The Position
The City of Ventura is accepting applications for the position of Principal Planner in the
Community Development Department. We are looking for a leader with passion for
mentoring, collaboration, and community.
What You’ll Do
This key role is responsible for supervising staff in the Planning Division of the Community
Development Department and performing professional work in development review, updating
the general plan and other land use policy programs, environmental analysis, or community
housing and economic development programs.
This is the full supervisory classification in the Planner series. The Principal Planner is
distinguished from the Senior Planner by supervisory responsibility for professional, technical,
and clerical staff as well as supervision of consultant or contract services. This position is further
distinguished from the Planning Manager by the latter's overall responsibility for managing all
sections in the Planning division.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate will value innovative approaches to public service, thrive in a dynamic and
fast-paced environment, and demonstrate a thorough understanding or desire for a leadership
role in a Planning Division. The candidate has a systems approach for organizational
management and modeling the way through effective coaching, training, and accountability
within the Division. The ideal candidate is results-oriented with a proven track record to reach
solutions, and working collaboratively with the development community, stakeholders, and the
public. This person is a skilled facilitator and communicator who can represent the City before
governing committees, commissions, and councils. The ideal candidate possesses excellent
people skills and is committed to "permit streamlining" and providing superior customer
service.
Additionally, the ideal candidate has a thorough understanding of traditional urban and
neighborhood design and has experience in successfully managing complex and sensitive
projects, including zoning and/or policy, design review, environmental review, and historic
preservation.
Position Qualifications
A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in urban
planning, urban design, landscape architecture, architecture, environmental studies, public
administration, engineering or a closely related field and five years of increasingly responsible
professional planning, former redevelopment agency work or related program management
experience in the assigned area including two years of first line supervisory experience or three
years of lead responsibility or oversight of projects or programs are required. Professional
planning experience in a California public agency is highly desirable.
License: Depending on assignment, possession of a valid driver license may be required.
Certificate: Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is desirable.
Salary and Benefits
The City offers a total compensation package that includes both a generous salary and other
benefits!
- SALARY: $99,927.36 - $133,903.74 Annually DOQ
- BENEFITS: Refer to the benefits tab on the job posting for specific information on City
benefits.
How to Apply
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please complete an online City Job Application
and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline, Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 5:30
pm.
Go to www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs and Apply! EEO/ADA
salary plus 6 Medical options, CalPers Retirement, Dental, Vision, FSA, 457