PRINCIPAL PLANNER

***DISCLAIMER: The City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.The finalist must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.Reporting to the Development Services Director, the Principal Planner plans, organizes, supervises, coordinates, and reviews the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff performing difficult and complex professional and technical support related to all activities in the planning function within the Development Services Department. Responsibilities include current and advance planning; managing the effective use of the City's planning resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; overseeing and managing the work of contract employees and outside consultants; providing highly complex and responsible support to the Development Services Director, City Council, Planning Commission, and others; overseeing, reviewing, and performing a variety of studies; preparing and presenting staff reports; and performing related work as required. It is expected that the Principal Planner actively engages residents, property owners, and business owners in the City’s planning initiatives.SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general direction from the Development Services Director. Exercises direct and general supervision over professional and technical staff.CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is the full supervisory class in the professional planning series responsible for organizing and overseeing the day-to-day administrative and technical activities of all major areas, including advance planning, current planning, and/or special projects. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background, critical judgment, decision-making, project management, and skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other City departments and public agencies.EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.Plans, manages, and oversees the daily activities of all areas within the City’s planning function.Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the assigned function.Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned services, projects, and activities.Participates in the development and administration of and oversees assigned budgets.Participates in selection, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel.Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director.Serves as project manager for multiple complex current and/or long-range planning projects.Manages, directs, and participates in highly complex planning projects and activities.Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors.Negotiates, administers, and manages contracts for services.Oversees and administers various grants related to the area of assignment.Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies.Participates as City liaison to regional and sub-regional governmental associations.Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in planning.Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations.Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner.Assists the Development Services Director with special projects, as needed.Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.Performs related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSKnowledge of:Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, work plan development, implementation, and evaluation.Principles and practices of employee supervision.Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations concerning the operation of the assigned function.Modern principles and practices, professional code of ethics, technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning.Basic geographic, socio-economic, transportation, and environmental factors related to city planning.Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment.Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and the public.Techniques for providing a high level of customer service.Ability to:Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective services.Plan, manage, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff.Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods.Interpret and explain planning and zoning programs to the general public.Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, and utilities.Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports.Use tact, initiative, and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.Establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships.Education and Experience:Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.Licenses and Certifications:Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.PHYSICAL DEMANDSMust possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment; to inspect City development sites; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTSEmployees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels and inclement weather conditions.

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