Principal Planner

We are currently seeking applications for a Senior Planner and Principal Planner. Please be sure to apply for all jobs and all levels of positions which you feel you may be qualified for.

Nevada County is seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Planner to join their team. In this role, you will lead complex planning projects, supervise a dedicated team, and play a key role in crafting the future of our vibrant and scenic county. The Planning Department applies community land‑use policies and strives to meet the needs of individuals and businesses. It is their goal to protect the environment to ensure Nevada County remains a desirable place to live, work, and recreate.

• Plans, organizes and supervises the activities of professional and technician staff involved in the processing of land use permits
• Leads and manages complex planning projects, including those related to new development, environmental studies, and community plans
• Trains employees in work procedures, standards and safety practices, and reviews work in progress or upon completion for compliance with standards
• Communicates effectively with stakeholders, including the public, developers, and elected officials
• Interprets and applies provisions of law, rules, regulations and policies related to land use planning matters, including environmental laws
• Prepares and reviews RFPs (Request for Proposal) and RFQs (Request for Qualifications) for services to be retained by the Planning Department
• Attends and makes presentations at Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, interagency, committee, and other meetings and conferences

• Thorough knowledge of rural planning and development and local government policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of specialization such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management
• Citizen involvement techniques and processes
• Knowledge of computer programs and applications including GIS programs and applications

We offer you an extensive benefit package including, but not limited to, CalPERS retirement, medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). Nevada County is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program through the Department of Education.

Our leadership values employee development and engagement, promotes open and transparent communication, sets us up to be a high-performing organization, and recognizes our contributions. Our leadership connects with the community, listens to them, and provides significant programming to keep us safe and healthy.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.

To review the job specification and additional requirements, please .

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Geography, Land Use Economics or related field AND four years of increasingly responsible experience in land use planning or management, including at least one year as a team supervisor or program manager.
• * A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Public Administration or related field may be substituted for two years of experience.*
• AICP Certification highly desirable.