Senior Planner

Job Information

Job Category

Land Use, Urban Design

Company Name

City of Clayton

Position Level

Supervisory

Job Description

CLASS TITLE   SENIOR PLANNER   DEFINITION   Under general direction, of the City Manager, the Senior Planner performs a wide variety of complex and highly responsible and varied professional, programmatic, administrative, and technical work in support of current and long-range planning programs and projects, assists and coordinates public policy development and implementation including serving as a project manager for complex and special projects.  The position creates and updates long-range planning documents such as the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance; conducts initial studies and coordinates activities of consultants in the preparation of reports required by the California Environmental Quality Act.  The Senior Planner will exercise considerable judgment and initiative when independent action is required.   CLASS CHARACTERISTICS   The incumbent serves as project manager for assigned major projects, which includes responsibility for conceiving planning projects, developing analysis and work methods, and may include reviewing the daily work of professional and technical staff. Performance of work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. Incumbents are expected to independently complete the most complex and difficult professional planning assignments and are responsible for all departmental functions and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.   EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS Class specifications are intended to present examples of the duties performed by employees in the classification. Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be performed by positions in this class.  
  • Coordinates and performs research and analyses pertaining to the General Plan, area plans, grant programs, related municipal ordinances and policy; prepares related reports and recommendations, and renders professional advice regarding planning issues.
  • Serves as project manager for multiple complex current and long-range planning projects and special planning studies, including in-depth application and plan review, preparation of legal notices, posting notices on sites, background research, preparing staff reports, attending public hearings and making presentations.
  • Reviews various plans and applications for complex subdivision, housing and commercial developments; determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or identifies problems and analyzes alternatives.
  • Reviews and approves administrative discretionary current planning permits and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) related documents. Prepare staff studies and reports on more complex planning issues/applications.
  • Review, approve, and calculate appropriate fees for residential improvements.
  • Reviews, analyzes, and makes recommendations on applications such as Design Review Permits, Conditional Use Permits, Variances, and Tentative Parcel/Tract Maps; reviews drawings or blueprints for structural conformity, proposed uses and aesthetics; conducts site evaluations and analyses.
  • Prepares and updates various planning documents such as the City’s General Plan, specific plans, ordinances, resolutions, codes, and related planning studies and reports.
  • Attends, coordinates and participates in committee, staff, City Council, Redevelopment Agency Board and other public agency meetings and conferences. Makes presentations to groups such as the City Council, Redevelopment Agency Board, boards and commissions, citizen groups and other public agencies.
  • Conducts plan check of building permit-level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements.
  • Participates in General Plan amendments and updates, making recommendations regarding policy development.
  • Reviews projects and development proposals for conformance with the City’s regulatory ordinances including Zoning, Design Review, LCP, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Acts as a project manager to secure the zoning entitlements and environmental clearances for significant current development projects and long-range planning programs.
  • Prepares or supervises preparation of GIS maps, charts, diagrams and other documents for reports and public hearing notices.
  • Provides work coordination and project direction for other planning personnel and contract consultants, prepares and manages consultant agreements and supervises consultant teams performing work for the City.
  • Analyzes statistical data, such as long-range transportation, population characteristics, growth trends and other data.
  • Provides front counter and phone support; provides information and assistance to developers, property owners, the public, other departments, and outside agencies regarding laws and regulations; investigates and answers the more complex questions from the public regarding planning and zoning; responds to complaints of zoning code violations.
  • Maintains a positive working relationship with co-workers and the community utilizing accepted principles of effective customer service.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
 

