JOB DESCRIPTION

DEFINITION:

Under general direction, the Principal Planner performs complex, advanced level professional planning work in current or advanced planning and environmental analysis; provides technical and functional supervision to professional, technical, and clerical planning staff; coordinates and manages all activities related to assigned projects; and provides staff assistance to City management.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Receives general direction from the Planning Manager and provides technical and functional direction to other professional, administrative, and technical staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Develops conditions of approval consistent with Federal, state, and local ordinances, general plans, and specific plans.
• Responds to inquiries related to projects from residents, developers, or management.
• Prepares staff reports and makes presentations to the Planning Commission or other committees, boards, City Council, and/or community groups.
• Reviews development proposals and works with developers to reach an agreement on acceptable site plan, review various development applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies.
• Researches, analyzes and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; prepare written reports on the General Plan and other planning matters.
• Compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies and prepare complex planning reports.
• Analyzes environmental impacts for projects, prepare initial studies and other relevant environmental documents; interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure that development, City projects, and Code amendments are in compliance.
• Prepares General Plan and Zoning amendments, along with any corresponding studies.
• Reviews development proposals and works with developers to reach an agreement on acceptable site plans; review various development applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies.
• Performs extensive research regarding the implementation of policies established by the general plan, zoning ordinance, or other land use and development ordinances.
• Provides staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees.
• Provides information to the public regarding zoning, land use, and the general plan; monitor the plan check activities of Department staff; participate in public meetings.
• Provides lead supervision and technical assistance to professional and technical planning staff; monitors work progress, conducts performance reviews, and recommend disciplinary actions.
• Participates in the development and implementation of Department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• May assist in preparing budget justification; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; assist in monitoring and tracking the approved budget.
• Plans and oversees daily activities of assigned functional areas, reviews completed work, assesses workload, and identifies opportunities for improvement.
• Reviews and evaluates existing programs for overall effectiveness and efficiency in meeting division goals, initiating action for operational improvements as necessary
• Prepares grant applications for new funding sources.
• Drafts requests for proposals, interview and select consultants, administer consultant contracts related to planning projects; coordinate activities with other departments or divisions; monitor, review, evaluate, and revise project schedules; and prepare project progress reports.
• Meets with staff, City Council, Commission, and community groups to identify and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Researches, analyzes, and recommends policies and procedures for assigned programs.
• Manages and utilizes GIS system; analyze, administer, and manage applications as support to various Departments and Divisions within the City.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work-related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Principal Planner. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, architecture, urban studies, geography, public administration or closely related field; expertise in Geographical Informational System (GIS); six (6) years of professional environmental planning, land use planning, and/or transportation planning experience which must have included performing at least two kinds of the following planning activities associated with a planning agency: comprehensive, regional, area, or community planning; plan/proposal review; general plan amendments; zoning, land division; information services; urban renewal; planning administration or transportation planning; two (2) years of experience must have been in a lead or supervisory capacity; experience with a California city is desirable; or any combination of education, experience, and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A Master's degree in planning or public administration and supervisory level experience are highly desirable.

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license.