Principal Planner

City of Ventura • Ventura, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced, motivated Principal Planner to join its Community Development Department. Under general direction, this position supervises Planning Division staff and performs advanced professional work in areas such as development review, General Plan updates, land use policy initiatives, environmental analysis, and community housing and economic development programs.

Requirements

• A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, environmental studies, public administration, engineering or a closely related field and five years of increasingly responsible professional planning, former redevelopment agency work or related program management experience in the assigned area.
• Two years of first line supervisory experience or three years of lead responsibility or oversight of projects or programs are required.
• Professional planning experience in a California public agency is highly desirable.
• Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.

Nice To Haves

• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a first-line supervisor for Planning Division staff, overseeing development review, long-range planning, and implementation of the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and Specific Plans.
• Reviews complex site and building plans for design quality, neighborhood compatibility, historic context, and coastal considerations.
• Ensures accuracy and quality of reports, notices, and hearing materials.
• Performs advanced planning work, including development review, policy and ordinance analysis, environmental review, and long-range planning studies.
• Prepares and oversees complex reports and presents recommendations to management, committees, commissions, and City Council.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff; assigns and monitors work to meet deadlines and performance goals.
• Provides technical guidance to staff, other departments, and the public.
• Assists with division work programs and budget development; monitors consultant work and serves as project manager on special assignments.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and code amendments supporting housing, land use, and coastal programs.
• Oversees public counter operations, ensures timely case processing, and maintains permit tracking systems.
• Represents the division at public meetings, including evenings as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Strong support for professional development
• Vacation & Holiday Compensation
• Deferred Compensation
• CalPERS Retirement
• Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay Eligibility as a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal