Senior Planner

City of Chula Vista•Chula Vista, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Planner is an advanced journey-level position in the Planner series, performing complex professional planning and environmental review work. The position researches, analyzes, and prepares technical studies for planning projects; ensures compliance with local, State, and Federal requirements; assists with interpreting and applying environmental policies and regulations; and conducts initial environmental studies. Employees typically handle complex projects and may serve as project leads or project managers, receiving only occasional guidance in unusual situations. Vacancies are available in the Development Services and Housing and Homeless Services Departments. The role receives direction from an assigned supervisor and may provide functional or technical supervision or project leadership. A 5% salary adjustment is scheduled for the first full pay period of January 2027.

Requirements

Four years of increasingly responsible planning experience involving city and/or regional planning, including environmental-related program assignments.
Training equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental studies, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
Knowledge of land-use and urban-planning principles and practices, environmental law and zoning, and State and local planning and zoning laws and regulations.
Knowledge of CEQA and other governmental environmental policies, rules, and regulations; environmental assessment; agency requirements; environmental review procedures; and redevelopment-area issues.
Knowledge of research methods for collecting, tabulating, and analyzing statistics and information affecting public planning; engineering drawings and topographic mapping; English usage; and relevant computer equipment and software.
Ability to interpret complex policies, rules, and regulations; develop and implement compliance procedures; and review and analyze technical studies.
Ability to conduct site inspections, collect and analyze planning statistics, organize and conduct research studies, maintain records, and prepare reports.
Ability to make oral presentations, communicate clearly in writing and orally, and operate relevant computer equipment and software.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work tactfully and effectively with people from various cultural and ethnic groups.
Physical ability to sit at a desk for long periods, intermittently twist to reach desk-area equipment, perform simple grasping and fine manipulation, use a telephone and keyboard, and occasionally lift or carry 15 pounds or less.
Ability to see and hear within the normal range, with or without correction.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and perform complex planning and environmental work on land-use plans, development proposals, maps, environmental analyses, and related applications.
Research and analyze information and prepare comprehensive planning and environmental reports on current and long-range issues.
Plan, organize, and conduct research on land use, zoning, community design, environmental matters, and related topics.
Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations, including technical research on zoning changes, variances, conditional use permits, population, housing, transportation, economic studies, and growth management.
Administer and implement environmental plans and programs, including CEQA and NEPA, and review projects for compliance with applicable requirements.
Review and manage environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Reports, Negative Declarations, addenda, exemptions, and Environmental Impact Statements; conduct CEQA initial studies and prepare Negative Declarations.
Oversee and prepare consultant contracts, prepare or review mitigation measures, and prepare and distribute CEQA notices.
Develop and coordinate project compliance with local, State, and Federal requirements; coordinate field analyses and studies.
Develop ordinances and resolutions and participate in administration of land-use regulations, the General Plan, development plans, environmental review, and design review.
Provide permit-counter support as needed and review development proposals for consistency with the General Plan and City zoning.
Communicate with and assist developers, property owners, and the public regarding planning laws, policies, regulations, standards, application procedures, and requirements.
Identify project problems, assess alternatives, recommend approval or denial, and act on behalf of the Zoning Administrator as necessary.
Conduct meetings and hearings and manage complex departmental projects, including planned communities, redevelopment areas, and special planning or development projects.
Manage and assist with creating SPA plan design and development standards and guidelines, including zoning, financing, and precise planning for development zones.
Prepare and present reports and recommendations on local and regional planning and zoning issues.
Attend City Council, Planning Commission, and Design Review Committee meetings and provide technical support to agencies and community groups.
Serve as project leader on complex departmental assignments and projects.
Provide written and oral information to the public and make presentations to committees, commissions, professional groups, and community groups.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, City employees, and the public using good customer-service principles.
Perform related duties as assigned.