The Development Review and Environmental Review Teams are each seeking to fill (1) full time Planner IV to lead one of their respective teams. Each team is composed of three to seven Planners, and the Planner IV reports to a Division Manager or a Principal Planner.

The Development Review Team is responsible for reviewing and hearing Development Applications, including Site Development Permits, Special and Conditional Use Permits, Planned Development Rezoning, Tentative Maps, and various other entitlement documents, as well as Preliminary Application requests.

The Development Review Planner IV would provide support and oversight to a team of Planners responsible for intake, review, coordination, responding to public comments, and preparing various comment letters, permits, and staff reports for projects. The Planner IV provides support and helps when issues or projects need to be escalated to additional teams and management levels. The duties will require close collaboration with other City departments, and creative analytical thinking to resolve complicated project issues through a deep understanding of various state and local laws, policies, and requirements.

The Environmental Review Team is responsible for ensuring compliance with CEQA, NEPA, the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Conservation Plan, and City policies and regulations for the protection of the environment. The section manages environmental review for public and private projects. The Team also monitors conformance with mitigation measures after project approval, reviews applications for compliance with the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Conservation Plan and supports other sections of the Planning Department in the implementation and development of policies to protect the environment.

The Planner IV position on the Environmental Review Team will supervise and support a team of Planners performing environmental review. The position will also manage process improvements to improve coordination between planners and environmental consultants, streamline review times, and better integrate the Environmental Review with the Development Review Teams during the review of private development applications.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervises subordinate planning staff, including: prioritizing and assigning work, training, editing documents prepared by subordinate staff, and general review of work performed by the team under supervision, conducting performance evaluations, making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
• Mentor staff to prepare them for future promotional opportunities.
• Provides frontline supervision to a team of professional planners, planning technicians, and/or interns. Includes mentoring, staff development, training, and preparing performance evaluations.
• Contributes to the evaluation and determination of recommendations on privately or City-initiated General Plan, zoning, land use, subdivision, and other Planning applications based on applicable General Plan, Zoning Code, City Council policies, CEQA, the Housing Accountability Act, the Housing Crisis Act, and other relevant guidance documents.
• Contributes ideas and develops proposals to modify the Zoning Code, streamline processes, improve service delivery, etc.
• Uses performance data and project management skills to guide the work of the team
• Meets with applicants, community members, or other interested parties to problem-solve on issues associated with Planning applications, long-range plans and policies, and land use regulations.
• Reviews, edits, and writes reports to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other audiences.
• Makes presentations before the City Council, Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, neighborhood groups, and/or other agencies.
• Represents the City at public hearings, meetings, and/or conferences.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other City departments, government agencies, community groups, Native American Tribal Representatives, and other entities on matters relating to San José's Planning programs and compliance with CEQA and NEPA.
• Communicates clearly and demonstrates excellent customer service consistent with PBCE standards.