Senior Planner

The City of Bellflower is seeking a full-time Senior Planner with knowledge and experience in Advance Planning to join our dynamic collaborative team! The City recently created its first Advance Planning Division following the adoption of the City’s  Strategic Plan. Candidates should possess professional education and experience in planning and have a strong ability to manage multiple complex projects and policy initiatives.

The Senior Planner will lead the Advance Planning Division, which will predominantly focus on General Plan updates, amending existing and creating new Specific Plans, updating various sections of the Zoning Code, conducting and managing long‑range plans and projects, and collaborating closely with the Economic Development Department on special studies.

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. The first review of applications will be on Fri
day, November 28,
2025, at 5:00 p.m. Applications received after November 28, 2025, may not be considered.

This recruitment requires that a cover letter, resume, licenses you hold, and degree be uploaded with your application to be considered complete. Applicants appearing best qualified based upon a review of the application, materials, and responses to supplemental questions will be invited to participate in the testing process.

• Serves as project manager for multiple complex current and/or long‑range planning projects and special planning studies, including in‑depth application and plan review, coordination with applicants to obtain additional information and project changes, preparing legal notices, posting notices on sites, background research, preparing staff reports, attending public hearings and making presentations, monitoring implementation measures and conditions of approval, checking submittals for building plan check, and inspecting development sites at the beginning and upon completion of the project;
  
  reviews project applications and plans submitted for Planning Commission, and City Council considerations at public hearings.
• May autonomously oversee programs within the department as delegated by the Planning Manager or Director of Planning.
• Interprets and applies federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that public and private projects are in compliance, including, without limitation, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, Stormwater Quality Control Act, Public Resource Code, City of Bellflower General Plan, City of Bellflower Municipal Code, Specific Plans, Design Specifications, and Local Guidelines and procedures.
• Prepares and evaluates the conclusions of initial studies, mitigated negativdeclarations, environmental impact reports, and uses the evaluation to formulate a recommendation on projects; monitors project compliance with environmental document mitigation measures and conditions of approval.
• Performs specialized planning functions such as environmental review.
• Conducts plan check of building permit‑level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements; conducts over‑the‑counter plan check of less complex development proposals and land uses; approves minor development plans.
• Prepares and releases requests for proposals for technical consultant services; establishes selection criteria; evaluates proposals and conducts interviews in conformance with City policy; negotiates and recommends award of contracts; coordinates with and recommends needed contract management provisions and controls; manages and oversees technical consultants’ work products to ensure adherence to City standards and legal provisions; ensures that deliverables are submitted on time and within budget and that progress and payment requests are consistent with City policy and contract provisions.
• Coordinates project reviews by other City departments and outside agencies and consultants.
• Interacts and communicates with a variety of individuals and groups at the public service counter, in the field, over the telephone, at public…