Senior Planner

Salary : $115,500.00 - $154,824.00 Annually
Location : City Hall - Ross Annex, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2027-00111 (MC)
Department: Planning and Building
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: SEIU


Description
The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.


Under direction of a Principal Planner, performs complex analysis of current or advanced planning projects and plans, organizes and supervises the work of personnel assigned to programs and/or special projects in assigned section to support achievement of the Planning Division goals.
The current vacancy is in the Advance Planning Division of the Planning and Building Agency. This public-facing role is involved in stakeholder engagement for complex urban initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills and a proven ability to diplomatically navigate diverse and sensitive community perspectives.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications early. Applicants who submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To
In assigned program or project, supervises and/or performs complex professional and technical planning duties as follows: conducts research, analyzes findings and makes recommendations. Prepares environmental documentation; plans and coordinates action plans and activities pertaining to environmental impact reports. Reviews and analyzes development proposals for conformance to the City's General Plan and Zoning and Development Standards Guidelines. Reviews plans with property owners, civic leaders and policy review boards. Attends offsite meetings. Performs site inspections. Prepares and presents required reports, including recommendations regarding development proposals, to the City's policy making bodies. Collects and analyzes planning data to be utilized in the review and restructuring of the City's General Plan and the Zoning and Development standard documents. Prepares, updates and maintains City's overall General Plan including development of Area Specific Plans. Supervises and coordinates long range planning activities. May coordinate public counter operations for the Planning Division. Supervises, trains and evaluates professional, technical and support staff. Performs other related functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Four years of progressively responsible professional level experience in municipal or regional planning administration, two of which must have been in a lead capacity. Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration or related field (with a Master's degree preferred), or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, skills and abilities.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: State General Planning Laws; municipal zoning ordinance administration; California Environmental Quality Act; California Subdivision Map Act; principles and practices of municipal planning; research methods and sources of statistical data; principles and practices of supervision.

Ability to: Plan and organize special planning projects and programs; supervise, train and evaluate professional, technical and support staff; interpret laws and ordinances; analyze data and make sound recommendations; prepare comprehensive reports; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; utilize principles of Total Quality Service in Planning Division operations; develop and maintain effective working relationships with developers, property owners, business and community leaders, regulatory agencies, other city employees and the general public.
SPECIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License as a condition of employment.

Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required prior to completion of the probationary work test period, and is a condition of continued employment in this classification.


Must be willing and able to work irregular hours including weekends, as needed.

Selection Process
All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:


Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for November 10, 2026) : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.


The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.
Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

(under SEIU)
NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.
01


How many years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal or regional planning administration do you have?

• No experience, less than 2 years
• Two years, less than 4 years
• Four years, less than 6 years
• Six years or more

02


From the years of experience listed above, how many years of experience have been in a lead capacity?

• More than 6 months,less than a 1 year
• One year, less than 2 years
• Two years, less than 3 years
• Three years or more

03


What is your highest level of education completed?

• Did not graduate high school / did not obtain GED
• Graduated high school / obtained GED
• Completed some college-level coursework or obtained Associate's degree
• Obtained Bachelor's degree
• Obtained Graduate degree

04


Do you currently possess valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification?

• Yes
• No

05


Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" driver's license is a requirement of this position. Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" driver's license and understand this requirement?Note for out-of-state applicants: Currently possessing the equivalent of a California Class "C" driver's license from another state would temporarily suffice this requirement and must obtain a Class "C" driver's license in the State of California prior to a job offer with the City of Santa Ana.

• Yes
• No

06


A valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is required prior to completion of the probationary work test period, and is a condition of continued employment in this classification. Failure to obtain and maintain valid AICP certification shall result in termination from employment. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

07


Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends, as needed, is a requirement of this position. Do you understand and agree to this requirement?

• Yes
• No

08


The current vacancy is in the Advance Planning Division. This public-facing role is involved in stakeholder engagement for complex urban initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills and a proven ability to diplomatically navigate diverse and sensitive community perspectives. Describe your experience navigating sensitive or contentious community issues.
09


Describe your supervisory or lead experience: how many employees supervised; how many years you have supervised employees; level of employees supervised (professional/technical/clerical).
10


Describe your experience leading a complex advance planning project.
11


Describe your work experience in the application of the State General Planning Laws and regional planning.
12


Please describe your experience translating broad general plan goals into actionable regulatory frameworks, such as comprehensive zoning code updates or targeted ordinances. How do you ensure these tools remain compliant with state mandates while staying practical for staff to administer? If you have no experience, please indicate N/A.
Required Question