PLANNING MANAGER

Location : Cathedral City, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
Job Number: 26-31
Department: Community and Economic Development
Opening Date: 10/13/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NON-REP


Description
Placement within this range is dependent on qualifications and experience.


This recruitment is continuous and may close without prior notice. Applications will be reviewed as submitted. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply immediately.
The City offers flexible work schedules, including 5/8 and 4/10 options, to support work-life balance. Remote/hybrid work opportunities are also available, subject to operational needs.
THE COMMUNITY

Cathedral City offers more than just a career - We offer an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our vibrant desert community. As our Planning Manager , you'll guide the thoughtful growth and development of our city's most valuable asset: its future and present land use.

Nestled in the heart of the Coachella Valley with stunning mountain views, Cathedral City provides an exceptional quality of life with a balance of urban amenities and natural beauty. Our diverse community of approximately 52,000 residents enjoys cultural events, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of belonging.
THE POSITION
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, supervises and manages the operational activities and programs of the Planning Division; coordinates planning activities with building, engineering and other divisions and departments; Provides oversight and manages complex housing, commercial and mixed-use development projects; Leads the implementation of the City's new Development Code, provides expert professional assistance to City management staff in planning and related matters; performs related work as assigned.

YOUR ROLE

As a key member of our leadership team, you'll oversee all aspects of planning and land use management, from long-range strategic planning and current development review to policy implementation and community engagement. You'll shape the decisions that foster a well-designed, inclusive city where residents and businesses can thrive - and where our community's unique desert character is preserved for generations to come.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that provides the above listed knowledge, skills and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way of qualifying would be:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree with major work in city or regional planning, urban planning, or a closely related field and three years of supervisory or project leadership experience in both advanced and current planning in a public agency setting.
• Experience dealing with citizen boards or committees and a Master's degree in regional and urban planning are desirable.

For the Planning Manager Job Description: Click Here.
Based on the information provided in the application documents, qualified applicants may be invited for further examination and will either be pre-scheduled by the Department of Human Resources or be invited to self-schedule. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of an initial application screening, a supplemental questionnaire assessment, an oral board exam, or any combination listed. Responses to supplemental questions may be used as screening and testing mechanisms and will be used to assess an applicant's ability to advance in the process; as such, responses to supplemental questions should be treated as test examination responses. Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
HOW TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted through the NEOGOV system. Paper copies of applications are not accepted. All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (degree/transcripts, certificates, DD-214 if applicable, ADA Accommodation Request) must be submitted by the application final filing deadline.

Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at


Americans with Disabilities Act

The City of Cathedral City is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodations needed, in writing, at the time when the employment application is submitted.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

A resume, cover letter, and a completed City of Cathedral City application are required. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of City application.
The City does not participate in the Social Security system except for a mandatory Medicare

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
The City provides an outstanding benefits plan that includes:

- Bilingual pay
- CalPERS Health Insurance plus other Benefits
- CalPERS Retirement
- Certification and Education Incentives
- Deferred Compensation
- Educational Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Holidays
- Life Insurance | Long Term Disability
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Accrual
- Wellness

Benefit description per bargaining unit are available for review on the City's website


- General Unit
- Cathedral City Professional Firefighters Association
- Cathedral City Fire Management Association
- Cathedral City Police Officer Association
- Cathedral City Police Management Association
01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information, and reference to resume or application may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• YES
• NO

02


Please indicate the highest level of education completed.

• Master's degree or higher in regional planning, urban planning, or a closely related field.
• Bachelor's degree in regional planning, urban planning, or a closely related field.
• Degree in another field.
• Some college
• High school diploma

03


How many years of supervisory experience do you possess?

• Three (3) years or more
• Two (2) to three (3) years
• One (1) to two (2) years
• Less than one (1) year

04


How many years of project leadership experience do you possess?

• Three (3) years or more
• Two (2) to three (3) years
• One (1) to two (2) years
• Less than one (1) year

05


Do you have experience dealing with citizen boards or committees? Note: experience must also be listed on your application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question