Senior Planner

City of Orinda; Orinda (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Orinda seeks an experienced planning professional to join our high-performing team as Senior Planner, leading current and long-range planning, housing initiatives, and policy development, with collaboration among staff, residents, and decision-makers.

Under the Planning Director, the Senior Planner provides guidance and supervision to staff, manages complex projects, coordinates with departments, and oversees CEQA reviews, ensuring thoughtful growth and preservation of our semi-rural

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field (Master’s desirable).
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex planning projects and development applications.
• Conduct site plan and design review for regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and present reports to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Coordinate with departments, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Oversee CEQA/environmental review processes.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field

Master’s degree desirable

Job description

Close Date: October 5, 2026 at 5:00 pm

The City of Orinda is seeking an experienced, collaborative planning professional to join our high-performing team as a Senior Planner. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a community that values thoughtful growth, preservation of its semi-rural character, and a vibrant downtown.

Under the direction of the Planning Director, the Senior Planner leads complex current and long-range planning projects, including development review, zoning, housing initiatives, and policy development. The position works closely with staff, community members, and decision-makers, and provides technical guidance and supervision to assigned staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage complex planning projects and development applications
• Conduct site plan and design review for regulatory compliance
• Prepare and present reports to the Planning Commission and City Council
• Coordinate with departments, agencies, and stakeholders
• Oversee CEQA/environmental review processes

Key Projects:

• Housing Element implementation
• General Plan and Zoning Code updates
• Downtown initiatives (Plan Orinda / ConnectOrinda)
• Regional grant program support (e.g., MTC-ABAG)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning or related field (Master’s desirable)
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible planning experience