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The Principal Planner (Planning Administrator) Major Corridors is responsible for the development of corridor planning efforts on major corridors served by the agency. The person in this position will serve as a project manager or key supportive staff member on high profile, priority projects such as: Dumbarton West Transit Connector (Dumbarton Busway Feasibility Study), the Grand Boulevard Initiative and related El Camino Real/SR-82 corridor planning efforts. SamTrans requires someone with experience leading complex multimodal projects through planning, environmental and design phases.

Essential Functions & Duties

Examples of Essential Functions:

• Lead long-range transit and multimodal corridor plans, projects, and studies.

• Manage consultant contracts; approve and monitor project schedule and budget; direct and review consultant work.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance planning projects and initiatives.
• Present SamTrans projects and initiatives to internal and external audiences, including project goals, objectives, and recommendations.
• May supervise staff as needed.

• Perform technical analysis and/or supervise the work of others; integrate principles of transportation and land use planning, transit propensity and equity into planning projects and studies.

• Develop sound project goals, objectives, and methodologies for developing and prioritizing project outcomes and recommendations.
• Prepare reports and presentations to senior staff, board members, and outside agencies and committees.
• Develop and/or supervise development of public outreach plans and conduct field outreach.
• Represent SamTrans on external working groups; participate in regional transit coordination initiatives and facilitate internal collaboration on regional issues.
• Monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; consult with senior management regarding policies and procedures.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect yourself, your fellow employees and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, transportation planning, transportation engineering, geography, economics, public policy or other directly related field.
• Four (4) years of full-time progressively responsible transportation planning experience.

• Experience working at or with a public transit operator on corridor planning projects.
• Experience leading complex transit priority and bicycle and pedestrian projects through planning, environmental and design phases.
• Experience in technical grant writing and project scoping.
• Strong presentation skills with Boards and committees.
• Experience with GIS and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluent in Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese), or other language often spoken in San Mateo County.

 

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions.  Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.      

 

How to Apply

• Complete an online employment application by 11:59 p.m. of the listed closing date.  Resumes and cover letters will not be accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that applications are completed with all relevant information (experience, education, certifications, licenses, references and/or other information). 

• The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.  If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.   

• We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment.  We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Minorities, Women, Persons with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply. 

The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the City:

Final Filing Date: Before 5:00pm, Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Tentative Interview Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025

Appointment to this position is contingent upon:

*Reference check

*Employment and education verification

*Department of Justice fingerprinting criminal history records check

Join the City of San Carlos as an Associate Planner!
Help shape the future of the “City of Good Living”

The City of San Carlos is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative Associate Planner to join our Advance Planning Division. If you're passionate about long-term city growth, innovative planning, and meaningful community impact, this is your opportunity to thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment.

As an Associate Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the City’s future through exciting long-range planning initiatives, including the Downtown Specific Plan, Downtown Master Streetscape Plan, Northeast Area Specific Plan, and Housing Element Implementation, among others. This is a rare opportunity to work on high-profile projects that will influence the City's development and character for decades to come.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is:

• Resourceful, curious, and adaptable - ready to navigate complex projects and diverse community interests.
• Naturally communicative and collaborative - comfortable engaging with a range of stakeholders, including residents, developers, business owners, city officials, and staff.
• Team-oriented - committed to collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning in a fast-paced work environment.
•  

Why San Carlos?

• Work just steps away from Caltrain and a vibrant downtown filled with shops and restaurants.
• Be part of a close-knit, values-driven team where your contributions are recognized and celebrated.
• Make a real impact in a community that values thoughtful growth and inclusive planning.

Come join a city that’s small in size but big on ambition. We welcome fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and the drive to make a difference.

About the Position

Under general direction, performs professional-level tasks related to municipal planning, zoning, housing, economic development and environmental analysis; researches and analyzes a variety of planning data; prepares various studies and recommendations; prepares and reviews environmental documents; reviews development and subdivision proposals, building plans, permits, and parcel maps; works with developers, architects, attorneys, and the public regarding City standards and policies; may serve as staff to various Commissions and/or committees; and does related work as required.

This classification is a journey level class in the professional planning series.  With the requisite experience, the incumbent can independently assume responsibility for more complex projects and specialized assignments. This position differs from the Assistant Planner position by increased responsibility for project management.

General direction is received from the Planning Manager overseeing the Advance Planning Division. Direct supervision and supervision through secondary managers may be provided with specific project assignments in the Community Development Department. Responsibilities may include functional supervision of subordinate staff.

Essential Duties

• Conducts assigned planning projects involving long-range planning, land use, populations, structures, economic activities, housing, transportation, environmental and related subjects; conducts research, and confers with community members, interested parties, and agency representatives to identify problems and opportunities.
• Analyzes data with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies; determines methods for compliance with local and state law.
• Prepares professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations; makes oral presentations to the public and elected and appointed decision makers.
• Conducts review of planning applications; coordinates review with various City and outside agencies; may lead a team on complex implementation of long range planning projects; responds to inquiries both orally and in writing; interprets planning policies, state laws and local ordinances, within established parameters; explains City procedures in person, over the phone and in writing.
• Drafts resolutions, findings, ordinances and amendments to them, and California Environmental Quality Act documents.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of graphs, charts and other displays.
• Provides information on city, regional and state environmental, zoning, and subdivision requirements to consultants, developers, property owners and the general public.
• Works extensively on the computer to manage work programs, produce written documents, prepare maps and graphics, analyze data, create graphics, research on the Internet, and communicate with others through e-mail.
• May administer contracts and oversee the work of consultants.
• May provide staff support to city agencies, commissions or ad-hoc advisory groups.
• Performs duties consistent with the City’s commitment to exceptional customer service.

The City of Sausalito Invites Applications for the Position of 

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

(Salary: $9,286 - $12,382 Monthly) 

($4,286 - $5,715 Biweekly) 

Plus an excellent benefits package

Open until filled; First Review cutoff 5/5/25 at 7:59AM  

Under general direction, the Principal Planner performs the most complex and sensitive planning duties; and serves as staff resource in technical areas to plan, organize and coordinate programs and projects for professional, technical and clerical staff in a fast-paced work environment and highly engaged community. The Principal Planner provides supervision of the current and long-range planning projects and programs. Exciting long-range projects include the Housing Element Update and a variety of housing-related initiatives.

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