Required Skills / Experience / Education

QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum qualifications for entry into the classification and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents in the position. Knowledge of: • Principles and practices of research methods and statistical analysis. • Site planning and architectural design principles. • Applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). and California laws relating to subdivisions, annexations, zoning and land use, • Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions relating to city planning, land use, zoning and the environment. • Working knowledge of the objectives, principles, procedures, standards, practices, and trends in the field of city planning, physical design, economic, environmental, and social concepts as well as project management techniques. • Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review. • Statistical and research methods applied to the collection and analysis of data pertinent to planning. • Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation. • Effectively represent the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various agencies. • Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. • Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work. • Provide high level customer service when dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff. Ability to: • Read interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and complex Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures. • Perform and coordinate activities, such as the collection, analysis, and preparation of reports and recommendations pertaining to complex issues. • Ability to speak effectively before City Council, Planning Commission, public groups and other relevant stakeholders. • Analyze projects and potential projects for consistency with planning regulations, general planning principles, and architectural quality. • Analyze site design, terrain constraints, and land use compatibility and other urban services. • Prepare concise reports, maps, charts and other graphic materials for effective presentations. Organize and conduct research studies. • Engage in complex planning design and plan, organize, and coordinate complex planning activities. • Prepare visual displays, such as maps, graphs, and illustrations. • Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. • Maintain a variety of filing, record keeping and tracking systems. • Provide high level customer service when dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff. • Organize and coordinate assigned activities with other departments and agencies respectively. • Ability to read plans and specifications and make effective site visits. • Perform varied and responsible assignments to interpret and explain planning and zoning programs to the public, identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council and other boards and commissions. • Exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines. • Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person. • Represent the City effectively in meetings with commissions, community groups, governmental bodies, the media and the public. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of city planning work. Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, architecture or a related field. • A Master’s degree is desirable, And • Four years of professional experience in city or regional planning. One year of supervisory experience is desirable. Licenses and Certifications: • Possession of a Valid California class C driver license upon appointment. • Possession of American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certificate is desirable. Special Requirements: • Ability to travel to different sites and locations. PHYSICAL DEMANDS These physical demands may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation: Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop and twist to lift, carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight. While performing the duties of this class employees are required to talk or hear in person and by telephone, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator and to verbally communicate to exchange information. ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS These described work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job: Work is performed in a standard office setting with controlled temperature conditions and natural and fluorescent lighting at a desk and in front of a computer. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing City policies and procedures. Occasional exposure to an outdoor field setting and travel from site to site. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends as needed ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Positions in this classification require the following pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made: • Background screening (Livescan) • Ability to travel to different sites and locations. PHYSICAL DEMANDS These physical demands may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation: Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop and twist to lift, carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight. While performing the duties of this class employees are required to talk or hear in person and by telephone, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator and to verbally communicate to exchange information. ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS These described work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job: Work is performed in a standard office setting with controlled temperature conditions and natural and fluorescent lighting at a desk and in front of a computer. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing City policies and procedures. Occasional exposure to an outdoor field setting and travel from site to site. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends as needed ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Positions in this classification require the following pre-employment screening measures before an offer of employment can be made: • Background screening (Livescan)

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Will security clearance be required?

No

Salary Range

$108,021 - $131,300.20 annually

Other Benefits

• Health Benefits: Medical benefits are offered through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and the Public Employees Medical and Hospital Care Act. The City’s maximum monthly co-pay contribution specified below is benchmarked to the least costly medical insurance program offered by CalPERS (Blue Shield Net Value HMO or Kaiser Permanente). An employee’s benefit is the amount of the least costly plan’s premium for each of the enrollment options. Example: Employee Only: City pays 100% of the selected premium. Employee + 1 Dependent: City pays 100% for the Employee and 50% of additional premium for the dependent. Employee + Family: City pays 100% for the employee and 59.375% for the family. • Dental Insurance: Dental benefits are offered through Delta Dental. Employee Only: City pays 100% premium, Employee + Dependent: City pays 100% for Employee and 46.8% for dependent, Employee + Family: City pays 100% for Employee and 69.94% for family. • You will be eligible for the following leave accruals: o Management Leave: 120 hours of paid management leave granted each fiscal year. o Vacation: You will accrue paid vacation at a rate of 6.67 hours per month. o Sick Leave: Eight (8) hours accrued each month. Maximum accrual is limited to nine hundred sixty (960) hours. o Holidays: 12 holidays as listed in the memorandum of understanding plus twenty-four (24) hours paid personal Floating leave each fiscal year. • Performance Evaluation and Salary Review: o Your first performance discussion is anticipated to be held approximately twelve months after the date of hire. o At the City Manager’s discretion, you will be eligible for a step increase based on a rating of satisfactory or higher at your 6-month performance evaluation. o Annual performance evaluations and salary review to occur on annual anniversary date. • The City values professional development and requests for professional development funding support will be considered as the budget allows.

Job Start Date

04/18/2025

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Travel

None

Primary Language Required

English

Industry

Government

Job Location

Location Address

City of Clayton
6000 Heritage Trail
Clayton, California
94517

Contact Information

Hiring Contact Name

Regina Rubier

Email

[email protected]

Phone Number

(707) 378-3282

Website

https://claytonca.gov/