Urban Planner

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Planner

Location: Culver City, CA
Department: Planning & Development
Schedule: 8 Hours per Day, 4 Days per Week
Pay Rate: $45.00 - $61.00 per Hour

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Planner to support a municipal Planning & Development Department on a temporary assignment. This individual will lead complex development entitlement projects, oversee zoning code amendments, review planning documents, and provide technical leadership to planning staff.

The ideal candidate will bring strong municipal planning experience and a thorough understanding of land use planning, zoning administration, development review processes, and California planning regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee development entitlement applications and planning projects.
• Review and process complex land use and development proposals.
• Lead and coordinate zoning code amendment initiatives.
• Prepare, review, and approve staff reports, findings, resolutions, and decision letters.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to planning staff.
• Assign projects and monitor workload distribution among planners.
• Coordinate with developers, consultants, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Interpret zoning ordinances, municipal codes, and planning regulations.
• Present recommendations to management, commissions, and public agencies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
• Support planning initiatives and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional planning experience .

• Strong experience with:

  • Development entitlements.
  • Land use planning.
  • Zoning administration.

• Experience preparing and reviewing:

  • Staff reports.
  • Findings.
  • Planning recommendations.

• Working knowledge of:

  • California planning laws.
  • Zoning regulations.
  • Municipal development processes.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior municipal or local government planning experience.
• Experience leading planning projects and mentoring junior staff.
• Public hearing, commission, or city council presentation experience.

Ideal Background:

This role is best suited for a seasoned municipal planner who has experience managing development applications, interpreting zoning codes, preparing planning recommendations, and serving as a technical resource within a Planning Department.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-impact community development projects while supporting a dynamic municipal planning team. The selected candidate will play a key role in shaping land use decisions, advancing development initiatives, and supporting long-range planning objectives within the community.