Principal Planner

Rick Engineering Company; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Profit sharing

401K

Job summary

Rick Engineering Company is seeking a senior planning professional in San Diego, CA, to lead complex planning projects and engage with the public and clients. The role requires CA planning knowledge, leadership, and strong communication skills.

Candidates should have a Master’s in Planning or related field with 10–12 years of experience, with AICP preferred. The position emphasizes project leadership, client relationships, and mentoring staff in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Planning or related field; required experience and licensing as described.
• 10–12 years of experience in planning; CA experience preferred.
• AICP certification strongly preferred; California planning and zoning laws knowledge essential.
• Experience leading planning documents (General/Specific Plans, Zoning, Development Applications).
• Strong oral and written communication, project leadership, and staff mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and processing of a wide range of planning documents in California.
• Manage public engagement programs and drive business development.
• Build client relationships and prepare proposals for projects.
• Mentor and train planning staff; manage multiple projects and teams.

Skills

Public engagement

Leadership

Client relationships

Proposals

Education

Master's in Planning or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suites

ArcGIS

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Regular Professional San Diego, CA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1277

Salary Range: $110,240.00 To $130,000.00 Annually

RICK is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary planning, design, and engineering firm with a 71-year history of enriching communities throughout San Diego and the western United States. With more than 380 employees, RICK offers a full range of services from initial planning through concept development, final designs and plans, and implementation. We pride ourselves on growing with the times, staying true to our fundamentals, and evolving with technology paradigm shifts and sustainable design. RICK fosters a close-knit, people-focused culture that yields an 85% employee retention rate.

WE CREATE vibrant, authentic and complete communities.

New development, from large-scale greenfield master planned developments to small-scale or infill projects, must fit within the context of the physical and community character surroundings. All land uses, urban design, infrastructure, and mobility networks must be designed around interconnected development patterns and integrated with recreational and entertainment opportunities. These features provide a balanced variety of living styles and options and create complete neighborhoods and authentic social experiences. RICK designs concepts and prepares plans that create vibrant communities offering authentic and culturally rich places to live. We work for the public and private sector, providing creative solutions and strategic guidance on all types of clients and projects.

RICK’s Planning + Design Division services include:

Page Break

• General/Community Plans
• Specific Plans
• Master/Downtown/TOD Plans
• Economic Analysis
• Zoning & Land Use Analysis
• Design Guidelines
• Conceptual Design
• Site Planning
• Concept Planning & Yield Analysis
• CEQA/NEPA
• Visual Simulations/Renderings
• Community Engagement
• Development Feasibility Analysis
• Entitlement Processing
• Project Management

Page Break

Qualifications

Candidate will have a Masters Degree in Planning or related field plus a minimum of ten to twelve years’ experience. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is strongly preferred. Work experience must include leading the preparation and processing of wide range of planning documents within California including General Plans, Specific Plans, Community/Corridor Master Plans, Development Applications, Zoning and other Ordinances, and development applications. Strong knowledge of California planning and zoning laws is a must. Candidate must also possess strong experience in management of comprehensive planning projects, programming and conducting public engagement program, high participation in business development, and mentorship and training of staff. In addition to project leadership, candidate must also demonstrate experience and strong success in business development including building client relationships and preparing proposals.

Position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, strong organization, and management abilities as well as ability to mentor staff. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suites and ArcGIS is strongly preferred. Experience in the land development process for both the private and public sector is preferred. Position requires ability to effectively coordinate and present at public meetings; an understanding of production processes; and knowledge of local codes, policies, and City/County guidelines.

A good driving record is a must.

Candidate must have five or more years’ experience in Planning and Development specific to the California region.

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Profit Sharing, 401K, and Life and Disability Insurance and Personal Leave
• Company Events
• Holiday Parties, Team Building Activities and Events and Alternative Work Schedule

RICK Engineering Company (RICK) is an Equal Opportunity

RICK employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. RICK employees are also protected against