Senior Planner
Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Senior Planner leads the City's planning operations, including current and long-range planning, environmental review, and zoning and land use regulation. This position ensures the City's development aligns with adopted plans and policies, balancing growth, sustainability, and community vision.
The Senior Planner supervises professional and technical staff, manages consulting contracts, advises the City Manager and Council, and coordinates planning efforts with internal departments and external agencies. This role requires high-level expertise, independent judgment, and a proactive approach to strategic planning and public engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Management
- Directs day-to-day activities of the Planning Division.
- Supervises and trains planning staff; evaluates performance and recommends disciplinary action when necessary.
- Participates in hiring, promotion, and staff development decisions.
- Policy & Planning
- Leads the development and implementation of planning goals, policies, and procedures.
- Oversees updates to the General Plan, Housing Element, and Zoning Ordinance.
- Advises on historic preservation and provides staff support to the Historic Resources Board.
- Project Oversight
- Serves as project manager for complex development proposals and long-range studies.
- Reviews applications for compliance with planning regulations and CEQA.
- Conducts site inspections and coordinates cross-departmental project reviews.
- Public Engagement & Communication
- Represents the City in public meetings, hearings, and advisory bodies.
- Prepares and presents reports to the Planning Commission and City Council.
- Interacts with the public, developers, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
- Research & Environmental Review
- Conducts advanced planning studies and impact evaluations.
- Prepares staff reports, technical documents, and environmental assessments.
- Monitors compliance with mitigation measures and conditions of approval.
Qualifications:
Required Knowledge:
Principles of urban planning, land use, and environmental review.
Zoning, CEQA, and other regulatory frameworks.
Project management, contract administration, and budgeting.
Public engagement practices and customer service standards.
Architectural design, traffic, drainage, and site planning fundamentals.
Research methodology and data analysis.
Required Skills & Abilities:
Lead, supervise, and mentor planning staff.
Analyze complex development proposals and environmental impacts.
Manage multiple projects with competing priorities.
Communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written formats.
Interpret and apply planning regulations and policies.
Establish positive relationships with staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Use planning software and business applications effectively.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field (required).
Master's degree and/or AICP certification (preferred).
Experience: 57 years of progressively responsible planning experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
License: Valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.