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Principal Planner

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a Principal Planner to join the Community Development Department.  Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Community Development or Planning Officer, the Planning Division is organized into teams which are overseen by Principal Planners who plan, direct, perform and supervise a variety of complex technical planning activities, and related work as required, relative to the assigned area of responsibility.

• The Current Planning Team reviews and acts or makes recommendations on planning applications and performs reviews of building permit applications and business licenses for zoning compliance. 
• The Administrative Support Team supports the Planning Officer and all Planners for the City. This position may act as the Zoning Administrator, overseeing regulatory processes and issues related to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other regulatory compliance and requirements, process improvements, training needs, coordination with area governments and other administrative and supervisory functions. 
• The Policy Planning Team works on study issues, new area plans, and General Plan updates, conducting intergovernmental reviews of other agencies' proposals and pending legislation.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package.  A complete application packet will consist of a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the required supplemental questions. The final filing date is Monday, May 11, at 5:00 pm. For complete information regarding this opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov.

Salary: $153,784 - $192,230 Annually

The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one Senior Planner vacancy:

This Senior Planner will play a crucial role in reviewing complex professional-level tasks related to land use and planning laws, zoning, housing, discretionary entitlements with associated report writing for consideration by the County Zoning Administrator and/or Planning Commission, and the review of building permits and environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Senior Planner will also serve as the lead on assigned projects, which may include overseeing a number of programs (examples include: County General Plan & Housing Element, Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, Santa Clara Valley Ag Plan, and Habitat Plan) and works independently, assuming responsibility for more complex projects (such as Stanford master planning), and must be resourceful and responsive to specialized assignments from Executive Management or the Board of Supervisors. The Senior Planner may also be responsible for reviewing development and parcel maps/subdivision proposals, as well as building plans, and permits. The County will be embarking upon a comprehensive General Plan Update, and other various vision plans and may be expected to oversee and manage these efforts. The County also processes large and complex private development applications for large private institutional uses, new quarries, places of worship and agricultural processing campuses. A Senior Planner with areas of expertise related to long-range/comprehensive planning and/or major project development processing experience, coupled with strong CEQA experience is desired. 

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:

• Preparing advanced California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents (e.g., Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports).
• Experience in complex medium- to large-scale development entitlement projects such as campus planning, industrial, commercial, housing, agricultural housing or processing developments, or similar projects requiring advanced CEQA processing, staff report writing, data management and analysis, public outreach and public hearings.
• Experience in the management of CEQA and technical consultants, including meeting coordination, reviewing work products, and contracting/billing. Experience in managing consultants to ensure the project is completed within the approved timeline and budget with the proper deliverable is required.
• General requirements of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), preparation of annual surface mining inspection reports, and review and approval of Financial Assurance Cost Estimate (FACE), Reclamation Plans, and Mining Plans (desired, not required).
• Analytical understanding of State laws and regulations impacting land use and local government, with directly related work products that include major ordinance revisions and creation and processing of new programs. This would include preparation of professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations.
• Have conducted as a lead project manager or co-project manager long-range, comprehensive planning projects; e.g., general plan updates, major zoning ordinance amendments, specific plans, vision plans, etc., with working knowledge of the principals and practices of such working documents.

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 August 04, 2025.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, PLEASE CLICK THE JOB ANNOUCEMENT URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.

Position Summary

Under general direction from the Director of Planning, manages projects, leads and supervises staff and performs difficult and complex transit planning studies, investigations and analyses. Supports the three elements of the department work program: Short-Range and Service Planning, Long-Range Strategic Planning, and Facilities Planning. Develops various transit and traffic analyses, plans, and projects which include complying with requirements of CEQA, NEPA, Title VI and ADA. Develops, executes, analyzes and summarizes complex planning projects or manages consultant efforts to accomplish such projects. Coordinates the District’s data using sources from, Golden Gate Bridge Traffic and Toll Revenue Collection System and data from outside the District, and will plan for new data resources to be integrated into the District’s systems as they become available on-line. Provides District data regarding bridge, road and transit facilities, traffic data and performance, transit ridership and performance, and toll and parking policies to outside and partner agencies. 

Makes regular personal contact with District staff to interpret planning policy and interacts with outside public works and transit partner agency representatives to exchange planning and conceptual design information.  Regularly works with the public and other agencies to develop and implement District programs. Receives general assignments or objectives from the Director of Planning, and performs related duties as required or assigned.

Essential Responsibilities

• Researches, compiles, analyzes and interprets complex technical, demographic, economic, financial and other statistical data for the development of various roadway and transit facility plans and projects such as the District's transit service plan, transit capital improvement program, proposed bridge tolls  or parking facilities.
• Monitors and evaluates transit service performance, bridge traffic patterns, parking occupancy and trends, and transit service patronage, including the use of computer techniques or models where appropriate
• Prepares, or supervises preparation of, routine evaluations of the efficiency and effectiveness of bus on-street operations, major transit facilities and bus stops.  Recommends specific improvements based on these evaluations
• Assists in the preparation of the District's Short-Range Transit Plan and other federal and state required reports, including the organization of meetings between various staff providing input to these reports on an as-needed basis
• Leads teams of planning and other staff working on planning projects.  Develops project staffing requirements and timelines
• Prepares official recommendations and informational reports for consideration by the general public, the District's Board of Directors, technical staff of the District or other agencies and other groups on technical and planning subjects. Prepares or assists with verbal presentations to staff groups, public groups, and the boards of local municipalities and advises District personnel on matters related to interactions with these groups
• Supports and coordinates staff responsibilities with regard to monthly meetings of the District’s Service Review Committee and other internal and external coordination meetings as directed
• Acts, when directed, as liaison between the District and other agencies on planning matters by reviewing outside reports, attending meetings, drafting correspondence and providing technical information to public agencies and other transit groups.  Communicates with the general public on technical matters related to facility planning and District data
• Supervises or provides staff support and coordination to certain advisory groups to the District, including the District’s three Passenger Advisory Committees (Bus Passengers Advisory Committee, Ferry Passengers Advisory Committee, and Advisory Committee on Accessibility), as appropriate when specific questions related to bus, ferry, or bridge traffic operations or facilities need a response.
• Prepares scopes of work for planning projects to be undertaken by consultants; coordinates the process of consultant selection; provides technical liaison with consultants and coordinates contract administration
• May assist District Engineering Department with development of capital projects related to transportation and traffic support facilities
• Represents Director of Planning in their absence at various District meetings, meetings with other public agencies, and with the Planning Department  
• May assign and supervise work of Senior Planner and Associate Planners
• Performs related duties as assigned
• Ensures that employees under his or her supervision follow established safe work practices and obey all safety rules
• Regular and reliable attendance and performance is required

Full Job Description and Apply URL:  Principal Planner | Job Details tab | Career Pages

We offer a wide range of meaningful career opportunities with potential for growth, training and development, competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, paid time off, and robust benefits. The Redwood City team is guided by core values of excellence, integrity, service, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation.     Inherent in these values is a great organizational culture based on trust, strong and supportive leadership, respect, risk-taking, empowerment, and effective communication. The community is known for its inclusivity, strong engaged neighborhoods, and civic pride. The City works diligently to maintain positive and productive relationships with community partners, together providing outstanding services, programs and opportunities for residents and businesses. This mix of tradition and progress, community and diversity, makes Redwood City an extraordinary place to work and call home. If you’re looking to grow your career or make valuable contributions as a part of the Department of Engineering and Transportation that fosters innovation, creativity and collaboration, we hope you’ll apply. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Redwood City’s Engineering and Transportation Department invites you to apply for the position of Part-Time Contract Senior Transportation Planner.  The current opening is a contract position for a two-year term with a focus on managing multi-use trail projects including planning, feasibility studies, environmental coordination, and engineering design. The position requires working with regulatory agencies on environmental clearance process.

Examples of projects may include but are not limited to the following: Seaport Boulevard Path, and Bay Trail Gaps in Redwood City.

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is seeking a Senior Transportation Planner 

The Department

The Public Works Department is organized into several divisions, including Administration, Business Services, Wastewater Treatment, Clean Water Program, Fleet and Facilities, Data Management, Field Maintenance, Regulatory Compliance, Capital Improvements, Development Services, and Transportation. The Department operates under a Director and two Deputy Directors to support strong coordination and performance. The Department is responsible for the City’s major capital projects and infrastructure including streets, streetlights, traffic signals, parking lots and garages, sewer and storm conveyance systems, a wastewater treatment plant, pump stations, a lagoon, dams, and levees. 

The Department plays a central role in advancing a safe, connected, and efficient transportation network for all users. San Mateo is a regional leader in transportation, with a strong track record of securing grant funding for major corridor improvements, including along 19th Avenue/Fashion Island Boulevard and Peninsula Avenue. To learn more about the City’s transportation safety efforts, visit our website at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4727/Transportation-Safety.  

The Department is committed to high performance and continuous improvement, using data-driven decision-making, best practices, and collaborative, team-oriented approaches. Managers and supervisors are accountable for developing strong teams, supporting employee growth, and delivering on the Department’s goals and work plans. 

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g. 

The Position 

The Senior Transportation Planner under general direction, organizes, reviews, and participates in transportation planning work; supervises the work of professional and technical transportation planning personnel, projects, and other activities; and performs other related work as required 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Supervises professional and technical staff, including prioritizing and assigning work, conducting performance evaluations, training staff, and supporting hiring decisions in consultation with the Engineering Manager, Deputy Director, and Department Head. 

• Represents the City and department in communications and interactions, including coordination, briefings, and presentations, with other City departments, City Commissions and City Council, government agencies, local industries, businesses, community groups, and other stakeholders interested in regional and local transportation, transit, traffic, and parking issues. 

• Plans, coordinates, formulates, and implements, in coordination with other City departments, goals, objectives, policies and priorities; and makes recommendations for changes to codes, plans and policies, as it relates to transportation planning and parking management. 

• Directs, coordinates, reviews, and participates in the work of professional, technical, and clerical staff, as well as consultants, in data collection, analysis, plan and policy formulation, and implementation of a wide variety of projects. 

• Participates in and provides technical expertise in transportation demand management and traffic forecasting including the formulation of a City-wide traffic model and the maintenance and update thereof. 

• Manages administration of the City’s parking permit programs, oversees the collection, control, and reconciliation of parking revenues, assists in the preparation and administration of the parking program operating budget, monitors expenses, and prudently allocates resources to support parking program operations and objectives. 

• Assists, contributes and manages the planning, design, and construction of capital projects including preparation of purchase requisitions, requests for proposals, development of the scope of work, professional service agreements and coordination with other City departments as appropriate. 

• Reviews planning applications and building permits in relation to transportation and parking related issues, including review of traffic impact analyses, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) analyses, and other related transportation studies. 

• Attend in-person meetings, site visits, and stakeholder engagements, often with minimal notice; respond promptly to urgent requests requiring physical presence at various locations throughout the region or state; transport necessary materials, documents, and equipment for meetings, presentations, or fieldwork. 

• Supports the review, update, maintenance of transportation-related impact fees. 

• Supports the drafting of submittals for grant funding from various local, state, and federal funding sources. 

• And other duties as assigned. 

This position receives oversight and general direction from the Engineering Manager or other higher departmental management personnel and may exercise direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative personnel. 

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/Home/Index/86c