City Planner (U)

City Planner (U) The City Planner serves as the Division Manager for Planning and reports directly to the Director of Community Development & Housing. This senior‑level position oversees all current and long‑range planning functions for the City, directing the Planning Division operations, implementing the City’s General Plan and Development Code, and ensuring high‑quality review of land use entitlements and environmental documentation in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Responsibilities Administer and direct Planning Division operations, including development and environmental cycles. Ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other regulatory requirements. Coordinate with regional agencies (SCAG, SBCTA) and the Planning Committee, and represent the City in meetings with stakeholders. Review a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and energy development projects, and provide guidance to staff and applicants. Prepare and present reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council. Assist in the development and monitoring of the Division’s budget, evaluate operational effectiveness, and implement process improvements. Manage, supervise and train Planning staff, foster a positive team culture, and maintain effective working relationships with City personnel and the public. Challenges & Opportunities Navigate complex CEQA, NEPA, and other regulatory obligations. Implement state housing mandates while balancing community needs. Manage a high volume of development projects across multiple sectors. Strengthen internal processes to ensure timely, consistent entitlement review. Enhance cross‑department collaboration and build relationships with external agencies. Mentor staff and foster a positive team culture. Influence strategic planning priorities and shape long‑term policy initiatives. Ideal Candidate Experienced leader with supervisory experience in municipal planning. In‑depth knowledge of land use law, zoning, and CEQA compliance. Effective communicator who can present complex planning issues to the Planning Commission, City Council, developers and the public. Collaborative, solutions‑oriented, balancing customer service with regulatory compliance. Politically savvy and able to navigate stakeholder environments. Strategic thinker capable of implementing process improvements and guiding long‑term initiatives. Committed to advancing the City’s development goals, sustainability and quality of life for residents. Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Regional Planning, or a related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal current‑and‑long‑range planning programs, including three (3) years in a supervisory capacity. Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment A valid State driver’s license is required. Modern office software, including GIS applications, and a computer. Knowledge Modern principles, procedures, and standards of municipal planning and community development. Planning and zoning laws, ordinances, codes, and current literature. Comprehensive planning including formation, adoption, and enforcement. Management, organization, and budget practices including contract administration. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including CEQA. Scheduling work assignments, office procedures, and equipment. Record keeping, report preparation, and writing skills, proper English, spelling and grammar. Safety practices and hazard awareness. Ability To Manage, oversee, review, and perform the operations of the Planning Division. Analyze complex planning issues and develop solutions. Plan, organize, direct and evaluate program activities. Exercise supervisory control over professional and technical tasks. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate employees; prepare and administer a budget. Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations. Adjust standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes. Organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments. Work independently and as part of a team. Make sound decisions within established guidelines. Analyze complex issues and implement appropriate responses. Follow written and oral directions; promote safety principles. Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. Represent the City in meetings. Develop new policies impacting Department operations and procedures. Operate a motor vehicle safely when required by job duties. Maintain effective working relationships with City personnel and the public. Operate office computer and word‑processing applications. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City. Accommodations for Disabilities In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities on a case‑by‑case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of San Bernardino