THE POSITIONThe Planning Manager plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Planning Division and serves under general direction from the Director of Community Development. The Planning Manager coordinates the activities of the Planning Division, including land use and development review and policy planning across City departments and other public agencies. The Planning Manager supervises a team of four, including one Senior Planner, one Assistant Planner, one Permit Technician, and one Planning Intern.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Community Development department is composed of three divisions: Planning, Building & Safety, and Economic Development. The Planning Division provides staff support to the City Council and Planning Commission, formulating and administering plans, programs, design guidelines, and legislation for guiding the city’s development in a manner consistent with the community’s social, economic, and environmental goals. Projects currently under Planning review include mixed-use developments along major commercial corridors, market rate and mixed-income housing development projects, and business expansion projects furthering local job creation.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATEAn ideal candidate is a customer-service focused leader with expertise in planning principles and practice, a proven ability to communicate complex concepts to broad audiences effectively, and successful project and people management skills in mentoring and motivating professional staff to deliver timely and accurate planning services to customers.
Additionally, an ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability implementing zoning ordinance regulations, General Plan policies, and in preparing and reviewing environmental impact reports pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
THE BENEFITS PACKAGEWe support our employees with a strong benefits package that includes:
- Competitive Salary: 3.5% salary increase effective the first full pay period after July 1, 2026
- Competitive Benefits: 12 paid holidays (plus 2 additional floating holidays), comprehensive health coverage (Opt-Out Cash in Lieu of $600 per month with proof of other qualifying medical insurance), paid Personal Time Off (PTO), and so much more.
- Longevity: Recognition of prior full-time service with another public agency ($50 per month for 5 years and up to $450 per month for 25+ years).
- Excellent pension plan: (2.7% @ 55 for Classic CalPERS members).
- Tuition Reimbursement: Funding available for continuing education and professional development.
To learn more about the benefits package, you can view the Executive and Management At-Will Resolution available on the City's website or via this link:
Executive-Management--At-Will-Management-Resolution-2025-REPRESENTATIVE DUTIESDuties may include, but are not limited to the following: Administers and coordinates Planning Division activities, including both current and advanced planning; develops policies and procedures for the division; manages, supervises and participates in the preparation, development and evaluation of highly technical studies, management reports, staff reports, and analyses related to City planning activities; analyzes and evaluates study results.
Manages a division; supervises professional, paraprofessional, technical, consultant and clerical staff engaged in both current and advanced City planning activities including general plan and zoning code maintenance, and preparation of environmental reports pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Supervises and participates in the review and approval of development proposals; assists in enforcement of City zoning, environmental and planning codes; reviews applications and prepares conditions of approval; performs field inspections as necessary.
Reviews, analyzes, and coordinates related activities of the division; consults with relevant parties. Prepares reports, conducts research and special studies; meets with developers, property owners, and general public to resolve planning and/or code enforcement issues and create understanding of planning and/or code enforcement policies and procedures.
Selects, trains and motivates Planning Division employees; plans and organizes work; develops and establishes work methods and standards; conducts or directs staff training and development; reviews and evaluates employee performance; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures; recommends appropriate disciplinary actions; approves timecards and expense reports.
Represents the City, as assigned, in relations with the community, committees, local, state, and federal agencies, other planning departments, and professional organizations; provides technical assistance to the City Council, the Planning Commission, and City management in matters related to a wide variety of development activities and programs; serves as principal staff to the Planning Commission.
Assists in development of the division budget(s) and monitors expenditures. May act as City Planner in absence of the Director of Community Development or upon designation by the City Manager.
Performs related duties as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEGraduation from an accredited college/university with a bachelor's degree in public administration, planning, urban design, architecture or closely related field and five years of increasingly responsible experience in local general government planning is required, with at least two years of experience in a supervisory or lead capacity. A master's degree in public administration, planning, business administration or related field is highly desirable.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATESPossession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record are required at the time of appointment and as a continuing condition of employment.
Possession of a valid certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is highly desirable.
APPLICATION PROCESSCompleted City application and resume must be submitted through the online application system within the filing period. Resumes are required but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed on-line application. Your resume must describe your planning experience (city planning experience is highly desirable), including agencies you worked for, tenure, and specific duties. Incomplete employment applications including applications without a resume will not be processed.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESThorough knowledge of the theories, principles, goals, objectives, procedures, practices, law, and trends in the field of municipal planning, zoning, land use regulations and property maintenance ordinances. Considerable knowledge of the methods, plans, systems, forms, maps and tools common to a land use planner's work, and sources of information and agencies that may be utilized in conducting research and addressing planning matters; working knowledge of office management; principles of supervision.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; research and prepare complex reports on a variety of planning related subjects; deal effectively with developers, property owners, architects, engineers, and the general public; plan, direct and coordinate current and long range planning project/programs and manage a division; select, train, supervise and evaluate employees; represent the City in a variety of meetings; make decisions regarding operational and personnel functions; operate programs within allocated amounts; respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner; understand, explain and apply policies and procedures; analyze unusual situations and resolve them through application of management principles and practices; develop comprehensive plans to meet future City needs/services; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; develop new policies impacting department operations/procedures; interpret and apply provisions of codes, regulations, statutes, and ordinances relevant to city planning and code enforcement activities; meet the physical requirements established by the City.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICSPhysical Demands: Work may require walking, lifting, stooping, bending, twisting, and climbing and exposure to potentially hazardous situations and environmental conditions. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, with walking and standing required occasionally.
Work Environment: Work primarily in a climate-controlled typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional site visits with exposure to fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, poor ventilation, and exposure to loud noise.
