Principal Planner Job Dana Point area,California USA,Government

The City of Dana Point's Community Development team is seeking a dynamic individual that possess excellent communication skills and is solutions oriented to assist in leading the City's advanced planning efforts to ensure the City’s goals, policies and regulations achieve the long-term vision of the City.
This is a Continuous Recruitment that is subject to close once a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.

First Application Review will be January 26, 2026.

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Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, assist in planning, organizing, directing, and supervising the work of assigned employees within the Planning Division; perform the most difficult and complex professional work related to current and/or long range planning; make oral and written presentations; provide information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public on planning and development related matters; and perform other related duties as assigned.

CLASS

CHARACTERISTICS

The Principal Planner is the supervisory level class in the professional planning series. The incumbent reports to the Planning Manager or their designee. Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the performance of the most complex planning tasks requiring a high degree of knowledge related to all areas of current and advanced planning. The Principal Planner is further distinguished by the performance of supervisory activities such as assigning work, monitoring project progress, and providing technical assistance and training to other professional and technical staff.

Assignments are broad in scope and require the use of considerable independent judgment in making technical decisions and guiding work to completion. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all operating procedures and policies related to assigned areas of responsibility, work independently and exercise judgment and initiative.

This position is at-will and exempt under FLSA standards.

Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: (Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job).

Supervise, plan, train, review, and participate in the work of assigned staff responsible for current and/or long-range planning; perform the most complex and sensitive current and long-range planning work within the unit.

Plan, direct, coordinate, review, and participate in data collection, data analysis, plan development and implementation for a wide variety of planning, zoning activities, and policy development.

Provide assistance and guidance to personnel, the development community, business community, public, and other agencies.

Develop and implement goals, policies, and procedures; develop long and short-range plans.

Research funding sources and coordinates grant application and administration. Assists in budget preparation.

Review plans and tours sites; recommend issuance of permits and determine need and level of review.

Prepare statistical and narrative reports and findings; compile data and prepare reports.

Advise developers regarding development applications and processes; interpret and explain ordinances, regulations, and directives regarding development practices; suggest improved design for developments; provide recommendations regarding development permits, use permits, variances, tentative tract maps, other zoning applications, and general plan amendments.

Participate in economic development planning; analyzes economic models and supervises data compilation relative to General Plan policies and zoning to implement Economic Development goals and objectives.

Coordinate staff work and review reports for such bodies as the Planning Commission, City Council, and other City and regional approval bodies.

Attend and participate in public meetings as required.

Coordinate assigned planning activities with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies and organizations.

Work closely with and provide information to consulting planners as necessary.

Monitor and ensure City compliance with state and federal laws, guidelines, and standards governing planning activity.

Manage contracts for services.

Maintains expert knowledge of urban planning, transportation planning, principles and practices, research methods, codes, regulations, ordinances, management principles, and applicable laws.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services and activities of a municipal urban planning program.
Advanced principles and practices of urban and…


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