Senior Planner - Community Development

City of Westminster•Westminster, CA

About The Position

The City of Westminster is seeking a Senior Planner to supervise advanced planning efforts and help guide the City’s growth. The role focuses on zoning code and General Plan amendments, preparation of the 7th Cycle Housing Element, maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations, and managing updates to General Plan elements, including Environmental Justice and Safety. The position includes flexible scheduling through a 4/10, 9/80, or traditional schedule; the supplemental information also states that the Planning Department works a 4/10 schedule. This is the highest level in the professional planning series and is responsible for supervising advanced planning, current planning, and/or special projects within the Planning Division. The Senior Planner performs and oversees complex planning work with significant accountability and decision-making responsibility, coordinates departmental work with other City departments and public agencies, and provides professional support to the Principal Planner and Community Development Director. The position receives general supervision from the Principal Planner and provides technical and functional supervision and training to lower-level staff. The work includes managing planning projects, preparing and reviewing reports and ordinances, advising City bodies on planning and zoning matters, conducting public outreach, administering contracts and grants, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Employees work primarily in an office and may also conduct field inspections and travel to City and meeting sites. The posting notes salary increases of 5% on January 9, 2027, and 5% on July 10, 2027, as well as a 3% increase on July 1, 2025.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field.
Five years of professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.
One year of supervisory or lead experience.
Knowledge of planning, zoning, environmental planning, relevant laws and regulations, General Plans, current planning processes, development processes, GIS, project management, contract administration, and technical report preparation.
Ability to supervise staff; manage complex planning programs and projects; analyze planning data and alternatives; interpret and ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies; prepare reports and correspondence; and communicate effectively with the public and government bodies.
A valid driver’s license, or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel, may be required for some assignments.

Nice To Haves

Institute of Certified Planners certification is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, assign, supervise, and review the work of lower-level planning staff; train, guide, and evaluate employees.
Participate in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, priorities, service levels, and staffing recommendations for assigned functions.
Develop and standardize procedures and methods to improve efficiency and effectiveness; monitor workloads and recommend improvements.
Participate in developing and administering assigned budgets.
Provide complex staff assistance to the Director and Principal Planner, including developing and reviewing staff reports and presenting or advising on planning matters before City Council, the Planning Commission, the Design Review Committee, the Zoning Administrator, and other public bodies.
Participate in regional planning meetings, respond to issues through correspondence or demographic data review, and conduct public relations and outreach, including leading forums and workshops.
Manage, direct, and participate in complex planning projects, including General Plan and specific plan updates and amendments, ordinance preparation, studies, policies, plans, and codes.
Conduct field inspections of planning and development projects to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, plans, specifications, and guidelines, including CEQA and the Subdivision Map Act.
Provide input to the Principal Planner and current planning staff on long-range planning policies relevant to development application reviews.
Provide information to developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors; represent the department and City to agencies, organizations, and the public; and facilitate community participation.
Negotiate, administer, and manage service contracts; review consultant work products and invoices and oversee progress payments.
Administer grants, prepare grant applications, and submit reimbursement invoices.
Conduct organizational, investigative, and operational studies and recommend program, policy, or procedural changes.
Attend professional meetings and monitor planning trends, regulations, technology, and emerging products; implement approved policy and procedural changes.
Investigate and respond to problems and complaints, report findings, and take corrective action as needed.
Assist the Principal Planner and Community Development Director with special projects and perform other assigned duties.