Planning Director

City of Sebastopol; Sebastopol (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great benefits package

Job summary

City of Sebastopol is seeking an experienced Planning Director to lead the Planning Department's day-to-day operations and long-range planning efforts. This role coordinates with other departments, reviews development proposals, and serves as the Planning Commission secretary.

The ideal candidate will provide strategic guidance, ensure regulatory compliance, and mentor staff to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in planning or related field.
• Master's degree desirable.
• Five years of planning experience, with at least two in a supervisory role.
• AICP certification or equivalent desired.

Responsibilities

• Direct, oversee, and participate in the Planning Department's work, including current and long-range planning, General Plan maintenance, Housing Element, and zoning codes.
• Coordinate activities, permits, and projects with other City departments.
• Review proposals for development and serve as secretary/officer to the Planning Commission.
• Ensure compliance with the General Plan and related ordinances and laws.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Problem-solving

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Master's degree desirable

Job description

JOIN US IN SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE SEBASTOPOL COMMUNITY!

THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL IS NOW SEEKING AN EXPERIENCED

PLANNING DIRECTOR

SALARY HAS INCREASED!

Salary: $140,088 - $170,278 Annually

$11,674 - $14,190 Monthly

Plus a great benefits package

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Sebastopol is seeking a dynamic, professional leader who is a collaborative problem-solver to serve as the next Planning Director. The Planning Director will direct, oversee, and materially participate in the work of the City’s Planning Department, including current and long-range planning, maintenance of the General Plan, Housing Element, and zoning codes, and review of proposals for construction and development within the City of Sebastopol. The selected candidate will coordinate activities, permits, and projects with other City departments. In addition to reviewing and preparing recommendations to the Planning Commission on development proposals, and serve as the official secretary and officer of the Planning Commission.

The Planning Director performs professional planning duties in the fields of long-range planning, current planning, and building permitting, including a variety of diverse professional planning assignments. The incumbent will oversee technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, handle the most complex customer service issues, environmental impact documents, and construction projects, and provide supervision or lead direction to professional and support staff. The director will ensure compliance with all aspects of the City’s General Plan and related ordinances and laws, and perform related work as assigned.

The Planning Director will demonstrate cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.

This position is exempt from the overtime regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is an “at will” classification serving at the pleasure of and receiving administrative direction from the City Manager.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a proactive leader directing the day-to-day operations and projects for the Planning Department.
• Be skilled in delegation and active involvement, problem-solving, and a commitment to driving progress.
• Possess a deep understanding of municipal planning, design, construction, and maintenance, along with a thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards.
• Provide leadership and mentoring that inspires and encourages others to develop skills, be prepared for advancement, and achieve their best.
• Ensure that projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
• Be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate emotional intelligence and political understanding, and have a desire to improve customer service experience.
• Be able to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions, and establish positive relationships with colleagues, employees, the public, and other stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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:

Education:

Equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, environmental design, urban design, or development, project management, or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job class. Possession of a master’s degree is desirable.

Experience:

Five (5) years of progressively responsible planning experience, preferably in a municipal setting, including at least two (2) years of experience in a role with direct supervisory responsibility.

License and Certifications:

• Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.
• Possession of a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or equivalent professional recognition is desired.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Each candidate’s background will be evaluated based on the information submitted. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase in the recruitment process, which may include an oral panel interview and/or practical exercise. Only the names of the most qualified candidates who pass the initial selection process will be submitted to the City for consideration for final selection.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a letter of interest and a focused resume detailing their recent experience and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position, along with their completed application and supplemental questions toCalOpps.org by following this link: https://www.calopps.org/city-of-sebastopol All materials must be included to be considered as a candidate.

This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Sebastopol is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Additional inquiries about the position or candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should be directed to Danielle Oliveira from Muchmore Than Consulting [e-mail].

THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.