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The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one (1) Senior Planner that will serve as the County of Santa Clara’s Agricultural Permitting Ally.
The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one (1) Senior Planner that will serve as the County of Santa Clara’s Agricultural Permitting Ally.
With 890 farms, over 288,000 acres of land, and over $310 million of produce, Santa Clara County’s vibrant community is composed of a diverse, multicultural population with agriculture that is driven by dedicated farmers and farmworkers who call Santa Clara County home. The County is seeking a new and key team player with general planning experience as well as a strong agricultural planning acumen to serve as an agricultural permitting ally (Senior Planner). A Senior Planner in this role would help farmers understand what rules and regulations apply to agricultural worker housing and would help applicants navigate the various permits and departmental approvals that are required. As an ally for agricultural permitting, this Senior Planner would focus on making the process of development more approachable and accessible and will explore options and alternatives with prospective applicants to provide housing on their farm or ranch, or establish new or expanded agricultural producing businesses, while maintaining the asset of agriculturally viable land throughout the rural unincorporated county areas. The agricultural permitting ally is a unique role that will be responsible for assisting farmers with agricultural worker housing and other agricultural-specific permitting, including but not limited to: assisting farmers through the County of Santa Clara’s building permitting process; helping farmers resolve code violations and maintain compliance with land use and building codes and standards; identifying opportunities for streamlining agricultural worker housing; promoting and supporting the production of safe and livable housing inventory for agricultural workers through the County of Santa Clara; and, working with local, state, and federal partners to connect farmers with resources. This Senior Planner will also assist in public counter inquiries and day-to-day activities of the Department as needed. The County of Santa Clara is committed to addressing the challenges that impact farmworker housing shortages and conditions.
In addition to meeting the employment standards for a Senior Planner, candidates must possess in-depth knowledge and working experience in two (2) or more of the following areas:
Filing Period and Application Procedure
Final Filing Date: Open until filled. The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after the issue date. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.
The first review of applications is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 21st, 2025.
Under limited direction, to provide service to the public and permit applicants, to coordinate the review and analysis of development applications for cities, agencies and other county departments, to conduct planning studies, feasibility studies, master plans and concept plans, to research and analyze planning data, to make policy, ordinance and program recommendations, and to administer zoning, planning or parks and recreation development programs. The Senior Planner will be working for the Department of Planning and Development.
Typical Tasks
Employment Standards
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in planning, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, natural resources, social science or related field;
-AND -
Three (3) years of professional planning experience. A Master's degree in planning may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit.
Possession of license, registration or certification in a related field, such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), is desirable.
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Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.
The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards. This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by:
Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities
Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements
Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods
The Department is seeking a Deputy Director of Planning who is committed to understanding, executing, and improving the Department’s vision of a well run, professional organization that achieves the above goals and objectives. This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning processes. Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community.
The Department has a staff of approximately 300 employees and includes four divisions:
The Planning Division administers current development projects, processes development applications in conformance with City policies and objectives and conducts long-range planning such implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. The Division provides support to the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Deputy Director (Planning Official) manages this Division.
The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. The Building Official manages this Division.
The Code Enforcement Division utilizes education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. The Code Enforcement Official manages this Division.
The Administrative Division manages the Department’s administrative activities, including budget, fiscal and human resources. The Administrative Officer manages this Division.
To provide consistency throughout the planning and entitlement processes, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshal. These functions are co-located in City Hall. More detailed information on the Department and Divisions can be found on the City’s website.
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The Deputy Director for Planning is a direct report to the Director of PBCE and provides leadership of all Planning functions within the Department. The position also contributes to the overall management of the Department through overseeing various interdivisional project teams.
The Deputy Director for Planning is responsible for the stewardship and implementation of the City's General Plan and zoning policies, the review of applications for planning permits for consistency with the City’s ordinances and polices including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for engagement with customers, stakeholders and the community on proposed developments.
The position is supported by three Division Managers and four Principal Planners who take responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making and are split between Development Review, CEQA, and Citywide Planning (longer term policy and plan development). The position manages an interdisciplinary team of planners and provides executive direction for specialized professional planning functions, including development review, land use, zoning, urban design, environmental review, historic preservation, housing, transportation, economic development, and data analytics. The position develops and oversees the organizational structure, the annual work program, and the budget and staffing of the Planning Division and assists in the preparation of the Department’s work program and budget.
The Deputy Director of Planning frequently represents the Department and the Director at City Council, officiates public hearings on the Director’s behalf, and represents the Department and the Director at meetings with the public, elected officials, other departments/agencies and various stakeholders. The position includes attendance at evening meetings.
Essential areas of responsibility include:
Oversee the department's planning budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources, cost recovery, as well as the development and oversight of the divisions fees and charges
Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
Develop and implement long-term city planning initiatives.
Facilitate public meetings and community outreach to gather input and inform the public about planning projects.
Provide leadership and guidance for critical housing related issues/proposals ranging from zoning, permitting, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and sustainability
Oversee the review of development proposals, zoning changes, and other land use applications for compliance with city codes and policies.
Manage complex planning projects and initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, area plans, and zoning code revisions.
Collaborate with the internal development-services partners, elected officials, developers, community groups, and the general public on planning matters.
Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council
Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Division.
Advise the Director about important and/or sensitive issues; take appropriate action to address them.
Represent the Department and City before other government agencies, community groups, citizens, businesses and professional organizations.
Provide positive and constructive leadership and management; mentor and motivate staff.
Lead organizational review and strategic planning efforts.
Continue to stay on the forefront of nationwide trends and initiative. Introduce and implement creative ideas and processes to help the city achieve
its economic development, quality of life, and other goals.
Continue implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan.
With the scale of growth and development anticipated throughout the City, anchored by major transit investment plans, it is critical that the City’s General Plan for current citywide planning policy priorities should include:
Housing Crisis Action Plan
Transportation/Transit Efforts, including BART Phase 2
Urban Village Planning and Implementation
Downtown and North San Jose Planning
Zoning Code and Ordinance Updates
Urban Design and Public Life Initiative
Historic Preservation
Regional Policy
