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DESCRIPTION:

The Department:

The Community Development Department strives to enhance the community’s safety, welfare, quality of life, and economic opportunities by providing advanced planning, development review, permitting and inspection services, as well as administration of programs related to affordable housing. To learn more about the City of Santa Clara's Department of Community Development/Housing click here.

The Position:

The Senior Planner is the advanced journey level classification in the professional Planner series. An incumbent in this classification is responsible for performing complex planning duties in the administration of land use regulations, the City's General Plan, Housing Element, environmental review, and design review.  The Senior Planner is distinguished from the Associate Planner classification as they perform lead, supervisory responsibilities.

This Senior Planner position will be primarily assigned to advanced or long-range planning implementing the City’s Housing Element, including preparing Annual Progress Reports, monitoring Regional Housing Needs Allocations, developing, implementing, and monitoring policies, data analysis & reporting, and community engagement activities.

The ideal candidate is expected to be familiar with state planning and housing laws, including state density bonus requirements, and Housing Element requirements. They should be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the laws and the local implementing ordinances to ensure the City is in compliance. This position will also play a key role in advancing housing-related initiatives, many of which are part of the Housing Element programs.

The ideal candidate will be a motivated self-starter able to work independently, and with a team. They will be able to communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues, consultants, decision-makers, and the public. Creativity, critical thinking, ability to perform research and analyses are essential traits.

Additional Information:

Applications must be filled out completely (e.g. do not write “see resume, NA, or personnel file.”). To receive consideration for the screening process, candidates must submit a 1) Cover Letter and, 2) Resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. Applications must be submitted by the filing deadline of May 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED ABOVE.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW. APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR POSITIONS ADHERING TO ALL APPLICABLE CITY POLICIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO CMD 033- EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES.

The annual salary range for this position is $142 073.76 - $181 441.8.  This position may be filled at or near the minimum of the salary range.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Education Requirements:

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Architecture, or closely related field.

Minimum Experience Requirements:

Four (4) years of professional municipal or regional planning experience.

Acceptable Substitution:

• Two (2) years professional planning experience as an Associate Planner with the City of Santa Clara may be substituted for the required experience.

• A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in City Planning or closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), permit tracking software, such as Accela.

• Depending on position assignment, experience in a particular specialty such as current planning, advanced or long-range planning, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping, or database development.

• Experience developing and delivering public presentations.

• Planning experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.

• Possession of a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Other Requirements: 

• Will be expected to work evenings and weekends as required.

• Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must attain a passing score on each phase of the examination process to qualify for the Eligible List. A department interview may be required prior to appointment.

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  

PERMANENT CITY EMPLOYEES PREFERENCE POINTS: Current permanent employee candidates who receive a passing score on the examination will have an additional five (5) points added to their final score.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.

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.

The City of Auburn is looking for an Associate Planner to join their team. We're looking for an individual to help convey land development policies, process various land use applications, and present impactful reports. Join our team and play a key role in shaping our community's future!

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Performs technical and paraprofessional work supporting both the department and City planning operations including current and long-range planning,  environmental compliance review, processing development proposals, interacting with applicants, developers, consultants, the public, and external agencies, organizations and community groups, and other technical-level functions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

A paraprofessional classification requiring administrative, analytical, and specialized technical skills to perform semi-complex municipal planning duties. The role is distinguished from lower classifications by its scope of work and requirements for specialized training and technical proficiency in planning. This classification performs recurring tasks and solves problems independently under general supervision from the department director or assigned supervisor, and does not exercise supervision over staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Actual work may vary based on department needs or change due to evolving business practices.

• Perform a wide range of administrative, operational, and technical tasks supporting planning programs and functions.
• Process, review, and evaluate plans, required planning documents and construction plans for completeness, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Administer zoning, land use, subdivision, and environmental regulations; provide recommendations on project issues, and assist applicants to ensure all requirements are met within established time frames.
• Interact with the public, and internal and external stakeholders;  serve as liaison to City staff, applicants, developers, consultants, and external organizations and agencies regarding City codes, policies, processes, and requirements.
• Conduct site visits; investigate zoning issues and complaints; advise property owners, developers, and the public on relevant City ordinances and regulations.
• Prepare reports and make public presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other public groups.
• Conduct specialized planning studies, research, and analysis for current and long-range planning issues, including environmental evaluations and General Plan updates.
• Develop ordinances, resolutions, and regulations related to planning matters.
• Oversee and coordinate the current planning process including project scheduling for Historic Design Review Committee and Planning Commission, and project review with other staff.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date planning records and data.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to various on-site locations. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in the field on-site and in an office setting including stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach and twist; lift, carry, push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard and calculator; occasionally work in outside weather conditions; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; verbally communicate to exchange information; vision to see in the normal visual range with or without correction, and read computer screens and printed documents; and hearing and speech in the normal audio range to communicate in person, before groups and over the telephone with or without correction.