Our ideal candidate embodies our core values of communication, creativity, accountability, leadership, service, and integrity. We are seeking someone that is passionate about long-term planning and highly skilled in the implementation process. Consider joining our team if you want to expand your career and make an impact on how the communities we serve will look in the decades to come!

Under general direction of the Park Planning and Development Manager, plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the activities of lower-level staff in the planning class series in addition to performing difficult and complex work with the preparation, review, and analysis of planning and environmental studies. The Principal Planner is responsible for assisting the manager with planning and execution of complex projects, operational improvements and overseeing major, high visibility planning projects or development review processes involving complex technical, legal, and political issues.

Planning

• Recommend goals and objectives for the Planning Department.
• Plan, direct, and supervise the current and long-range planning activities of staff.
• Administer District long-range planning goals and related planning documents.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Develop and recommend changes regarding planning, design, and construction guidelines.
• Advise the District General Manager and Park Planning and Development Manager on planning matters.
• Analyze proposed development projects for compliance with adopted District planning documents, design guidelines and standards, applicable codes and ordinances, and other regulations.
• Receive, review and resolve the more complex issues as they relate to current and long-range planning; meet with developers, consultants, outside agencies and citizens to determine appropriate actions.
• Direct the review of Encroachment Permits and volunteer project requests, and other miscellaneous requests related to land use entitlements and development.
• Serve as a primary contact for new major development projects, which entails meeting with planners, engineers, builders, attorneys, contractors, other agencies, and the general public regarding development policies and procedures.
• Review and issue approval of design and development/construction plans that affect the District; review and issue approval of design and construction plans developed by in-house professional and technical staff.
• Compile, analyze, and present data in the form of written, graphic, or oral reports for the use of the General Manager, Park Planning and Development Manager, or special committees on a range of difficult and complex development and District infrastructure planning matters.
• Direct and/or participate in the preparation of complex planning studies and reports related to area of assignment; oversee coordination of assigned section activities with other departments, division, outside agencies, citizens, consultants, and developers.
• Develop, analyze, and/or review a variety of technical reports.
• Represent the District in public and official meetings with other departments, outside organizations, regional planning bodies, and professional groups on planning matters; coordinate and conduct review of outside agencies' proposed projects and related environmental documents; assess and prepare comments on impacts/issues of interest to the District; attend public hearings and provide draft comments. Prepare and deliver presentations to groups of interest as needed.
• Prepare work plans and public outreach strategies for Planning directives and priority projects.

Project Management

• Oversee the development and implementation of work plans for capital improvement projects and major renovation projects.
• Assist in preparation of annual short-term and long-term capital improvement budgets and monitor assigned project budgets throughout the year.
• Oversee and review consultant or staff preparation of bid documents and technical specifications.
• Oversee grant administration, monitor submittals, expenditures, and audits related to park renovation, construction and development.
• Administer contracts with independent contractors or consultants who provide planning or environmental planning services to the District.
• Keep District leaders apprised of project status and issues.

General

• Provide support to the department manager by preparing staff reports, technical reports, memos, letters, and/or emails and researching special issues and projects.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend correction action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Participate in department budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for staff, equipment, and supplies; monitor and control expenditures.
• Participate in the selection of staff; coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Attend and participate in professional groups and committees.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.
• Performs related duties as required.