Principal Planner

City of Santa Monica•Santa Monica, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Assists in overseeing the daily activities of the City Planning Division related to the development and implementation of the City General Plan, Specific Plans, Local Coastal Plan, Zoning Ordinance and environmental review process. Works under the administrative supervision of the Planning Manager who makes detailed work assignments, periodically reviews work in progress and carefully reviews work upon completion. Exercises administrative and technical supervision over professional and clerical staff.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Principles, practices and procedures in contemporary urban planning and zoning including environmental analysis. Research techniques. Contract administration. Supervisory principles and practices. Effective customer service techniques. Effective supervisory techniques.
Ability to: Conduct research, analyze data and make recommendations. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports and recommendations. Interpret and apply policies and regulations. Provide effective customer service. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, the general public, and City Boards and Commissions. Effectively train and supervise staff.
Skill in: Project management. Using personal computers and applicable software applications. Supervising staff.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field.
Four years of recent, paid, progressively responsible municipal planning work experience.
At least two years of the required experience must have included supervising or coordinating the work of others.
Possession of a valid class C driver license or ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related functions.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree and AICP certification are desirable.

Responsibilities

Organizes, directs, and assigns the work of the planning teams; provides guidance and direction on review and analysis of planning applications, zoning and land use matters, environmental issues, revisions to ordinances, and preparation of modifications to the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan and Specific Plans; reviews staff reports and manages and tracks the completion of work to ensure compliance with the Department’s Performance Objectives.
Provides training and mentoring for division staff.
Assists the Planning Manager with team building and development and implementation of the division’s mission and a professional development program for division staff.
Oversees the day-to-day work of clerical staff.
Manages and coordinates large and complex planning projects related to development or long-range planning policies.
Monitors and tracks division activities with respect to revenues, expenditures, and workload and provides budget analyses.
Assists in the preparation of the division’s budget.
Coordinates the preparation of staff reports for items requiring Planning Commission or City Council review.
Makes presentations to the City Council, City Boards and Commissions.
Manages staff workload with the Planning Manager.
Assists with the development of division work program and related monitoring.
Provides oversight to the appropriate staff in the area of development processing and policy analysis.
Assists the Planning Manager with the formulation of policy related to zoning, the General Plan and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Coordinates public outreach efforts to community groups and other stakeholders in the planning process, as assigned.
Assists the Planning Manager with the development and implementation of “customer care”, website, and operational enhancements to improve the Division’s systems and performance.
Assists with the coordination of land use matters with other City departments and divisions.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.