Senior Planner

City of Costa Mesa•Costa Mesa, CA

About The Position

The City of Costa Mesa is hiring a Senior Planner for its Community Development Department, Planning Division. The position performs advanced journey-level professional work in current and advanced planning, serves as a subject matter expert in a complex area of urban planning, and provides functional supervision and training to lower-level staff. The role involves substantial research, analysis, data presentation, writing, development analysis, and oral presentations. It is distinguished from the Principal Planner role, which has full supervisory responsibility for a major work section, and from the Associate Planner role by its regular performance of highly complex and technical duties as a subject matter expert. The Senior Planner will contribute to complex current planning projects, implementation and updates of the City’s housing elements, review of the Inclusionary Ordinance, implementation of the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, complex environmental review, and updates to zoning standards. The position works with staff, developers, property owners, community stakeholders, public officials, and other City departments to review development proposals, advise on planning requirements, and support City planning programs. The position is a full-time vacancy. The current salary range is $116,664–$156,336, with a stated range of $120,144–$161,028 effective July 2027. A typical qualification is a four-year degree in urban planning or a related field and four years of professional urban planning experience. A related master’s degree and municipal planning experience are preferred. AICP certification is desirable, and a valid Class C California Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one by appointment, is required.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, public administration, architecture, economics, geography, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Four years of professional experience in urban planning encompassing advanced and/or current planning activities; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Possession of, or ability to obtain by the date of appointment, a valid Class C California Driver’s License.
Knowledge of urban planning principles and practices; applicable laws and ordinances; research methods and sources related to urban growth and development; supervision, work organization, and personnel management; and economics, statistics, and elementary demographics.
Ability to supervise and perform complex technical research on economic, engineering, transportation, zoning, environmental impact, urban design, and housing issues.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and present technical information clearly and succinctly.
Ability to analyze and supervise compilation of technical and statistical data and prepare complex reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials, other government agencies, community leaders, and the public.
Ability to plan, organize, and supervise professional, technical, and clerical personnel.
Ability to understand and apply laws, regulations, and policies related to municipal planning or zoning.
Ability to drive to development sites and conduct on-site inspections and investigations.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in a related field.
Municipal planning experience.
Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Responsibilities

Supervise, direct, and coordinate a major segment of the City’s planning and zoning programs, including special studies and complex development projects.
Determine methods and procedures for assigned activities and coordinate work with other sections, divisions, and departments.
Coordinate and delegate staff work involving General Plan consistency, the Zoning Code, and complex development projects.
Direct, coordinate, review, and participate in staff work on data collection, analyses, plan formulation, and implementation of planning and zoning programs.
Participate in staff selection, orientation, training, and performance evaluations; organize and supervise staff work; coach and motivate personnel; and recommend recognition or discipline.
Advise subordinate personnel on difficult assignments, objectives, execution techniques, recommendations, findings, and General Plan and Zoning Code consistency.
Assist management with developing and implementing department goals, objectives, priorities, programs, policies, and procedures.
Meet with developers, engineers, property owners, contractors, and others to discuss projects, applications, feasibility, conceptual plans, processes, improvements, and code interpretation.
Prepare, review, and present staff reports, technical studies, special projects, and presentations to City Council, the Planning Commission, and other boards and commissions.
Perform zoning plan checks and evaluate development sites to recommend ministerial and discretionary permits, determine environmental review levels, and assess General Plan consistency.
Analyze and critique construction plans for zoning compliance and coordinate reviews with other City departments.
Make recommendations on discretionary planning applications, including development permits, use permits, variances, tract subdivision maps, master plans, and other zoning applications.
Respond to and resolve sensitive or difficult public inquiries, complaints, and requests for information about development proposals.
Coordinate and implement planning projects and programs with developers, community stakeholders, citizens’ organizations, and public officials.
Assist with comprehensive General Plan amendments and preparation of new ordinances.
Conduct research, planning, and technical analysis for complex projects and prepare reports or studies.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with City departments, other jurisdictions, and the public.
Administer consultant or contractor contracts when assigned and serve as a staff liaison or support for an advisory committee or commission when needed.
Perform other related work as required or assigned by senior-level or management staff.
Perform assigned disaster service worker duties during an emergency or disaster.