Principal Planner

Why Work for the City of Millbrae? Located in the heart of the Peninsula, the City of Millbrae is a vibrant community with a rich history and an exciting future. We are looking for an experienced planning professional to join our Community Development team and help shape the City's future through innovative planning, housing, economic development, and sustainable growth. High-Impact Projects: Lead complex planning initiatives involving mixed‑use development, housing, environmental review, and economic development that directly influence the future of the community. Technical Leadership: Serve as the department's lead technical planning resource, providing guidance to planning staff, coordinating consultants, and collaborating with City leadership on major policy initiatives. Meaningful Work: Work with residents, developers, elected officials, and regional agencies to help create a vibrant community. Career Development: Build a rewarding career with professional development opportunities in a thriving Bay Area community. If you are ready to take on challenging projects and make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply. About the Opportunity We are excited to announce a full‑time, permanent Principal Planner position in the Community Development Department. Under the general direction of the Planning Manager, the Principal Planner performs complex professional planning work involving current and advanced planning, environmental review, housing, economic development, and special projects, while serving as the department's lead technical planning resource. Your Key Responsibilities May Include: Current & Advanced Planning: Leading complex planning projects involving land use, housing, economic development, zoning administration, General Plan amendments, Specific Plans, and environmental review. Development Review: Reviewing and processing complex development applications, including use permits, subdivisions, variances, zoning amendments, and architectural design review. Project Management: Coordinating consultants, developers, City departments, and public agencies while managing planning projects through completion. Policy Development: Preparing reports, resolutions, ordinances, and recommendations related to planning, housing, zoning, CEQA, and land use policy. Public Engagement: Presenting projects and policy recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council, community groups, and other stakeholders. Technical Leadership: Providing guidance to planning staff, overseeing consultant work, and supporting continuous improvements to planning programs and processes. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Housing, or a closely related field. A Master's degree is highly desirable. Experience Five (5) years of increasingly responsible municipal planning experience, including responsibility for complex planning projects. Licenses & Certifications Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record. AICP certification is desirable. Knowledge & Abilities Knowledge of municipal planning, land use, zoning, housing, economic development, and CEQA. Experience reviewing development proposals, architectural plans, and design standards. Strong project management, analytical, and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public presentations. Ability to manage multiple priorities and build effective working relationships with elected officials, developers, consultants, staff, and the public. Willing to work occasional evenings and weekends to attend meetings and community events. #J-18808-Ljbffr