Principal Planner

Job Description:

Principal Planner

Description

Strategic Planning and Development: Lead the development and implementation of planning policy and long-range plans, and zoning regulations that align with the City Council's strategic goals and vision. 

Project Management: Oversee major development projects from inception to completion, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and timelines. 

Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations and developers to gather input, address concerns, and promote transparent decision-making. 

Sustainability Initiatives: Ensure policy documents such as the draft Climate Action Plan includes environmentally sustainable and equitable practices and implementation measures. 
 
Team Leadership: Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to planning staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. 
 
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations, and keep abreast of legislative changes that impact the City and its planning policies and processes. 

Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data-driven analysis to inform planning decisions, track progress, and report on key performance indicators to City leadership and the public.EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL 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.
 

• Develops and implements division, department and city goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Prepares for and participates in regular and special public meetings of the Planning Commission including necessary field work, consultation with agencies and individuals with special interests in the project.
• Directs the preparation of, or prepares staff reports on issues and environmental assessments, whether negative declaration or environmental impact report.
• Responsible for the development, maintenance, revision, and implementation of zoning, subdivisions, and General Plan elements.
• Prepares or directs preparation of new ordinances and plan elements to accommodate changes resulting from State legislation or new policies of the City.
• Participates in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation and discipline of assigned staff.
• Supervises and directs planning staff in the daily operation of the division including establishing procedural systems.
• Keeps abreast of legislation affecting planning matters, making the information available to the Director and the public.
• Makes presentations to the City Council, Commissions, Boards or Committees as needed.
• Responds to citizen and community inquiries and complaints.
• Represents the City at a variety of meetings.
• Provides professional planning advice to other agencies and groups.
• May act in the Director of Community Development's absence in departmental responsibilities.

Salary:

120792.05