Principal Planner

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The City of Monterey is looking for a dynamic Principal Planner to join the Community Development Department. In this key role, the Principal Planner will drive the review of current planning applications and lead advanced planning initiatives. The Principal Planner is part of a vibrant team of experts in planning, project management, environmental compliance, housing, historic preservation, sustainability, and architecture, supporting boards/commissions, including the City Council. This position offers a unique opportunity for an individual interested in a variety of topics including progressive mixed-use development in a culturally-significant community.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MONTEREY:

Nestled along California's Central Coast, the City of Monterey is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and sense of community. The City of Monterey is a full-service charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City of Monterey is a full-service city that provides police, fire, public works, planning, recreation, and parks services and operates its own conference center, sports center, parking, and marina facilities.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR EMPLOYEES:

The City of Monterey offers a competitive benefits package to full-time employees. Some of these benefits include a Health Spending Fund, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Vacation Accruals, Sick Leave, 15 Paid Holidays, Education Incentive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement Programs, CalPERS Retirement, and more!

Application Process

A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate may be required to successfully pass a physical exam including a drug screen, a Livescan fingerprint background check, and a reference check. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.

Candidates who successfully complete all phases of this recruitment process will be placed on an eligibility list. The eligibility list is active for 12-months and may be used to fill additional positions including lower-level positions determined to have similar duties and requirements.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Monterey provides outstanding servicesto the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Monterey does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

SUMMARY: Under minimal supervision, performs complex professional planning work in conjunction with the City's General Plan, specific plans and other advance planning activities; supervises functions, staff and programs; and manages specific planning programs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: The Principal Planner is a management level position in the Planning office. It is distinguished from the next lower classification of Senior Planner in that the Principal Planner manages the lower level staff and functions of the Planning Office and manages high-level planning projects with minimal supervision.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage the staff and functions of the Planning Office, lead a group of professional Planners, and serve as staff to the City commissions, and other advisory groups as assigned.

• Manage planning assignments and special projects, and provide leadership and guidance for staff.

• Review case assignments, agreements, reports, technical documentation, research findings, customer service issues, and presentations; assist staff with technical and presentation skills.

• Monitor projects, resolve technical and customer service issues, and assure project compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

• Use extensive knowledge of urban planning, community development, land use, and permitting rules and regulations to perform experienced technical planning work for complex projects.

• Manage staff through appropriate delegation, mentoring, and work supervision; assign duties, responsibilities, resources, and scope of authority; review programs and workload in order to anticipate technical and management problems.

• Meet regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, technical issues, quality standards, and customer service issues; review staff work as needed to assure compliance to City policies and quality standards; assure operations are in compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Monitor operations and recommend changes to policies and procedures to improve the organization's functions; analyze workload trends and implement staffing and assignment adjustments.

• Manage coordination with City departments, elected officials, and regional government agencies.

• Keep the Community Development Director or assigned manager apprised of technical, approval, and deadline issues.

• Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff.

• Maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.

• Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from a college or university, in Urban Planning, or a closely related field. A Master's Degree in Urban Planning or Public Administration is desirable.

Experience: Six (6) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License upon time of appointment and be insurable with the City's standard insurance rate, unless otherwise approved by appointing authority.

Supplemental Info

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.

• Federal, state and local laws, ordinances, policies, rules and regulations governing planning and development, including California Environmental Quality Act.

• Principles of urban planning, community development, land use, and permitting.

• Techniques and practices for effective and efficient management of allocated resources, including personnel administration, accounting, budgeting, and project management.

• Record keeping and file maintenance principles and procedures.

• Customer service methods and techniques.

• Local community issues and regional community resources available to citizens.

Skill in:

• Researching and analyzing the factors and components affecting community planning projects.

• Planning, organizing, and coordinating urban planning projects.

• Interpreting and applying state and Federal regulations, and City land use and zoning regulations, codes, and policies.

• Checking designs, details, estimates, plans, specifications, and reports of planning projects.

• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.

• Developing recommendations for planning programs and projects.

• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City employees, officials, other community services agencies and the general public.

• Planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of staff.

• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business software.

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands

• Standing & Walking

• Primarily sedentary classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.

• Sitting

• Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time

• Lifting

• Ability to safely lift up to 20 pounds; this requirement includes bending at knees to facilitate proper lifting techniques.

• Manual Dexterity

• Ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as operating a computer keyboard; copying, and adding machines.

• Visual

• Ability to read printed materials and view a computer screen for long periods.

• Hearing and Speech

• Ability to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.

• Mobility

• Ability to work in a standard office setting and operate a motor vehicle to visit various meeting sites, reach, carry, push, pull, stoop, and bend.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency..