Principal Planner - North Bay

Metropolitan Planning Group•Santa Rosa, CA

2d•$65 - $79•Hybrid

About The Position

M-Group seeks a motivated and collaborative principal planner to join our team in our North Bay office. M-Group exists to bring innovative and effective planning solutions to Bay Area cities. Since the creation of the firm in 2006, we have brought high caliber planning services to over 90 Bay Area communities. M-Group’s planners have extensive experience working on large, complex, and high-profile projects, and our staff brings together a range of accomplishments and a wealth of real-world experiences. We strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment in our workplace and in the communities we serve. We work with the intention to promote equity and respect for all people. Inclusion and diversity are at the core of M-Group’s values. We offer a hybrid work environment from our downtown Santa Rosa offices. Our North Bay team serves clients across the North Bay and provides a variety of challenging and rewarding assignments. M-Group is an equal opportunity employer and represents the diversity of the community. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and all other qualified applicants. Visit us at http://www.m-group.us to learn more. PRINCIPAL PLANNER JOB DESCRIPTION The Principal Planner is an advanced classification requiring minimal guidance and supervision, working collaboratively with our team and providing supervision/mentoring of junior staff. Incumbents are responsible for complex projects, are expected to bring value to creative solutions to meet our clients’ needs and should have highly effective project management skills. Principal Planners may supervise employees and/or an operational function. IDEAL CANDIDATE We are currently seeking the ideal candidate to fulfill an initial assignment as a Deputy Planning Manager for a client jurisdiction. The ideal candidate for this position will have experience leading public counter functions and familiarity with implementation and interpretation of zoning code regulations. We are looking for a candidate who feels enthusiastic about exemplary customer service and is committed to finding solutions within the boundaries of adopted legislation to facilitate community priorities. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience working with entry level staff to teach and motivate. Strong organizational skills and diligence will be applied in a variety of short- and long-term projects. Effective and conscientious communication is required to successfully engage with internal and external stakeholders. This person will work collaboratively with other departments, divisions, or disciplines, such as Building, Economic Development, Code Enforcement, and Public Works, in a solution-oriented manner guided by established policies and regulations.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, architecture, or a related field
7 years of progressive City Planning experience or a combination of experience and education that is commensurate.
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver’s license. A safe driving record and access to a vehicle may be required to perform job duties at various client locations. The ability to provide alternative transportation may be accommodated as needed.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience developing and delivering public presentations.
Managerial or supervisory experience.
Demonstrated experience overseeing primary functions of a public planning division and examples of creative collaboration to improve customer service.
Familiarity with interpreting and implementing plans, policies, and adopted regulations at State, regional, and local levels.
Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Responsibilities

Responsible for operational oversight of Counter Services activities to ensure the timely response to inquiries and issues via email, telephone, or virtual or in-person meetings.
Provides accurate and timely information or analysis regarding planning, zoning, and the development process to developers, property owners, design professionals, other agencies, and City departments.
Trains and manages Planning staff to provide accurate and timely information or analysis regarding planning, zoning, and the development process to developers, property owners, design professionals, other agencies, and City departments.
Plans, prioritizes, and reviews the work of staff assigned to the performance of professional planning activities.
Develops schedules and methods for Planning staff to accomplish Counter Services assignments, ensuring work completed is accurate, reflects client expectations, and is produced in a timely and efficient manner.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Identifies opportunities and recommend to the Planning Manager around zoning interpretations, administrative policies and procedures enhancements, and policy development to more fully support implementation of Planning Division roles and responsibilities
Works collaboratively with other departments, divisions, or disciplines, such as Building, Economic Development, Code Enforcement, and Public Works, in a solution-oriented manner guided by established policies and regulations.
Establishes, trains, and maintains Planning Division customer service performance standards consistent with client expectations.
Drafts for final review zoning interpretations, administrative policies and procedures enhancements, and Planning substantial conformance and land use determinations.
Manages the Planning ministerial and discretionary application process; coordinate and support application review by assigned Planners, including reviews and analysis consistent with adopted applicable local or regional plans and policies, and compliant with adopted State and local regulations.
Mentors and provides technical guidance to less experienced planners, offering oversight on routine or less complex planning applications and projects.
Conducts and supervises research and data analysis related to demographic, economic, social, environmental, land use, and housing trends; oversee the preparation of narrative reports, visual materials, and planning studies.
Recommends to Planning Manager amendment of, interpretation of, or establishment of administrative policies or procedures to support effective implementation of governmental measures affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities, housing and transportation.
Prepares a variety of technical and administrative reports, documents and correspondence; makes presentations to Planning Commissions, City Councils, other public hearings, and community meetings.
Organizes, prepares, or directs preparation of zoning, land use, or other planning-related maps.
Conduct studies and prepares and presents corresponding reports.
Evaluates development applications and project plans for compliance with zoning, design, and environmental standards; prepare associated reports, Initial Studies, and findings.
Inspects residential, commercial, or industrial properties to gather data and assess the possible need for project or plan modifications.
Researches, conducts and/or analyzes policy and long-range planning projects and initiatives.
Research planning issues related to economic development, land use, zoning and environmental concerns.
Researches and writes special studies including General Plan review and policy study issues.
Utilizes design-thinking skills to create innovative approaches to client opportunities or needs.
Design policy development projects that leverage curiosity and innovative engagement strategies to generate alternatives that are aligned with the vision, goals, or guiding principles of client cities.
Prepares or supports preparation of project scopes, including budget and timeline, that reflect client needs as described in an RFP or other project request communication.
Ability to travel to various client locations
Performs other related duties as assigned
Works productively and efficiently in remote or hybrid work environments, if necessary
Attend weekend and evening meetings as needed.