Senior Planner

The City of Pleasant Hill Community Development Department is seeking a Senior Planner to join the management team to supervise and participate in professional advanced and current planning and redevelopment successor agency activities. This single-class position receives general direction from the City Planner and exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional and technical planning staff.

View the Job Brochure for detailed information.

Responsibilities and essential functions of the position include but are not limited to:
 

• Prepare amendments to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance and complete other long-range planning tasks.
• Direct, coordinate, review and participate in the work of professional and technical employees in data collection, analysis, plan formulation, and implementation of a wide variety of planning, zoning, and environmental review activities.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Architectural Review Commission, including scheduling, coordinating, and attending public hearings.
• Act as zoning administrator including scheduling, coordinating, and conducting public hearings as the presiding officer; render decisions on minor subdivision, land use permits, variances and signs.
• Project manage complex current planning development projects.
• Interpret the Municipal Code and advise the public of City policies and procedures.
• Participate in the selection of necessary City Planning consultants.
• Coordinate planning activities with other City Departments and outside agencies, as required.
• Supervise and manage junior staff, as directed by the City Planner.
• Manage the daily operation and oversight of the Planning Division public counter.
• Update the City website and related City portals, as necessary.
• Act as City Planner, as required.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Ideal Candidate & Qualifications:
The ideal candidate is a visionary professional, committed to the city planning discipline with the ability to take a lead role in planning work that is both challenging and rewarding. 
 
The City seeks a self-starter with the ability to establish and cultivate positive working relationships with the public and other City personnel; communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including making professional and concise presentations before City Commissions and City Council; prepare and analyze planning studies and communicate findings to these studies in an understandable manner; manage consultants to ensure projects are completed and within budget; ability to learn how to use and implement electronic permitting software; and possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate California driver's license, and a satisfactory driving record.
 
The Senior Planner will have knowledge of principles and practices of comprehensive city planning; recent developments, current literature, and informational sources in the field of planning and zoning; research methods and techniques; state laws related to general plans, housing (i.e., objective design standards, density bonus, etc.) CEQA and related environmental matters, zoning, and land division; Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint; permitting software (e.g., Accela Automation or EnerGov Community Development).
 
Education & Experience:
Four years of responsible experience in the field of urban, city and environmental planning similar to that of an Associate Planner for the City of Pleasant Hill, including the City giving additional consideration to those with supervisory experience. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning or a related field considered useful in urban planning.  A Master’s degree and  American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

Application & Selection Process:
To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity, submit your application and responses to supplemental questions online at www.calopps.org.  Deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on March 22, 2022.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a City employment application.
 
Following the closing date, applications will be screened according to the qualifications outlined herein.  The most qualified candidates will be invited for an oral board interview, based on background and experience as evidenced by their application.  To be placed on an eligibility list, applicants must receive a passing score of 70 or more from each panel member. A written or practical test may be administered.

Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment physical exam and a thorough background check. PLEASE NOTE: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is a condition of initial and continued employment.
  
Compensation & Benefits:
The annual salary range for the Senior Planner is $113,208 - $150,564; placement in this range is dependent upon qualifications.
The City also offers a competitive benefits program that includes:
· Retirement – The City participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) under a 2% @ 60 formula for Classic Members. The City contributes 3% to a 401(a) plan as well as $225/month to an RHS plan. Voluntary Roth IRA & 457 plans available.
· Medical Benefits – The City offers two choices for coverage—Kaiser or Blue Shield. The City pays 75% of the Kaiser monthly premium at each coverage level.
· Dental & Vision – City-paid coverage for employee and eligible dependents.
· Life Insurance – City-paid coverage equal to 1x annual salary.
· Holidays – City recognizes 14 paid holidays per year.
· Vacation Leave – Up to 25 days per year.
· Sick Leave – Accrues at the rate of one day per month, with no maximum accrual.
· Administrative Leave – Up to 16 hours of administrative leave each month on a non-cumulative basis.
· Section 125 Plan – Dependent care and out-of-pocket medical costs may be paid on a pre-tax basis.
 
IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT
To comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all new employees are required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States on their first day of employment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Pleasant Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), requests for special accommodations during any stage of the examination process should be made in advance to the Human Resources Department.