Senior Planner

City of Laguna Beach • Laguna Beach, CA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Laguna Beach is seeking a Senior Planner to join its Planning Team and help shape the future of the community through distinctive, complex planning projects. The role involves planning work in a coastal setting characterized by natural beauty, architectural integrity, historic neighborhoods, and a strong sense of place. Projects may include coastal hillside homes, complex infill proposals, and applications involving environmental and topographical constraints.

The position offers an opportunity to develop as a planning generalist with expertise in beach and bluff-top development, open space and high fire severity zones, historic preservation, California coastal planning, native habitats, infill projects, and California housing law. The Senior Planner works within the Community Development Department, which guides thoughtful growth while preserving Laguna Beach’s character and natural beauty through its Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement divisions. Duties are not exclusive or all-inclusive; other duties may be required and assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in architecture, planning, urban or environmental studies, geography, public administration, business management, or a closely related field.
• Four years of responsible planning work experience in a public agency.
• A valid California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record, due to field duties that may require operating a personal or City vehicle.
• Ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position, demonstrated through an appropriate combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree.
• Six years of planning work experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Review and work on distinctive planning applications and projects in Laguna Beach.
• Help shape the future of the community while supporting its character, design quality, and environmental stewardship.
• Collaborate with residents, businesses, developers, and colleagues on planning work.
• Contribute to planning efforts involving coastal development, historic preservation, open space, native habitats, infill projects, and housing law.
• Perform field duties as required; some may require operating a personal or City vehicle.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

What This Job Offers

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