Senior Planner

City of Sunnyvale•Sunnyvale, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a planner with experience and vision to collaborate on strategic projects enhancing the future of Sunnyvale. This position is on the Policy Planning team, responsible for advancing City Council land use policy priorities and initiatives, Housing Element implementation, area plan development, Comprehensive Plan development and amendments, assessment of changing state laws, and engagement with regional agencies. Under direction of a Principal Planner or Planning Officer, performs complex professional work in current and long-range planning activities including zoning, environmental review, general plan updates, and plan preparation and review. May organize, assign, and review the work of assigned personnel. This recruitment will establish a list for potential vacancies for other sections of the Planning team.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, architecture or a related field; AND Five years of city planning experience
Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, architecture or a related field; AND Four years of city planning experience
Knowledge of Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.
Knowledge of Principles, objectives, practices and procedures of city and regional planning, urban design and zoning.
Knowledge of Research and statistical practices as they relate to land use, transportation, zoning and master plan studies.
Knowledge of Techniques used in the development and maintenance of comprehensive plans, general plans and specific plans.
Knowledge of Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
Knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Knowledge of Elements of project review, including architectural and site planning considerations.
Knowledge of Methods of citizen participation in planning.
Knowledge of Advanced research methods and techniques.
Knowledge of Environmental regulations and issues related to the planning process.
Knowledge of The relationship of land use planning to transportation, housing and other aspects of community development.
Knowledge of Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.
Ability to Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.
Ability to Perform the most complex duties related to the performance of professional planning activities.
Ability to Read and understand maps, architectural drawings and plans, and reports.
Ability to Analyze and compile information and determine appropriate course of action.
Ability to Gather and analyze data on land use, population, urban growth patterns, economic and social trends, industrial development and other demographic data used in land use planning for the purpose of preparing and presenting accurate and concise written reports and making presentations at public forums.
Ability to Interpret economic, sociological and statistical data and draw logical conclusions.
Ability to Interpret, apply and explain planning, zoning and City policies, rules, laws and regulations.
Ability to Conduct complex analytical studies involving the collection, compilation and analysis of technical, statistical and economic data, evaluation of alternatives, and development and presentation of sound recommendations.
Ability to Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
Ability to Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to Write staff reports and similar correspondence.
Ability to Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, public officials and the public.
Ability to Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
Ability to Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Willingness to Attend weekend and evening meetings.
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience developing and delivering public presentations.
Lead or supervisory experience.
Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners

Responsibilities

Processes planning applications; reviews and analyzes land use impacts and compliance with local and State regulations and City policies.
Conducts research and compiles, analyzes and evaluates information related to planning studies, such as demographic, economic, social, environmental, land use and housing data.
Prepares a variety of technical and administrative reports, documents and correspondence; prepares environmental documents; makes presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council and at public hearings and community meetings.
Prepares and maintains maps pertaining to zoning, land use and other planning related activities.
Conducts studies and prepares and presents corresponding reports.
Evaluates and reviews development plans for compliance; prepares reports, Initial Studies, ordinances, and researches and communicates with applicants, consultants, staff and members of the public.
Reviews environmental documents and mitigation monitoring programs.
Prepares standard forms and checklists Initial Studies and Negative Declarations.
Inspects residential, commercial and 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.
Researches 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.
Coordinates project reviews with other city departments and outside agencies.
Receives and responds to inquiries and questions at the front counter, via email and telephone; provides information regarding planning, zoning and the development process to developers, property owners, design professionals, other agencies and City departments.
Assists in the identification and preparation of grant applications for planning and development projects.
Represents the Community Development Department at meetings and conferences as assigned.
Plans, prioritizes and reviews the work of staff assigned to the performance of professional planning activities.
Develops schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Participates in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
Provides and coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.
Coordinates with the City Attorney's Office for legal advice.
Maintains current knowledge of case law and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.