Principal Planner

City of Newport Beach•Newport Beach, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Come join the City of Newport Beach Community Development Department! If you are a collaborative leader with a passion for community planning and a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply! This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced planning professional ready to make a meaningful impact. Reporting directly to the Deputy Community Development Director, the Principal Planner serves as both a supervisor and a key member of our dynamic Planning team. In this role, you will lead a team of three direct reports, guiding them through a diverse portfolio of development applications for private applicants and City-initiated projects alike. Beyond team leadership, you will take ownership of some of the City's most significant and complex development applications, long-range planning initiatives, and code amendments — work that directly shapes the community's future. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of supervisory experience and brings expert-level professional planning knowledge, with a strong command of the City's General Plan, Zoning Code, and Local Coastal Program. The Principal Planner delivers expert guidance to elected and appointed City decision-makers, community organizations, and the general public. Your areas of expertise will span a broad and rewarding range of disciplines, including general urban planning and zoning, Coastal Act implementation, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, transportation planning, housing policy and development, economic development, and contract management.

Requirements

At least one year of supervisory experience.
Expert-level professional planning knowledge.
Strong command of the City's General Plan, Zoning Code, and Local Coastal Program.
Expertise in general urban planning and zoning.
Expertise in Coastal Act implementation.
Expertise in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance.
Expertise in transportation planning.
Expertise in housing policy and development.
Expertise in economic development.
Four years of responsible professional current and/or advanced local government planning experience.
Some experience in the preparation or review of environmental documents.
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, public or business administration or a related field.
A valid and appropriate California driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
Successful completion of a thorough background review, including fingerprinting.

Responsibilities

Lead a team of three direct reports, guiding them through a diverse portfolio of development applications for private applicants and City-initiated projects.
Take ownership of some of the City's most significant and complex development applications, long-range planning initiatives, and code amendments.
Deliver expert guidance to elected and appointed City decision-makers, community organizations, and the general public.
Manage contract work.