Principal Planner

this recruitment is open until a sufficient number of qualified applicants have applied and may close at any time. The selected candidate must successfully pass a live scan and pre-employment physical and drug test to continue with the hiring process.

definition: under general direction, the principal planner performs complex, advanced level professional planning work in current or advanced planning and environmental analysis; provides technical and functional supervision to professional, technical, and clerical planning staff; coordinates and manages all activities related to assigned projects; and provides staff assistance to city management.

distinguishing characteristics: this classification is the advanced level classification in the professional planning series. The principal planner is distinguished from other planning classifications by the performance of the most complex planning tasks requiring a high degree of knowledge related to all areas of current and advanced planning and responsibility for an assigned area such as zoning administration, general plan administration, special projects, and housing programs.

The principal planner is further distinguished by the performance of lead supervisory activities such as assigning work, monitoring project progress, and providing technical assistance and training to other professional, administrative, and technical staff. Assignments are broad in scope and require the use of considerable independent judgment in making technical decisions and guiding land development projects 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 classification is distinguished from the director in that the latter has overall management responsibility for the department.

supervision received/exercised: receives general direction from the planning manager and provides technical and functional direction to other professional, administrative, and technical staff.

essential functions: this includes but is not limited to the following

• provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• develops conditions of approval consistent with federal, state, and local ordinances, general plans, and specific plans.
• responds to inquiries related to projects from residents, developers, or management.
• prepares staff reports and makes presentations to the planning commission or other committees, boards, city council, and/or community groups.
• reviews development proposals and works with developers to reach an agreement on acceptable site plan, review various development applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies.
• researches, analyzes and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; prepare written reports on the general plan and other planning matters.
• compiles information and makes recommendations on special studies and prepare complex planning reports.
• analyzes environmental impacts for projects, prepare initial studies and other relevant environmental documents; interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure that development, city projects, and code amendments are in compliance.
• prepares general plan and zoning amendments, along with any corresponding studies.
• reviews development proposals and works with developers to reach an agreement on acceptable site plans; review various development applications for compliance with appropriate regulations and policies.
• performs extensive research regarding the implementation of policies established by the general plan, zoning ordinance, or other land use and development ordinances.
• provides staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees.
• provides information to the public regarding zoning, land use, and the general plan; monitor the plan check activities of department staff; participate in public meetings.
• provides lead supervision and technical assistance to professional and technical planning staff; monitors work…