JOB DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

The City of Half Moon Bay Community Development Department invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Senior Planner. The Department is seeking an attentive and well-qualified Senior Planner Supervisor to join the Planning Division. The Senior Planner reviews and manages complex development projects through the entitlement process, oversees professional planning assignments, manages long-range planning studies, and incorporates meaningful community engagement into planning initiatives. At any given time, the Senior Planner may be interpreting zoning regulations, managing consultant work, preparing detailed project analyses, or advising the public on planning matters.

The Senior Planner reports to the Community Development Director and supervises more junior planners. Senior Planners may also serve as project manager for major private development proposals and City planning projects, serve as Deputy Zoning Administrator, and act as staff liaison to the Planning Commission.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manage a variety of complex planning projects, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use development.
• Apply policies and procedures of the City's Local Coastal Program (LCP), General Plan, and zoning regulations.
• Direct consultant services for CEQA and technical reviews.
• Conduct and present analyses of planning proposals; prepare staff reports and recommendations.
• Facilitate public engagement and represent the City at meetings, workshops, and hearings.
• Provide guidance to architects, contractors, developers, and the general public regarding development standards.
• Supervise and mentor planning staff in best practices and project review.
• Coordinate interdepartmental project review and collaborate with external agencies.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings as required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, team-oriented planning professional who thrives in a small-town coastal community setting. They will have:

• Strong knowledge of CEQA, the California Coastal Act, Subdivision Map Act, and other state/federal planning regulations.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Skills in project management, public engagement, and staff supervision.
• Ability to balance current and long-range planning work while providing excellent customer service.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and oral.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban/regional planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies, or a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of professional planning experience. A master's degree in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.

BENEFITS

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• CalPERS Retirement: 2% @ 55 for Classic members; 2% @ 62 for PEPRA members.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with a generous monthly allowance.
• City-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• 14 paid holidays annually.
• Generous vacation, administrative, and sick leave accruals.
• Deferred compensation plans and education incentive program