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City of Palmdale

Principal Planner

City of Palmdale, Palmdale, California, United States, 93552


The Principal Planner plans, supervises, coordinates, assigns, and participates in complex and difficult planning services related to advanced and current planning activities; oversees and manages contract service in these areas; performs the most complex planning work; performs a variety of professional duties relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:This is the supervisory level in the professional planning class series.

Principal Planners receive direction from the Planning Manager and are responsible for performing the most complex professional planning work and supervising lower level professional and technical planning staff. This classification level requires considerable knowledge of the development process and advanced planning.

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:Coordinate, supervise staff, and perform responsible planning work in the review of development proposals and long-range planning studies.Recommend and implement section goals and objectives; establish performance standards and methods for planning activities including preparation of a variety of planning reports and special studies including environmental impact reports and traffic studies.Serve as chair of the City's Development Advisory Board; attend meetings and facilitate the resolution of differences addressed by developers.Prepare complex reports on a wide range of planning issues; make presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, developers, community groups, and outside agencies.Assign work to staff and participate in the review of complex development proposals for conformance to City standards; resolve disputes between the City and developers/property owners.Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and control expenditures.Exercise direct supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff; participate in the selection of staff; coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; and implement progressive discipline as directed.Interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure that development, City projects, and Municipal Code amendments are in compliance.Oversee the preparation of comprehensive plans, master plans, specific plans, and related plan components including utility plans, finance plans, environmental documents, annexations, and related activities.Review and analyze development plans for compliance with the General Plan and zoning and City regulations and policies; direct the review of use permits, subdivision, rezoning requests, variance, and other land use entitlements.Develop and recommend changes regarding zoning and the General Plan; prepare and present reports; advise the City Council and Planning Commission on zoning and planning matters; and oversee the preparation of amendments to the text of the Zoning Code.Perform related work as requiredAny combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:Education:Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or a closely related field.Experience:Five years of progressively responsible professional level experience in urban planning/design including one year in a responsible lead or supervisory capacity.Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California State Driver's License by the time of appointment.Possession of Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.

Knowledge of:Practical and modern planning methodology, urban development and operations, urban design, and basic land economics.Current land use and urban design implementation.Principles and techniques of project management, supervision, and leadership.Principles and practices of human resources administration.Techniques of management and administration.Development process, economics, practices, and procedures.California development law, City planning and zoning codes, and other applicable federal, state, and local legislation.Budgeting techniques.Techniques of negotiation.Ability to:Assume responsibility for planning activities on multiple, diverse, and complex projects.Supervise, lead, evaluate, and train staff effectively.Demonstrate community relations concepts; speak publicly and explain/interpret City practices and objectives to individuals and representatives of diverse public and private agencies and organizations.Analyze data and information, and make key decisions and determinations in a sound, logical, and objective manner.Prepare reports, proposals, and written materials of an analytical, budgetary, financial, technical, and evaluative nature.Lead and actively engage in performing complex planning design work.Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS:Physical Demands:Mobility : frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional climbing, bending, and squatting.Lifting : frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds.Vision : constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision.Dexterity : frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.Emotional/Psychological : frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.Environmental : frequent exposure to noise.Work Environment:Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise.The incumbents in this class may be required to work during irregular business hours, including evenings and weekends on an occasional basis.

Travel may be required on an occasional basis.

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