Senior Planner-Project Planning

Senior Planner, Project Planning

The County of San Diego is seeking passionate and forward-thinking professionals for the Senior Planner, Project Planning role. This is your chance to make a real impact on the future of our communities—managing complex discretionary projects, reviewing in-depth planning and environmental studies, effectively engaging with stakeholders and shaping recommendations that guide the region's development and conservation.

Planning & Development Services (PDS) proudly undertakes the vital role of supporting the long-term health and sustainability of 29 unincorporated communities, home to over 500,000 individuals, nestled within the expanse of San Diego County. PDS is a fast-paced planning department with a vast array of project types in settings ranging from suburban to rural. Planners working for PDS will touch on projects ranging from mixed-use, residential, commercial, affordable housing, renewable energy, and more.

The Project Planning division reviews privately initiated, discretionary projects, specifically the review for compliance and conformance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances and policies including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Community plans. The Project Planning Division is responsible for managing all aspects of new development projects in the County, including new affordable and market housing, renewable energy projects like solar and battery storage, and commercial and mixed-use projects.

In processing projects, the Project Planning Division engages with the public, management, stakeholders, and consultants and gives presentations to appointed and elected officials, including the Board of Supervisors. Senior Planners within the Project Planning Division may manage a varied, complex and interesting compelling portfolio of privately initiated development projects through the entitlement process, such as General Plan Amendments, Rezones, Major Use Permits, and Tentative Maps.

Primary responsibilities may include reviewing projects for compliance with all applicable policies and regulations; coordinating with other divisions, departments, agencies and permit applicants; managing project schedules and budgets; preparing staff reports; outreach and communication with community groups, interest groups, individuals and many other stakeholders; and presenting to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and other decision-making bodies. Senior Planners may also provide guidance and professional support to planners at other levels.

PDS employs Senior Planners who possess extensive expertise and leadership capabilities in overseeing highly advanced, complex, delicate and challenging planning initiatives. Senior Planners may conduct research and prepare plans, reports, studies, and memos on land use, physical, social, and economic issues; and synthesize and present information, report and other findings to internal and external stakeholders, advisory boards, and elected officials. As an integral part of the fast-paced work environment at PDS, you will find yourself immersed in a diverse range of projects set against the backdrop of unique and charismatic locations, spanning from urban areas to rural landscapes.

Current vacancies for Senior Planners will be assigned to Project Planning but may be also assigned to other divisions within PDS as vacancies occur.

Key responsibilities include performing planning and environmental review of complex discretionary projects for compliance with the County General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and developing recommendations for adoption by decision-making bodies. Senior Planners independently review a wide scope of discretionary projects characterized by having substantial public controversy, and of the highest complexity such as general plan amendments, specific plans, major use permits, and tentative maps.

Provides responsive, high-quality service to County staff, partner agencies, developers, and the public.

The ideal candidate profile includes proven professional level experience as a land use or environmental planner,…