JOB DESCRIPTION

THE POSITION: This position is a member of the Planning Department, and performs difficult and sensitive research and planning studies in support of the Department; reviews and manages complex planning applications involving research and determining code compliance, and performs a variety of professional and technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform difficult and technical research and planning studies in support of the Planning Department, including managing and processing large multi-application projects.
• Review and manage the full array of planning proposals submitted for City consideration; perform detailed background research and code compliance review; review technical plans, including site plans, architectural elevations, grading plans, and landscape plans for compliance with codes and conditions of approval.
• Conduct and review field inspection reports for compliance with laws and practice; take appropriate actions as necessary; conduct investigations and resolve problems as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain necessary files pertaining to planning records, reports, maps, and related files; prepare reports; present findings.
• Supervise the preparation of graphics for inclusion in reports; draft and submit proposed legislation related to planning matters.
• Serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Assist in the processing and preparation of complex environmental documents.
• Provide information and assistance to the public, City departments, and other agencies regarding planning-related issues, code interpretations, and planning applications.
• Attend and participate in community and professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of planning.
• Supervise staff in the absence of the Principal Planner.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum and Preferred Requirements

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered; however, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to compete further in the selection process. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application; other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications. (One year of work experience is the equivalent of 12 months of full-time work. "Full-time work" means at least 36 hours of work over a period of one week or 1,872 hours of work over a period of at least 12 months.) Qualifications noted as "desirable" or "preferred" are not included as part of the minimum requirements.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of increasingly responsible urban and regional planning experience is required.
• State of California planning experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in applying the theories, methods, and practices of land use planning is preferred.

Training:

Bachelor's degree in planning, urban geography, architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field from an accredited college or university, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities, is required. (Education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis with related job experience; experience is in addition to any other required experience.)

Graduate degree in planning is preferred.

License or Certificates:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record is required. (A driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accidents within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years.)
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Incumbents are enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation, a physical, and a drug screen.

Working Conditions:

The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

This position works in an office environment that travels from site to site and may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods.

A completed resume, application, and supplemental questionnaire are required by the closing date and time. As a candidate for the position, you will want to be sure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position to achieve maximum opportunity. Applications will be reviewed carefully and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Minimum requirements must be clearly demonstrated on the application to be considered as this information will be used to determine minimum qualifications. Experience requirements must be demonstrated in the "Work Experience" section of the application, other sections of the application will not be used to determine experience qualifications.

Applications must be received by 4:00 pm, March 23, 2026, in order to be considered for this opportunity. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer, and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.

Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

To apply: https://apptrkr.com/6988934