The City of Hemet is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Principal Planner to join our dedicated team and help shape the future of our community. This key position offers the opportunity to lead in a collaborative environment while overseeing advanced planning, zoning, and land use projects. As a Principal Planner, you will play a crucial role in creating sustainable growth, guiding urban development, and contributing to policy planning that aligns with the City's vision. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for urban planning, and a deep understanding of zoning regulations and development processes.

If you're ready to make a tangible impact on the community and work in a city with rich history and promising growth, the City of Hemet wants you! We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and a supportive work environment where your expertise can thrive. Apply today and become a part of Hemet's exciting future, helping to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses alike. Take the next step in your career by joining a city committed to innovative planning and community-driven progress.

Summary Description

Under administrative direction of the Community Development Director (CDD), the Principal Planner assumes secondary management of the Planning Division. Assists the department head in the overall administration of the Department and performs complex professional work in all phases of City planning, redevelopment, budgeting and supervision; and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguished from the CDD in that the incumbent is not a department head, and does not have final responsibility and accountability for the entire department. The position is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Planning Division. Responsibilities and assignments are broad in scope and require considerable independent judgment on issues that are complex, interpretive and evaluative in nature.

Receives direct supervision from the CDD, exercises supervision of professional and technical staff as directed.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assists the Director in the administration and coordination of overall departmental activities; develops policies and procedures for the department.
• Represents the City, as assigned, in relations with the community, advisory committees, local state and federal agencies, other planning departments, and professional organizations.
• Develops and implements new zoning ordinances, and processing procedures for the City. Assists in developing and monitoring the departmental budget.
• Coordinates the conduct of environmental impact studies, including the preparation of requests for proposal; coordinates project review by other agencies; evaluates conclusions of environmental impact reports and prepares recommendations.
• Coordinates and supervises the work of professional and paraprofessional planning staff in development planning, advance planning/redevelopment, permits and/or special projects.
• Prepares reports and documents for City Council and Planning Commission agenda; attends City Council, Planning, and Traffic Commissions; makes presentations and responds to requests/questions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and practices of municipal planning.
• Techniques and processes involved in the preparation and implementation of long-range and General Plans, redevelopment plans and housing programs.
• Federal and State housing, environmental and planning law and other planning legislation.
• Project management methods and practices, including methods of preparing designs, reports and recommendations.

ABILITY

• Analyze and interpret complex planning and design/development and housing data, assess land use proposals and issue recommendations.
• Make effective presentations before City Council, Commissions or Community groups.
• Supervise the work of subordinate staff, counsel and discipline staff, and process grievances.
• Assist in developing and administering a departmental budget.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities is graduation from a four year college or university with a degree in city or regional planning or related field; four years of experience in professional land use planning work performed in public agencies, including two years in a supervisory capacity.