, oral, and graphic presentation techniques Planning and land development research and application methods Operation of personal computers with proficiency using word processing and spreadsheet programs Principles and practices of supervision, training, and problem-solving techniques Ability to:
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing Prepare concise, comprehensive, and accurate written reports and correspondence Prepare and analyze planning and demographic studies and communicate findings in an understandable and comprehensive manner Select, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff Promote quality customer service Manage technically complex planning activities, including planning, community development and economic development activities Organize tasks and manage time to meet deadlines Adapt to changing priorities, manage a heavy workload while maintaining quality work and a customer-oriented focus Organize and conduct complex and sensitive negotiations with a variety of groups and individuals Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public agencies, developers, builders, other City departments and the public Correctly interpret, analyze, explain, and apply governmental policy, procedures, and regulations Support preparation and oversight of divisional budgets Promote the mission, values, and standards of an effective public organization
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field
Experience:
Four (4) years of planning and community development experience, three (3) of which must be at the professional level. A Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
A valid California Driver's License.
Supplemental Information Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computer, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read printed materials, visual display terminals, detailed fine writing on plans and specifications for development projects, and distinguish colors for design evaluation purposes; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead as needed; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift up to 20 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.
Business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal. Occasionally include driving to job sites, training, and out-of-office meetings.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Human Resources Manager, at (831) 758-7416 or Veteran's Preference:
A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254. Public Employee Disaster Service Worker:
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster. Selection Process:
Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION.Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas. Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request. Salary Steps:
The following applies for Full-Time Regular positions only. Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of the probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a probationary period.) For a complete listing of benefits, please click to visit the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this position. 01
Please select the vacancy you are applying for.
Advanced Planning and Project Implementation Current Planning
Required Question
$8,917.00 - $11,380.00 Monthly Location :
Salinas Permit Center, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
25-00671 Department:
Community Development Opening Date:
08/15/2025
The City of Salinas Community Development Department invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Senior Planner. This recruitment will be used to fill one vacancy in the Advanced Planning and Project Implementation (APPI) division and one in the Current Planning division.
APPI division services include leading the update and maintenance of the General Plan and Zoning Code Updates and other long-range planning documents, the preparation and/or processing of complex planning projects and initiatives and coordinating the implementation of General Plan and Zoning Code Updates and community plan goals, policies, and actions. This position's primary focus will be to support the preparation of future growth area specific plans and policy and content development for the General Plan and Zoning Code Updates. The ideal candidate will be a team-oriented individual with experience in long-range planning and project management.
The Current Planning division promotes a vibrant and sustainable Salinas by ensuring that development conforms to our General Plan and Zoning Code or any other applicable regulations and standards. Ideal candidates will possess a robust background in both long-range and current planning, with a working knowledge of CEQA Guidelines, Subdivision Map Act, and other California housing production laws. This lead planner will manage and coordinate the processing of large development applications across city divisions and departments to expedite entitlement and permitting approvals for housing and commercial development in the Future Growth Area.
An additional Educational Achievement premium of 2.5% will be paid for a Bachelor's degree plus 2.5% for a job-related graduate degree. Click
here
for a complete list of benefits.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
All applicants must provide proof of the required education at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department. Applicants with foreign degrees/transcripts must provide U.S. degree equivalency by submitting a credential evaluation report. Applications are incomplete without the required documents and will be disqualified. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received.
