Orinda, California is a charming place to live, work, and play!

Apply by January 15, 2025 @ 5:00PM

Apply at CalOpps.org

The City of Orinda is seeking a highly motivated planning professional with extensive experience to join our team as Principal Planner. In this role, you will become part of a small, dynamic team dedicated to delivering results in both current and long-range planning functions. The Planning Department is a close-knit group focused on developing and implementing innovative planning policies and projects that meet the needs and goals of the community.

As the Principal Planner, you will be responsible for planning, organizing, overseeing, coordinating, and managing staff and operations related to current and long-range planning, zoning, development, and environmental reviews. This position is part of the Planning Department's management team and involves contributing to departmental policy development, administrative planning, and problem-solving. You will also provide complex and highly responsible support to the Director of Planning, managing intricate planning projects. These tasks include analyzing site and architectural plans, conducting technical reviews of project plans and applications, making recommendations, and coordinating with other departments, agencies, technical experts, and consultants.

The mission of the City of Orinda Planning Department is to preserve and enhance Orinda's semi-rural residential character and downtown village ambiance by providing responsive, solution-oriented services to all segments of our beautiful community.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-sufficient leader who takes accountability for their actions, is approachable with staff, and is committed to delivering outstanding customer service. They should be enthusiastic about embracing change, continuous learning, and innovation. Organized, exceptionally customer-focused, and passionate about public service, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualities:

• Expertise in a broad range of planning disciplines, including land use, design review, advanced planning, and the California Environmental Quality Act.
• A collaborative leader with an inclusive mindset, skilled in directing and supervising staff, and overseeing assigned daily operations.
• Strong time management and problem-solving abilities.
• A commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
• Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to produce high-quality professional staff reports.
• The ability to manage multiple planning projects, administrative tasks, and mentor junior staff simultaneously.
• Experience working with local government agencies and collaborating with appointed or elected officials.

Key Projects:

• Oversee the implementation of the Housing Element and long-range planning initiatives.
• Lead and oversee the comprehensive amendment of the General Plan and Update of Zoning Code.
• Contribute to the implementation of an economic feasibility plan for downtown Orinda, ensuring alignment with the guiding principles of Plan Orinda and ConnectOrinda -- bringing together downtown Orinda.
• Support the scope of work and implementation of MTC-ABAG (Metropolitan Transportation Commission-Association of Bay Area Governments) Grants.
• Mentor and motivate junior planning staff to enhance their skills and improve department efficiency.

Examples of Duties:

For a complete list of duties, please refer to the job description by visiting the provided link.

• Assist in offering oversight on major long-term projects, including conducting research and analysis to update and revise the General Plan, municipal codes and policies, area plans, grant programs, and design guidelines.
• Review and process development applications for complex planning projects, including discretionary permits, major subdivisions, planned developments, use permits, and design reviews, collaborating with applicants, agencies at all levels, and stakeholders.
• Assess projects for compliance with CEQA and relevant federal and state environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement standard procedures to enhance and monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of assigned programs, evaluating workload and administrative support systems.
• Participate in selecting and training staff, working with team members to address any performance issues.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and write detailed reports and recommendations, drawing on best practices, City policies, regulations, and sound judgment for both advanced and current planning projects.

Minimum Requirements:

The following qualifications are considered acceptable for meeting the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Experience:
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including both current and long-range planning, with at least two years in a supervisory role.

Education:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in land-use planning, urban planning, environmental studies, or a related field. A master's degree and public sector experience are highly preferred.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to work in a standard office environment and operate typical office equipment.
• Ability to travel to various locations for site inspections of City developments and code compliance issues, and to operate a motor vehicle.
• Attendance at meetings is required, both during regular work hours and in the evening.

Completed application materials must be submitted on the CalOpps.org website by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Please read full posting on the CalOpps.org website

The City of Orinda is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates with a disability which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process should submit a request for accommodation with the application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.