Municipal Planner

Municipal PlannerPosition OverviewWe are seeking a Municipal Planner to support the Citys planning, zoning, and environmental review programs. This role will advance land use objectives by reviewing development proposals, administering zoning regulations, preparing and managing CEQA/NEPA environmental review, and producing GIS-based analyses and maps. The Municipal Planner will coordinate with internal departments, external agencies, applicants, and community stakeholders to ensure projects meet regulatory requirements and the communitys long-term planning goals.Key ResponsibilitiesAdminister and interpret zoning codes and municipal land use policies; review applications for zoning compliance and prepare staff reports and recommendations.Conduct land use and site analyses, prepare feasibility assessments, and evaluate project impacts relative to adopted plans and standards.Lead and support CEQA/NEPA environmental review for projects, including preparation or review of Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and related documentation.Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create maps, perform spatial analyses, and support planning studies and presentations.Coordinate with federal, state, and regional agencies (including permitting agencies) and prepare application materials for permits and approvals.Engage with applicants, community members, neighborhood groups, and stakeholders through public outreach, workshops, and hearings; prepare materials and present findings to planning commissions and city councils.Support transportation and infrastructure planning efforts as needed, coordinating with public works and transit partners.Develop and recommend policy updates, zoning code amendments, and procedural improvements to implement the General Plan and other adopted policies.Manage consultant contracts and planning project timelines, budgets, and deliverables; track permit conditions and ensure project compliance.Prepare technical reports, memos, graphics, and presentations that clearly communicate analysis, findings, and recommendations to staff, decision-makers, and the public.QualificationsBachelors degree in Urban Planning, Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography, or a closely related field (Masters degree preferred).Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in municipal planning, land use, or environmental review; public sector experience preferred.Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Zoning Regulations and code interpretation (required).Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS or comparable mapping software (required).Working knowledge of CEQA and NEPA processes and documentation; direct experience preparing or reviewing environmental documents (required).Experience with Environmental Impact Assessment, Land Use Planning, Transportation Planning, Site Analysis, Policy Development, and Project Management (preferred).Familiarity with regulatory agencies and permitting processes, including experience coordinating with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB) is a plus.Strong written and oral communication skills; experience preparing clear staff reports, presentations, and community outreach materials.Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, and exercise professional judgment.Professional certification (AICP) or eligible to pursue AICP is desirable; proficiency with mapping and design tools (ArcGIS, AutoCAD, MS Office) is a plus.