Principal Planner

Salary : $106,370.51 - $143,602.46 Annually

Location : Santee, CA

Job Type : Full-Time with Benefits

Job Number : 2025-0116

Department : Planning and Building Department

Opening Date : 01 / 16 / 2025

The Position

Under the general direction of the Director of Planning and Building, assists in the direction, coordination and administration of the activities of the Planning Division in the Planning and Building Department; provides technical direction and advice on professional planning operations; performs difficult and complex professional current and advanced planning work; provides supervision for professional, technical and clerical staff; and performs related duties as assigned.

Representative Duties

The following duties are typical for the Principal Planner classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and / or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Responsible for the operation of the Planning Division, including but not limited to planning, coordinating, and directing workload and operations;
• Manage the development and execution of new ordinances, amendments and master plan elements;
• Assist in the preparation and management of the department budget;
• Interface with developers, architects, engineers and others involved in both long-range and project planning;
• Supervise the review, evaluation, and management of planning projects, including but not limited to land use consistency, project consistency, project processing and project budget;
• Represent the City in the community and at public and professional meetings, including City Council and outside agencies;
• Respond to difficult citizen complaints and requests;
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff;
• Conduct complex, detailed studies relating to the social, economic and physical development of the community and in zoning enforcement;
• Prepare and present City Council reports and recommendations pertaining to current and advanced planning projects;
• Assist in establishing department policies and standards;
• Make presentations to the City Council, government officials and citizens groups;
• Upon assignment, serve as Director of Planning and Building in his / her absence; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

THIS IS A NON-TELECOMMUTING POSITION ~

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices applicable to planning, climate action plans, land development and housing programs; knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations including the State Map Act and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); knowledge of organization and functions of the various agencies involved in planning, administration and budgeting; ability to manage projects and responsibilities; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; ability to prepare and interpret ordinances and formulate land use, zoning and housing policies; ability to collect and analyze data and develop complex plans and reports; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with City officials and employees, the general public and representatives of other agencies; ability to properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations and policies; ability to supervise, train, motivate, support and evaluate professional and clerical staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification is qualifying. An example would be :

EDUCATION : A Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Community Development, Urban Design or a closely related field, and

EXPERIENCE : Five (5) years of increasingly responsible and recent professional experience in planning, redevelopment, housing, or public administration. A Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration or related field and certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.

Recent" experience is defined as relevant experience obtained within the last five (5) years.

EXAMINATION PROCESS :

This recruitment is open until filled, therefore interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. First review of applications may occur on Friday, February 7, 2025

First Review of Applications : Friday, February 7, 2025

Panel Interviews : Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Special Requirements

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

I have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university in (select one) :

Although not required, I have a (mark all that apply) :

I have five (5) years of increasingly responsible and recent professional experience in (mark all that apply) :

Please describe your experience planning, coordinating, and directing workload and operations in a planning department / division :

Please describe your experience interfacing with developers, architects, engineers, and others for both long-range and current planning projects :

Please describe your experience selecting, supervising and training professional and clerical staff, including writing and presenting performance evaluations :

Please describe your experience managing departmental budgets and / or project budgets :

Please describe your experience presenting a project to a City Council or elected group of officials :

I understand that this is a non-telecommuting position :

I understand that the Principal Planner position is a senior management, at-will position :

Required Question

Salary : $106,371 - $143,602