Principal Planner

Principal Planner

human resources

Salary: $ – $ Annually

Location:

Malibu City Hall, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number:

Department:
Planning

Opening Date: 09/06/2025

Closing Date: 10/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION Under direct or general supervision, the Principal Planner handles complex activities, projects, and programs within the Planning Department.

IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate must have advanced knowledge developing and implementing policies and regulations relating to land use, including the City’s General Plan and Local Coastal Plan, specific plans, zoning annexations and other pertinent ordinances and policies. Knowledge of site planning and architectural design principles, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is required. The Principal Planner will have the ability to administer and manage all planning functions and issues in a developing City.

Has experience working with City Council, City Commissions, Council Advisory Boards and Community Groups including composing staff reports and conducting presentations and hearings. Is proficient and competent using all Microsoft programs and industry specific software. Is a passionate, dedicated, genuine, and ethical person who understands effective staff supervision, including goal setting and training. The ideal candidate will have excellent verbal and written communication skills while providing exceptional customer service to the public, dignitaries, commissioners, and community partners.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, geography, landscape architecture, or a closely related field.
• Possession of a Master’s degree in either city planning or public administration with emphasis in city planning and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional level experience in urban planning, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Urban planning principles and practices, including extensive working knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, subdivision, conservation, environmental quality, permit and project development issues.
• Site design principals, geography, basic architecture, basic landscape architecture and environmental implications.
• Geographic Information System (GIS).
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• State housing law.
• Local coastal planning.

SKILL IN:

• Managing and supervising professional and administrative support staff.
• Preparing and presenting written and oral reports and other planning related documents.
• Problem solving and dispute resolution.
• Managing multiple complex cases.
• Interpreting land use, topographic, physical and natural land features on planning maps, plans and other documents.
• Balancing competing land use goals.
• Performing research and statistical analysis relative to urban planning, zoning and community development.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials and the public.
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.

Phone:  x488

Address: 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, California, 90265

Email: human resources

The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer.