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The City of Monterey is looking for a dynamic Principal Planner to join the Community Development Department. In this key role, the Principal Planner will drive the review of current planning applications and lead advanced planning initiatives. The Principal Planner is part of a vibrant team of experts in planning, project management, environment compliance, housing historic preservation, sustainability, and architecture, supporting boards/commissions, including, the City Council. This position offers a unique opportunity for an individual interested in a variety of topics including progressive mixed-use development in a culturally-significant community.

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DEFINITION

Under general direction, performs all phases of difficult, complex, professional, and technical planning and related works. Manages a variety of administrative tasks including grant compliance review, processing contracts, and verifying documentation.  Performs other duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Planner is expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. Incumbents work independently in the research and analysis of planning issues, in the preparation of planning reports, studies and recommendations, and in the supervision and coordination of assigned planning functions and processes. Incumbents are responsible for coordinating grant activities.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the classification. Class specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Assists the City Manager and Contract Planner in performing and administering a variety of current and advanced planning projects.
• Receives, reviews, and prepares reports and recommendations on applications for zone changes, use permits, variances, planned developments, subdivisions, signs, boundary adjustment and other planning matters.
• Interprets, applies, and explains federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (C.E.Q.A.) and the National Environmental Protection Act (N.E.P.A.).
• Meets property owners, developers, architects, planners, and others concerning zoning and related codes, standards, and requirement.
• Conducts plan check of building permit-level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements; conducts over-the-counter plan check of less complex development proposals and land uses; approves minor development plans.
• Performs regular mapping functions with the use of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
• Reviews Business Licenses for compliance with Zoning and Municipal Code.
• Assists in the preparation and distribution of Planning Commission Agenda. Makes oral presentations before City Council, commissions, committees, community groups, and boards of other governmental agencies.  
• Evaluates environmental impact reports for accuracy and sufficiency and prepares reports and recommendation.
• Administers and implements the City’s grants including but not limited to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs.
• Conducts financial and program monitoring to ensure compliance.
• Prepares grant reports such as the Annual Action Plan and CAPER, and presents these documents to City Management or Council for approval.
• Works closely with granting agencies in preparing grant applications, budgets environmental reports, labor project monitoring, agreements with sub-grantees, the annual performance report, and other required reports.
• Explains program requirements to potential applicants and ensures their activity meets existing program guidelines.
• Assists with the preparation of the grant budgets for City Council Approval.
• Performs duties as assigned.