Under the direction of the Community and Economic Development Director, the Senior Planner manages, coordinates, and conducts advanced professional planning work. This includes the review and processing of development applications; preparation of staff reports and presentations for the Planning Commission, City Council, and advisory bodies; decision-making on administrative applications; and supervision of planning staff. The Senior Planner also leads complex planning and economic development projects, zoning and policy updates, grant administration, environmental review, and community engagement efforts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, public policy, geography, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal or regional planning. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• AICP certification is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and current trends in urban planning, land use regulation, environmental review, and economic development.
• State and federal planning laws, including CEQA, NEPA, the Subdivision Map Act, Coastal Act, Permit Streamlining Act, and Housing Accountability Act.
• Preparation and processing of development applications, zoning code interpretation, long-range policy planning, and permit streamlining.
• Historic preservation practices and environmental resource management.
• Principles of supervision and staff development.
• Grant writing and administration processes.
• Modern office software, including Microsoft Office, GIS tools, permit tracking, staff report and agenda software, and graphic presentation tools.

Skill & Ability to:

• Interpret and apply laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies to complex planning problems.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to boards, commissions, elected officials, and the public.
• Analyze issues and develop logical and well-supported recommendations.
• Conduct complex research and prepare technical reports.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff performance.
• Manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines.