Principal Planner

City of Ventura; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & benefits

Vacation & Holidays

Deferred Compensation

CalPERS Retirement

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

The City of Ventura seeks an experienced Principal Planner to join its Community Development Department. Under general direction, the role supervises Planning Division staff and performs advanced professional work in development review, General Plan updates, land use policy, environmental analysis, and housing/economic development programs.

Key duties include guiding staff, reviewing plans for design quality, preparing reports, overseeing consultants, and representing the division at public

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, environmental studies, public administration, engineering or closely related field.
• Five years of professional planning experience at increasing levels of responsibility.
• Two years of first-line supervisory experience or three years of lead responsibility on projects/programs.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Planning Division staff and oversee development review, long-range planning, and implementation of General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and Specific Plans.
• Prepare and oversee complex reports; present recommendations to management, committees, and City Council.
• Oversee division work programs, budget development, and monitor consultant work; act as project manager on special assignments.
• Develop and implement policies and code amendments supporting housing, land use, and coastal programs.
• Oversee public counter operations and ensure timely case processing and permit tracking.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Lead project experience

Public agency experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field

Job description

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Whether you're starting your career journey or seeking new opportunities, we welcome all and offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Vacation & Holiday Compensation
• Deferred Compensation
• CalPERS Retirement
• Eligibility as a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

Salary Range (DOQ):

• Principal Planner- $108,133.17 - $144,899.46 Annually DOQ

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced, motivated Principal Planner to join its Community Development Department. Under general direction, this position supervises Planning Division staff and performs advanced professional work in areas such as development review, General Plan updates, land use policy initiatives, environmental analysis, and community housing and economic development programs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serves as a first-line supervisor for Planning Division staff, overseeing development review, long-range planning, and implementation of the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and Specific Plans. Reviews complex site and building plans for design quality, neighborhood compatibility, historic context, and coastal considerations. Ensures accuracy and quality of reports, notices, and hearing materials.
• Performs advanced planning work, including development review, policy and ordinance analysis, environmental review, and long-range planning studies. Prepares and oversees complex reports and presents recommendations to management, committees, commissions, and City Council.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff; assigns and monitors work to meet deadlines and performance goals. Provides technical guidance to staff, other departments, and the public.
• Assists with division work programs and budget development; monitors consultant work and serves as project manager on special assignments.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and code amendments supporting housing, land use, and coastal programs.
• Oversees public counter operations, ensures timely case processing, and maintains permit tracking systems.
• Represents the division at public meetings, including evenings as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications – Required

A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, environmental studies, public administration, engineering or a closely related field and five years of increasingly responsible professional planning, former redevelopment agency work or related program management experience in the assigned area. Two years of first line supervisory experience or three years of lead responsibility or oversight of projects or programs are required. Professional planning experience in a California public agency is highly desirable.

License: Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver's license may be required.

Certificate: Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.

About the Department

The Community Development Department is responsible for guiding the City’s growth in a way that is safe, sustainable, and responsive to community needs. The department oversees planning and zoning, permit services, building and safety, code enforcement, housing, and redevelopment activities. Through these functions, Community Development ensures that new development and improvements to existing properties comply with City policies, zoning regulations, and building and safety standards.

Working collaboratively across divisions and with City leadership, commissions, and the public, the department supports economic vitality, protects neighborhood quality, advances affordable housing initiatives, and promotes long-term planning goals. Community Development plays a key role in shaping the built environment while balancing regulatory requirements, public safety, and community values.

This is the full supervisory classification in the Planner series. The Principal Planner is distinguished from the Senior Planner by supervisory responsibility for professional, technical, and clerical staff as well as supervision of consultant or contract services. This position is further distinguished from the Planning Manager by the latter's overall responsibility for managing all sections in the Planning division. Learn more about the Executive Assistant on the job description here.

Eligibility List

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

Additional Information

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, [phone], e-mail: [e-mail].

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!