Senior Planner

City of Sunnyvale; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a Senior Planner to join the Policy Planning team. Under direction, you will perform complex current and long-range planning, including zoning, environmental review, and general plan updates.

You will prepare reports, maintain maps, and present to the Planning Commission and City Council. You will collaborate across departments on housing element implementation, area plans, and coordination with regional agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field and city planning experience.
• Master's degree in urban planning with related field coursework is acceptable.
• Knowledge of zoning, CEQA and environmental review processes.

Responsibilities

• Process planning applications and analyze land use impacts.
• Prepare technical and administrative reports and present to Planning Commission and City Council.
• Coordinate with other departments and outside agencies on long-range planning projects.

Skills

Urban planning knowledge

Supervision

Communication

Research methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning

Master's degree in urban planning

Job description

The final filing date is Wednesday, October 28, 2026, by 5:00 pm or after receiving 100 qualified applications, whichever is first.

The City of Sunnyvale is a dynamic, prohousing-designated city committed to excellent customer service, governance, and planning practices. The City is filling a vacancy at the Senior Planner level currently on the Policy Planning team; this recruitment will also establish a list for potential vacancies for other sections of the Planning team. This position offers an excellent opportunity to work on strategic projects enhancing the future of Sunnyvale with the Policy Planning team responsible for advancing City Council land use policy priorities and initiatives; Housing Element implementation; area plan development; Comprehensive Plan development and amendments; assessment of changing state laws; and engagement with regional agencies. The City is seeking a planner with the experience and vision to collaborate on this exciting work.

Under direction of a Principal Planner or Planning Officer, performs complex professional work in current and long-range planning activities including zoning, environmental review, general plan updates, and plan preparation and review; may organize, assign and review the work of assigned personnel; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

• Processes planning applications; reviews and analyzes land use impacts and compliance with local and State regulations and City policies.
• Conducts research and compiles, analyzes and evaluates information related to planning studies, such as demographic, economic, social, environmental, land use and housing data.
• Prepares a variety of technical and administrative reports, documents and correspondence; prepares environmental documents; makes presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council and at public hearings and community meetings.
• Prepares and maintains maps pertaining to zoning, land use and other planning related activities.
• Conducts studies and prepares and presents corresponding reports.
• Evaluates and reviews development plans for compliance; prepares reports, Initial Studies, ordinances, and researches and communicates with applicants, consultants, staff and members of the public.
• Reviews environmental documents and mitigation monitoring programs.
• Prepares standard forms and checklists Initial Studies and Negative Declarations
• Inspects residential, commercial and industrial properties to gather data and assess the possible need for project or plan modifications.
• Researches, conducts and/or analyzes policy and long range planning projects.
• Researches planning issues related to economic development, land use, zoning and environmental concerns.
• Researches and writes special studies including General Plan review and policy study issues.
• Coordinates project reviews with other city departments and outside agencies.
• Receives and responds to inquiries and questions at the front counter, via email and telephone; provides information regarding planning, zoning and the development process to developers, property owners, design professionals, other agencies and City departments.
• Assists in the identification and preparation of grant applications for planning and development projects.
• Represents the Community Development Department at meetings and conferences as assigned.
• Plans, prioritizes and reviews the work of staff assigned to the performance of professional planning activities.
• Develops schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Participates in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
• Provides and coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Coordinates with the City Attorney's Office for legal advice.
• Maintains current knowledge of case law and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books and documents weighing up to 25pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Experience and Education

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following ways:

(1) a Bachelor'sdegree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, architecture or a related field; AND Five years of city planning experience (2) a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, architecture or a related field; AND Fouryears of city planning experience

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.
• Principles, objectives, practices and procedures of city and regional planning, urban design and zoning.
• Research and statistical practices as they relate to land use, transportation, zoning and master plan studies.
• Techniques used in the development and maintenance of comprehensive plans, general plans and specific plans.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• Elements of project review, including architectural and site planning considerations.
• Methods of citizen participation in planning.
• Advanced research methods and techniques.
• Environmental regulations and issues related to the planning process.
• The relationship of land use planning to transportation, housing and other aspects of community development.
• Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.

Ability to

• Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.
• Perform the most complex duties related to the performance of professional planning activities.
• Read and understand maps, architectural drawings and plans, and reports.
• Analyze and compile information and determine appropriate course of action.
• Gather and analyze data on land use, population, urban growth patterns, economic and social trends, industrial development and other demographic data used in land use planning for the purpose of preparing and presenting accurate and concise written reports and making presentations at public forums.
• Interpret economic, sociological and statistical data and draw logical conclusions.
• Interpret, apply and explain planning, zoning and City policies, rules, laws and regulations.
• Conduct complex analytical studies involving the collection, compilation and analysis of technical, statistical and economic data, evaluation of alternatives, and development and presentation of sound recommendations.
• Operate a computer using word processing and business software and other office equipment.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Write staff reports and similar correspondence.
• Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, public officials and the public.
• Demonstrate initiative and exercise good judgment in the performance of duties.
• Work independently and as a team member; recognize and set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Willingness to

Attend weekend and evening meetings.

Licenses/Certificates

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering public presentations.
• Lead or supervisory experience.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an in-person selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of November 30.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search 'education equivalency verification' or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this job classification are represented by Sunnyvale Employees Association (SEA).

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail].