County of Nevada, CA
Interviews for selected candidates will be held on December 18, 2025.
Nevada County is seeking a dynamic and experienced
Principal Planner
to join their team. In this role, you will lead complex planning projects, supervise a dedicated team, and play a key role in crafting the future of our vibrant and scenic county. The Planning Department applies community land-use policies and strives to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. It is their goal to protect the environment to ensure Nevada County remains a desirable place to live, work, and recreate.
Example of Duties
Plans, organizes and supervises the activities of professional and technician staff involved in the processing of land use permits
Leads and manages complex planning projects, including those related to new development, environmental studies, and community plans
Trains employees in work procedures, standards and safety practices, and reviews work in progress or upon completion for compliance with standards
Communicates effectively with stakeholders, including the public, developers, and elected officials
Interprets and applies provisions of law, rules, regulations and policies related to land use planning matters, including environmental laws
Prepares and reviews RFPs (Request for Proposal) and RFQs (Request for Qualifications) for services to be retained by the Planning Department
Attends and makes presentations at Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, interagency, committee, and other meetings and conferences
Typical Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of rural planning and development and local government policies and procedures
Thorough knowledge of specialization such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes
Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
Citizen involvement techniques and processes
Knowledge of computer programs and applications including GIS programs and applications
Benefits We offer you an extensive benefit package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education.
Why Nevada County? Our leadership values employee development and engagement, promotes open and transparent communication, sets us up to be a high-performing organization, and recognizes our contributions. Our leadership connects with the community, listens to them, and provides significant programming to keep us safe and healthy.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Additional Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Geography, Land Use Economics or related field AND four years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning or management, including at least one year as a team supervisor or program manager.
A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Public Administration or related field may be substituted for two years of experience.
AICP Certification highly desirable.
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Nevada County is seeking a dynamic and experienced
Principal Planner
to join their team. In this role, you will lead complex planning projects, supervise a dedicated team, and play a key role in crafting the future of our vibrant and scenic county. The Planning Department applies community land-use policies and strives to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. It is their goal to protect the environment to ensure Nevada County remains a desirable place to live, work, and recreate.
Example of Duties
Plans, organizes and supervises the activities of professional and technician staff involved in the processing of land use permits
Leads and manages complex planning projects, including those related to new development, environmental studies, and community plans
Trains employees in work procedures, standards and safety practices, and reviews work in progress or upon completion for compliance with standards
Communicates effectively with stakeholders, including the public, developers, and elected officials
Interprets and applies provisions of law, rules, regulations and policies related to land use planning matters, including environmental laws
Prepares and reviews RFPs (Request for Proposal) and RFQs (Request for Qualifications) for services to be retained by the Planning Department
Attends and makes presentations at Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, interagency, committee, and other meetings and conferences
Typical Knowledge
Thorough knowledge of rural planning and development and local government policies and procedures
Thorough knowledge of specialization such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes
Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
Citizen involvement techniques and processes
Knowledge of computer programs and applications including GIS programs and applications
Benefits We offer you an extensive benefit package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education.
Why Nevada County? Our leadership values employee development and engagement, promotes open and transparent communication, sets us up to be a high-performing organization, and recognizes our contributions. Our leadership connects with the community, listens to them, and provides significant programming to keep us safe and healthy.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Additional Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Geography, Land Use Economics or related field AND four years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning or management, including at least one year as a team supervisor or program manager.
A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Public Administration or related field may be substituted for two years of experience.
AICP Certification highly desirable.
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