Senior Planner

Senior Planner

Join the City of Orange Community Development Department as a Senior Planner! To ensure your application is considered, apply by Sunday, May 10th - the recruitment may close at any time after that date.

Why work for the City of Orange?

• Employees enjoy the perks of working within Old Towne Orange where our Metrolink, parks, shops, and restaurants are all just a short walk away!
• You will have every other Friday OFF! This role offers a "9/80 work schedule" which means we work 9-hour days Monday through Thursday, and just an 8-hour day every other Friday. That equates to 26 Fridays off per year!
• Your retirement will include a pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Classic CalPERS members joining Orange will enjoy the 2.7% @ age 55 formula!
• We provide a generous amount towards the purchase of healthcare insurance plans, but if you do not need insurance through the City, you will be eligible for a portion of that money as income.
• We offer Tuition Reimbursement benefits, and we are a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Our Wellness Program offers reimbursement for various wellness expenses including gym memberships, weights, and exercise equipment, providing employees with resources, social support, and strategies to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Historically, City Hall is closed between Christmas Day through New Year's Day for a holiday break.

In the City of Orange's Community Development Department, you can:

• Expand the scope of your professional experience and abilities through working on a wide variety of projects.
• Perform work that protects and promotes the built environment and cultural history of the community.
• Engage with staff from all City departments and community members who are passionate about Orange.
• Be part of a team that embraces having fun while being productive and innovative at work.

Instructions for Applying:

• To ensure your application is considered, apply by Sunday, May 10th - the recruitment may close at any time after that date.
• Attach a staff report that you have authored to your application submission. If you have not authored a staff report, no attachment is required.

Definition of the Position:

Under general supervision, a Senior Planner administers advanced and complex current and advance planning activities, including serving as project manager for complex development applications and special projects; administers specified activities in such areas as zoning, advance planning, and environmental impact studies, protection, and compliance, as well as the capital improvement program (CIP); provides technical direction to lower-level staff; provides information and assistance to property owners, developers, contractors and the public; provides complex professional assistance to the Community Development Department management staff, City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Committee, and others in areas of expertise; oversees, reviews and performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related work as required.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Senior Planners receive general supervision from Community Development Department management staff. May exercise technical and functional direction over and provide training to lower-level staff.

Examples of Duties

Click here for the full job description.

Typical Qualifications

See the job descriptions referenced above to review the knowledge, skills, and abilities that qualified candidates will possess. Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical and ideal way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities, or two (2) years of experience as Associate Planner at the City of Orange.
• Experience applying historic preservation principles is highly desirable.
• Experience presenting to boards, commissions, community groups, or governing bodies such as City Councils is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance is required.

Supplemental Information

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 in work areas 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 25 pounds.

Working Conditions: This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee's physical presence at the workplace. May be required to work various shifts, including, but not limited to, early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, at a variety of City locations. Environmental Elements: Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally work in the field and 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. Disaster Service Worker: All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency. City Mission, Vision, and Values: Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence.