JOIN US IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE SEBASTOPOL COMMUNITY!
THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL IS NOW SEEKING AN EXPERIENCED
PLANNING DIRECTOR
Salary: $136,016 - $165,318 Annually
$11,335 - $13,777 Monthly
Plus a great benefits package
Deadline to apply: Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM
The City of Sebastopol is seeking a dynamic, professional leader who is a collaborative problem-solver to serve as the next Planning Director. The Planning Director will direct, oversee, and materially participate in the work of the City’s Planning Department, including current and long-range planning, maintenance of the General Plan, Housing Element, and zoning codes, and review of proposals for construction and development within the City of Sebastopol. The selected candidate will coordinate activities, permits, and projects with other City departments. In addition to reviewing and preparing recommendations to the Planning Commission on development proposals, and serve as the official secretary and officer of the Planning Commission.
The Planning Director performs professional planning duties in the fields of long-range planning, current planning, and building permitting, including a variety of diverse professional planning assignments. The incumbent will oversee technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, handle the most complex customer service issues, environmental impact documents, and construction projects, and provide supervision or lead direction to professional and support staff. The director will ensure compliance with all aspects of the City’s General Plan and related ordinances and laws, and perform related work as assigned.
The Planning Director will demonstrate cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.
This position is exempt from the overtime regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is an “at will” classification serving at the pleasure of and receiving administrative direction from the City Manager.
IDEAL CANDIDATE: The ideal candidate will:
Be a proactive leader directing the day-to-day operations and projects for the Planning Department.
Be skilled in delegation and active involvement, problem-solving, and a commitment to driving progress.
Possess a deep understanding of municipal planning, design, construction, and maintenance, along with a thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards.
Provide leadership and mentoring that inspires and encourages others to develop skills, be prepared for advancement, and achieve their best.
Ensure that projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
Be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate emotional intelligence and political understanding, and have a desire to improve customer service experience.
Be able to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions, and establish positive relationships with colleagues, employees, the public, and other stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: Equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, environmental design, urban design, or development, project management, or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job class. Possession of a master’s degree is desirable.
Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible planning experience, preferably in a municipal setting, including at least two (2) years of experience in a role with direct supervisory responsibility.
License and Certifications:
Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license is required.
Possession of a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or equivalent professional recognition is desired.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: The City of Sebastopol is a semi-urban community located in Sonoma County, CA. It is a region that produces the majority of the world's supply of Gravenstein apples and a significant volume of grapes used to curate high-quality wines. It's well-known for its artistic community and rural atmosphere, and active business communities like The Barlow, where you can enjoy excellent restaurants, coffee, wine, brews, and art exhibits. Sebastopol is also the gateway to the popular Russian River and its surrounding redwood forests, as well as Bodega and Jenner's coastal recreation areas. We welcome you to our beautiful, vibrant community.
SELECTION PROCESS: Each candidate’s background will be evaluated based on the information submitted. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase in the recruitment process, which may include an oral panel interview and/or practical exercise. Only the names of the most qualified candidates who pass the initial selection process will be submitted to the City for consideration for final selection. It is anticipated that interviews will take place on February 12, 2026.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a letter of interest and a focused resume detailing their recent experience and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position, along with their completed application and supplemental questions to CalOpps.org by following this link: https://www.calopps.org/city-of-sebastopol . All materials must be included to be considered as a candidate.
Deadline to apply: Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM
The City of Sebastopol is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Additional inquiries about the position or candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should be directed to Danielle Oliveira from Muchmore Than Consulting danielle@muchmorethanconsulting.org.
THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.
