Senior Planner

Our Planning Division within our Community and Economic Development Department is hiring! Do you have professional work experience in the field of current and advanced planning? Please see the opportunity below!
The Senior Planner is responsible to organize, assign and review the work of assigned personnel engaged in professional planning; to perform advanced level professional work pertinent to current and long-range planning; and to provide responsible staff assistance to the Planning Manager. The Senior Planner will be responsible for managing complex projects and taking a proactive approach to projects, programs, and other planning efforts. Proactive problem-solvers who can thrive in a fast-paced collaborative environment are encouraged to apply.

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

 

Essential Functions:

 

Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of technical and professional planning duties.

 

Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments, ensuring that work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

 

Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.

 

Provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.

Perform the most difficult work pertaining to professional planning.

 

Develop and present recommendations on various development proposals and applications; prepare appropriate planning, statistical, financial, and narrative reports.  

 

Act as project or program leader for general plan elements, environmental impact reports, comprehensive plans, and other special planning studies involving utilization of planning disciplines such as transportation, urban design, capital facilities, environmental analysis, growth management, zoning, and land use regulation.  

 

Research, review, and analyze economic, social, and physical data affecting land use and community development.  

 

Confer with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning and zoning matters; provide information regarding City development requirements.  

 

Interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure that development proposals, City projects, and municipal code amendments are in compliance with federal and state laws.  

 

Prepare general plan elements and amendments; make recommendations concerning long-range planning projects, including annexations, specific plans, specific plan amendments, precise plans, or complex subdivisions.  

 

Perform extensive research regarding implementation of policies established by the general plan, zoning ordinance, or other land use and development ordinances.  

 

Provide staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees.  

 

Provide information to the public regarding zoning, land use, and the general plan; monitor the plan check activities of Department staff; participate in public meetings, as necessary.

 

Provide direction, assistance, and/or supervision to assigned planning staff; participate in the selection of staff; implement discipline procedures.

 

Assist in preparing request for proposals; coordinate consultant selection and contract preparation/administration activities.  

May assist in preparing the departmental budget; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; assist in monitoring and tracking the approved budget.

 

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. 

 

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

 

Marginal Functions:

 

Perform related duties as assigned. Knowledge of:  

Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.

Advanced principles and practices of urban planning and development.  

Advanced methods and techniques of technical report preparation and presentation.  

Advanced research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.  

Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.  

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Planning and Zoning Law, State Subdivision Map Act, and Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act.  

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:  

Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.

Perform the most complex duties related to current and/or advance planning.

Intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information.

Observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedure issues.

Analyze complex site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services. 
 
Ensure project compliance with federal, state and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.   

Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.  

Collect, analyze, interpret, and apply data to various planning projects.   

Coordinate, organize, and conduct research studies; prepare concise technical reports; prepare maps, charts, and other graphic material for effective presentations.  

Prepare and analyze complex technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.   

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.  

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. 

Experience and Training Guidelines  

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:  

Experience:  

Two years of responsible experience equivalent to an Associate Planner with the City of Modesto.  

Training 

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, geography, or a related field.  

Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision:  constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

 

Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional holiday/weekend work or travel.

Salary : $94,682 - $115,086