Principal Planner

Salary : $140,808.00 - $173,832.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 261054-01
Department: Community Development
Division: City Planning/Development Review
Opening Date: 10/12/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 5:30 PM Pacific


Job Summary

DEFINITION
Assists in overseeing the daily activities of the City Planning Division related to the development and implementation of the City General Plan, Specific Plans, Local Coastal Plan, Zoning Ordinance and environmental review process.

SUPERVISION
Works under the administrative supervision of the Planning Manager who makes detailed work assignments, periodically reviews work in progress and carefully reviews work upon completion. Exercises administrative and technical supervision over professional and clerical staff.
Representative Duties
Organizes, directs, and assigns the work of the planning teams; provides guidance and direction on review and analysis of planning applications, zoning and land use matters, environmental issues, revisions to ordinances, and preparation of modifications to the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan and Specific Plans; reviews staff reports and manages and tracks the completion of work to ensure compliance with the Department's Performance Objectives.
Provides training and mentoring for division staff. Assists the Planning Manager with team building and development and implementation of the division's mission and a professional development program for division staff.
Oversees the day-to-day work of clerical staff.
Manages and coordinates large and complex planning projects related to development or long-range planning policies.
Monitors and tracks division activities with respect to revenues, expenditures, and workload and provides budget analyses. Assists in the preparation of the division's budget.
Coordinates the preparation of staff reports for items requiring Planning Commission or City Council review.
Makes presentations to the City Council, City Boards and Commissions.
Manages staff workload with the Planning Manager. Assists with the development of division work program and related monitoring.
Provides oversight to the appropriate staff in the area of development processing and policy analysis.
Assists the Planning Manager with the formulation of policy related to zoning, the General Plan and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Coordinates public outreach efforts to community groups and other stakeholders in the planning process, as assigned.
Assists the Planning Manager with the development and implementation of "customer care", website, and operational enhancements to improve the Division's systems and performance.
Assists with the coordination of land use matters with other City departments and divisions.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Requirements
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills :

Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and procedures in contemporary urban planning and zoning including environmental analysis.

Research techniques.

Contract administration.

Supervisory principles and practices.

Effective customer service techniques.

Effective supervisory techniques.

Ability to:
Conduct research, analyze data and make recommendations.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports and recommendations.

Interpret and apply policies and regulations.

Provide effective customer service.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, the general public, and City Boards and Commissions.

Effectively train and supervise staff.
Skill in:
Project management.

Using personal computers and applicable software applications.

Supervising staff.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field. Master's degree and AICP certification are desirable.
Four years of recent, paid, progressively responsible municipal planning work experience. At least two years of the required experience must have included supervising or coordinating the work of others.
Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid class C driver license or ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related functions.
Supplemental Information

How to Apply:


Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.


You must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application in order to qualify for this position. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being disqualified.


Selection Process:


All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.


Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate: written test, performance test, evaluation of qualifications, oral interview and seniority. Background Investigation:


Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.


The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!


Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call View phone number on click.appcast.io, TDD View phone number on click.appcast.io (Hearing Impaired Only).


Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.
WORKING CONDITIONS :
Work is performed primarily indoors in a home office or work office environment, in accordance with the City's Telework/Flexible Workplace Policy. Office work may require sitting for prolonged periods of time and using a computer keyboard, mouse, and screen with many interruptions and tight, frequently changing deadlines. Physical demands may include walking, standing, kneeling, bending, reaching and grasping. May be required to work evenings and/or weekends.
The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.
01


The Principal Planner position requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Landscape Architecture or a closely related field. Do you meet this requirement?(Note: If YES, you must submit a copy of your college-level transcripts or degree copy. Applicants who indicate receipt of college-level coursework from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.)

• Yes
• No

02


The Principal Planner position has a desirable qualification of a Master's degree. Do you possess a Master's degree?

• Yes
• No

03


If "Yes" to the question 2 above, please list the field of study for your Master's degree.
04


The Principal Planner position has a desirable qualification of AICP certification. Are you an AICP certified planner?

• Yes
• No

05


Describe your experience in directing, supervising, and/or coordinating policy development and implementation, development review, and environmental review pursuant to CEQA. Please described your experience in each subject area, including a recent example, where you obtained the experience, and what position(s) you were in.
06


Describe your experience supervising and/or coordinating the work of others and building a team. In your response, describe the type of supervision/coordination you exercised and how you have been effective at creating a collaborative environment and motivating a diverse work unit.
Required Question