Senior Planner

CITY OF MORGAN HILL SENIOR PLANNER $11,281 - $14,827 Monthly $135,372 - $177,888 Annually The City of Morgan Hill focuses on meeting our core values of teamwork, innovation, customer service, professional growth, and overcoming challenges. If you share these core values and have a passion to serve our community, this may be the position for you! The City of Morgan Hill Development Services Department is responsible for Planning, Building, Housing and Economic Development functions within the City. JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Community Development Director or Development Services Director, the Senior Planner conducts professional activities related to the City's land use planning program, serves as project manager for current planning, long-range planning and special studies, and may supervise professional planning staff. The Senior Planner is expected to have substantial experience and expertise in land use planning and to apply knowledge and skills gained through specialized training and depth of experience to complete complex long-range and current planning projects. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This management classification conducts day-to-day planning activities including land use entitlements, delivery of customer service, coordination with outside agencies, compliance with state and local regulations, and supervision of planners. The position plays a key role in the development of the City’s General Plan and other long-range planning activities and conducts major planning projects and reports. IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate is an accomplished long-range planning professional with deep expertise in General Plan development, Specific Plans, Design Guidelines, Zoning Code updates, annexations, area plans, housing-related policy documents, and other advanced planning studies. They will translate technical analysis into clear, actionable policy direction. Advanced planning leadership – Proven experience managing comprehensive long-range planning projects from initiation through adoption. Policy development & analysis – Ability to synthesize demographic, environmental, economic, and land‑use data into well‑reasoned policy recommendations. General Plan & regulatory expertise – Strong understanding of state planning mandates, CEQA, housing legislation, and best practices in urban planning. Community engagement & equity – Successful design and implementation of inclusive engagement strategies. Interagency coordination – Collaboration with regional agencies, county partners, and neighboring jurisdictions. Strategic thinking & problem solving – Anticipate challenges, evaluate alternatives, and develop creative, data-driven solutions. Communication & facilitation – Present complex concepts to diverse audiences. Leadership & mentorship – Support and develop planning staff through coaching and guidance. Customer service & professionalism – Build trust and maintain positive relationships with the City. Education & Experience Possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in urban planning, architecture, public administration, or a closely related field. Four years of city planning experience. Experience in municipal land use planning is desirable. Licenses & Certificates Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license. AICP certification is desirable. Other Requirements Willingness to attend evening meetings. Knowledge of Current principles, practices and techniques of urban planning. Current supervisory principles and practices. Zoning principles and methods. Economic forecasting and statistical research methods. Environmental issues related to the planning process. Applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. Skill in Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of professional and support staff. Implementing, interpreting and explaining complex policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Conducting analytical studies, compiling data, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations. Reading and interpreting maps and specifications. Providing outstanding customer service. Facilitating community engagement. Using common office software, including Microsoft Office. Ability to Manage complex near‑term and long‑term land use planning projects. Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Represent the City effectively in meetings. Prepare clear, concise, and competent reports, correspondence, and other written materials. Perform the essential functions of this position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Regularly required to talk or hear; sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle objects; reach, climb, or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch. Occasional lifting and moving of up to 20 pounds. Requirements include close, distance, peripheral and depth vision, and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT Generally 90% indoors and 10% outdoors. Indoor environment usually temperature‑controlled; some travel required. Noise level usually moderate. FINAL FILING DATE: Friday, August 14, 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr