Planning Manager

The Position

Help shape Modesto's future as our next Planning Manager! If you're a visionary leader who thrives on urban planning, innovation, and building vibrant communities, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and smart growth. Upcoming salary increases and incentives: 3% COLA effective 7/1/2026, 2.5% education incentive - Bachelor's Degree, 5% education incentive - Master's Degree.

The Planning Manager is responsible to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of the Planning Division within the Community and Economic Development Department including overseeing Urban Area General Plan, zoning updates and implementation, processing development applications and permits, and conducting environmental reviews; to coordinate Planning Division activities with other divisions and departments; and to provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Director of Community and Economic Development.

Read more in our comprehensive brochure! Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received, resumes will not be screened for the purpose of determining who is the most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application with the words "SEE RESUME." Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. Tentative testing schedule: In-person written exam week of July 12, 2026. The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience.

Essential and Marginal Function Statements

Essential and other important responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Plan, organize and direct Planning Division activities including urban growth review, specific plans, land use entitlement, annexation, environmental review, zoning code compliance and enforcement and the City's General Plan. Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, policies and procedures. Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Planning Division work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures. Prepare the Planning Division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget. Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department. Develop, maintain, implement and interpret the comprehensive General Plan; update the General Plan as required. Oversee and evaluate environmental documents prepared in support of specific development proposals and plans. Serve as Secretary to the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment; provide staff and technical assistance to the Planning Commission, City Council and community groups. Represent the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary. Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures. Marginal functions: Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of urban planning and program development with particular emphasis on environmental review, land usage and division, and growth management. Principles, practices, standards, information sources and trends in the field of current and advance planning. Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules and regulations. Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management. Budgeting procedures and techniques. Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Ability to: Organize, implement, and direct the Planning Division operations and activities. Perform the most complex work of the division. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion. Interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, local, and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Prepare and administer a budget. Supervise, train and evaluate personnel. Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications. Experience and Training Guidelines Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: Five of years increasingly responsible experience in professional urban planning, regional planning, or a related field, including two years of supervisory responsibility. Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, geography, or a related field. A Master's degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, or a related field is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license. Possession of certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is desirable.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical temperature controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions require occasional overtime or weekend work and the ability to travel.