Senior Planner

Senior Planner Position

First interviews will be held on September 10, 2026. The City of Rohnert Park is seeking a Senior Planner to manage projects in the areas of land use planning, zoning, development review, and environmental analysis. The position will process various land use entitlement such as: General Plan amendments, Specific Plan amendments, municipal code and zone changes, design reviews, conditional use permits, and other discretionary permits. Additional duties include developing and reviewing staff reports related to planning activities, projects, and services and presenting reports to the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and other decision-making and advisory bodies.

The incumbent is expected to provide outstanding and friendly customer service, create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment, communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible, demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers, perform work of the highest quality possible, practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility; principles, practices, and procedures related to city and regional planning, development, and zoning administration; geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning; comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process; site planning and architectural design principles; recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning services, activities, and projects; methods, materials, and techniques used in the planning of projects, including land use, transportation, natural resources, and parks; principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work; practices of researching planning and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports; methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation; techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff; the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar; modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination; computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to administer complex, technical, and sensitive planning, development, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner; review and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials; analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner; conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports; establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems; understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed; effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals; learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in land-use planning, urban planning, public administration, business administration, community development, or a closely related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible administrative and/or project management experience in urban or environmental planning.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners is desirable.

Physical Demands: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Environmental Elements: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.