Summary of Duties:
The Senior Planner performs responsible professional and technical work to organize, develop, and implement planning, housing, and community and economic development activities within a Community Development Department division.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is the advanced journey level class in the Planner series. The incumbent provides highly skilled, responsible, and experienced technical staff assistance to direct activities in one of the following areas: current and advanced planning, plan and project implementation, economic development or housing and community development. It is distinguished from the Associate Planner position in the degree of complexity of assignments.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
Receives direction from a Planning Manager, Assistant Community Development Director, or designee. May exercise supervision over professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Essential Job Functions
Assists with coordinating the City's housing, community development, economic development and planning activities Performs complex and sensitive planning and community development work and negotiates and mediates sensitive issues within assigned programs Assists in the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities Responsible for the preparation and implementation of long-range city plans including the general plan, area specific plans, community plans and associated policies, projects, and actions Processes complex planning projects that include Annexation and Sphere of Influence Amendments and Development Agreements Coordinates with local, regional, state, and federal agencies on land use, housing, environmental, and long-range planning initiatives Reviews, evaluates, constructively comments on, and processes administrative and discretionary development proposals and applications, architectural design, and other plans to ensure development projects and proposals conform to the General Plan and Zoning Code Meets with and advises developers regarding development applications and processes; explains purposes, regulations, and directives of development practices Prepares ordinances, City Council reports, and other written reports to outside agencies Analyzes and interprets legislative proposals and activities Coordinates, reviews, and participates in the work of professional and technical employees in data collection, analyses, plan formulation, and implementation of a variety of planning and redevelopment activities Evaluates environmental and technical studies for all levels of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Quality Act (NEPA) compliance Directs and coordinates special studies; prepares reports and findings related to population growth, annexation, and fiscal matters Conducts and oversees research analysis, and the use of a variety of data including studies of land use, population, social and economic conditions, housing, and community facilities Negotiates, develops, and administers contractual agreements Represents the Department at public meetings/hearings and presents major matters to the City Council, Planning Commission, and citizen committees, as required Provides support and guidance to the Housing and Land Use Committee, Planning Commission, Historic Resource Board, and similar committees/commissions Assists in budget preparation and administration May supervise, train, and evaluate technical and clerical staff, as assigned Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace Performs related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Principles and practices of municipal urban planning, housing, and community and economic development Recent developments, current literature, and informational sources in the field of planning, community development, and economic development Research methods and procedures Principles and practices of public administration, project, and budget Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations relating to urban and regional planning and community development programs Grant and contract administration Negotiation techniques Applicable laws related to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and environmental regulations Real estate financing, construction and development practices and procedures Research methods and procedures Mathematics and statistics Written, oral, and graphic presentation techniques Planning and land development research and application methods Operation of personal computers with proficiency using word processing and spreadsheet programs Principles and practices of supervision, training, and problem-solving techniques Ability to:
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing Prepare concise, comprehensive, and accurate written reports and correspondence Prepare and analyze planning and demographic studies and communicate findings in an understandable and comprehensive manner Select, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff Promote quality customer service Manage technically complex planning activities, including planning, community development and economic development activities Organize tasks and manage time to meet deadlines Adapt to changing priorities, manage a heavy workload while maintaining quality work and a customer-oriented focus Organize and conduct complex and sensitive negotiations with a variety of groups and individuals Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public agencies, developers, builders, other City departments and the public Correctly interpret, analyze, explain, and apply governmental policy, procedures, and regulations Support preparation and oversight of divisional budgets Promote the mission, values, and standards of an effective public organization
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field
Experience:
Four (4) years of planning and community development experience, three (3) of which must be at the professional level. A Master's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration or a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Licenses and Certifications:
A valid California Driver's License.
Supplemental Information Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computer, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read printed materials, visual display terminals, detailed fine writing on plans and specifications for development projects, and distinguish colors for design evaluation purposes; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead as needed; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift up to 20 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions.
Business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal. Occasionally include driving to job sites, training, and out-of-office meetings.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Human Resources Manager, at (831) 758-7416 or Veteran's Preference:
A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254. Public Employee Disaster Service Worker:
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster. Selection Process:
Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION.Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas. Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request. Salary Steps:
The following applies for Full-Time Regular positions only. Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of the probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a probationary period.) For a complete listing of benefits, please click to visit the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this position. 01
Please select the vacancy you are applying for.
Advanced Planning and Project Implementation Current Planning
Required Question