Senior Planner

City of Santa Ana • Santa Ana, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Santa Ana is seeking results-oriented individuals with a great attitude, creativity, innovation, efficiency, a record of success, and a passion for public service to join their team. This role, currently vacant in the Advance Planning Division of the Planning and Building Agency, involves performing complex analysis of current or advanced planning projects, organizing and supervising personnel, and supporting the achievement of the Planning Division's goals. As a public-facing role, the Senior Planner will engage with stakeholders on complex urban initiatives, requiring exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to diplomatically navigate diverse community perspectives. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, with a first review deadline of 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Early applications are encouraged, and late applications are not guaranteed consideration. The recruitment may close without notice after the first review deadline.

Requirements

• Four years of progressively responsible professional level experience in municipal or regional planning administration.
• Two of those years must have been in a lead capacity.
• Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration or related field, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
• Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required prior to completion of the probationary work test period, and is a condition of continued employment.
• Must be willing and able to work irregular hours including weekends, as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Knowledge of State General Planning Laws.
• Knowledge of municipal zoning ordinance administration.
• Knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act.
• Knowledge of California Subdivision Map Act.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal planning.
• Knowledge of research methods and sources of statistical data.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
• Ability to plan and organize special planning projects and programs.
• Ability to interpret laws and ordinances.
• Ability to analyze data and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize principles of Total Quality Service in Planning Division operations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with developers, property owners, business and community leaders, regulatory agencies, other city employees and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and/or performs complex professional and technical planning duties.
• Conducts research, analyzes findings, and makes recommendations.
• Prepares environmental documentation and plans/coordinates action plans for environmental impact reports.
• Reviews and analyzes development proposals for conformance with the City's General Plan and Zoning and Development Standards.
• Reviews plans with property owners, civic leaders, and policy review boards.
• Attends offsite meetings.
• Performs site inspections.
• Prepares and presents reports and recommendations regarding development proposals to policy-making bodies.
• Collects and analyzes planning data for the review and restructuring of the City's General Plan and Zoning and Development Standards.
• Prepares, updates, and maintains the City's overall General Plan, including the development of Area Specific Plans.
• Supervises and coordinates long-range planning activities.
• May coordinate public counter operations for the Planning Division.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates professional, technical, and support staff.
• Performs other related functions as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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