PRINCIPAL PLANNER

Job Description:

PRINCIPAL PLANNER

Description

THE POSITION

Join our team at the City of Ventura as we embark on an exciting journey in shaping our community's future! We're thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the position of Principal Planner within our Community Development Department.

This is a continuation of the February 2024 recruitment. If you previously applied, you do not need to reapply at this time.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a Principal Planner, you'll play a pivotal role in leading our Planning Division, guiding our team in development review, updating land use policies, conducting environmental analysis, and driving community housing and economic development programs. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the cityscape, utilizing your expertise to shape vibrant and sustainable communities.

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

We're seeking a dynamic leader who is passionate about mentoring, fostering collaboration, and engaging with our diverse community. The ideal candidate will bring innovative approaches to public service, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and demonstrate a commitment to effective organizational management. If you're someone who values accountability, results-driven solutions, and superior customer service, we want to hear from you!

In addition to your leadership skills, we're looking for someone with a deep understanding of urban and neighborhood design principles. Experience in managing complex projects, navigating zoning policies, conducting design and environmental reviews, and promoting historic preservation initiatives will be highly valued.

If you're ready to join a dedicated team of professionals and contribute to the vibrant future of Ventura, we encourage you to apply today. Help us shape the city we love into an even better place to live, work, and thrive!

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of the position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City’s Career Page at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs or by selecting here Principal Planner .



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.Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Open until filled.

If you have questions about the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov .

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO QUALIFY

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.

APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS

YOUR APPLICATION

Submit an online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline or first review date at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs . It is important that your City job application show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire, may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process.

DEADLINE TO APPLY:

Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted continuously. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis. Open until filled.

APPLICATION REVIEW:

All applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Candidates will be notified about their status after the filing deadline.

INTERVIEW DATES AND INFORMATION:

A select number of candidates will be invited to a panel interview process that will be scheduled as qualified applications are received for this position. Selected candidates will be notified of specifics at any time after review.

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Ventura operates under the Council/ Manager form of government under a charter adopted by voters in 1934, with an elected seven-member City Council. This full-service municipality is supported by 11 major City departments: City Manager, City Attorney, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Fire, Police, Public Works, and Ventura Water. The City’s Adopted FY 2024/2025 Operating and Capital budget totals approximately $531 million. The City Council and the City Manager are dedicated to the highest standards of integrity, public service, and innovative approaches to governing.

To learn more about the City of Ventura, please visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov and view the FY2024-25 Adopted Budget.

CITY OF VENTURA
The City of Ventura is located just north of Los Angeles County and south of Santa Barbara County and is frequently considered one of America’s most desirable places to live. The City is a full-service municipality that was founded in 1782, incorporated in 1866, and serves nearly 110,000 residents within its 32 square miles. With nearly 700 employees, the City is dedicated to delivering key services to our businesses, residents, and visitors to ensure Ventura remains a fiscally stable, economically vibrant, safe, clean, and desirable community.

Locals and visitors enjoy Ventura’s impressive park system that includes 32 parks and historic sites, and more than 800 acres of open green space. The City offers a remarkable year-round climate, friendly people, and a spectacular coastline. Ventura is an exciting location for a variety of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, sailing, surfing, whale watching and windsurfing. Other activities include the Channel Islands National Park, championship golf, world-class shopping, wine tours, and more. Learn more about the City of Ventura at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The City of Ventura values human rights, goodwill, respect, inclusivity, equality, and recognizes that the City derives its strength from a rich diversity of thoughts, ideas, and contributions. As leaders in public service, we aspire to be an employer of choice by promoting an organizational culture that reflects these core values. We seek to attract, develop, and retain a talented and dedicated workforce where people of diverse races, genders, religions, cultures, political affiliations, and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that empowers our employees to provide the highest level of service to our community of residents and businesses; they’re counting on us.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

Employment Information:

Right to Work : Before employment, candidates must submit documentation verifying their legal right to work in the United States.

Background Check : A pre-employment verification of background, references, and medical examination will be conducted. A drug screening may be required for some positions. Applicants for positions using a City vehicle may be required to submit a DMV report.

Probationary Period : Six months

Deferred Compensation: The City contributes $168 per year to a 457 plan and will match $1,650 per year contributed by the employee, for a total benefit of $1,818 per year.

Medical & Dental Insurance: Up to $665 monthly towards a selection of plans. Medical and dental insurance is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

Optional Benefits: $495 monthly, which may be applied toward medical insurance premiums. Cash-out option is not available.

Vision Insurance: City paid coverage provided for employees and dependents. Vision insurance is effective the first of the second month after date of hire.

Life Insurance: City paid term life insurance equal to the employee's annual salary, and dependent life insurance of $2,000 per dependent.

Disability Insurance: City paid short and long-term disability coverage.

Retirement:

Tier I - 2% @ 55/Single Highest Year of Compensation for Classic CalPERS members who worked for the City prior to December 31, 2012 and are returning to City employment. Employees make a 7% member contribution, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.

Tier II - 2% @ 60/3-Year Final Compensation Period for Classic CalPERS members with less than a six-month break in service from another CalPERS or CalPERS'-reciprocal agency. Employees make a 7% member contribution, and may be subject to compensation limits per Section 401(a)(17) of the IRC.

Tier III - 2% at 62/3-Year Final Compensation Period for New CalPERS members. Employees make a 6.25% member contribution, and are subject to compensation limits per Government Code Section 7522.10. Additional details regarding the City's retirement plan will be provided to candidates during the job offer process.

Social Security: CalPERS members do not participate in Social Security retirement so there is no payroll deduction. Receiving a CalPERS benefit may affect your Social Security upon retirement. For further information contact a Social Security office or www.socialsecurity.gov/form1945 .

Medicare: Employees participate only in the Medicare portion of Social Security. There is a 1.45% payroll deduction for this benefit.

Vacation: 2.5 weeks, increasing to 4 weeks per year, after 10 years service. Employees may use vacation after successful completion of probation.

Personal Leave: 27 hours per calendar year.

Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.

Winter Holiday Break:18 hours of Winter Holiday time. City Hall closure December 25th to January 1st.

Sick Leave: 96-hour bank upon employment and additional accruals of 2 hours semi-monthly after 6 months of employment.

Tuition Reimbursement: $2,500 per year for tuition and books for courses taken at accredited institution after completion of probation.

Student Loan Forgiveness: The City currently qualifies as an eligible employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Direct Deposit: Paychecks are automatically deposited to employee accounts.

Flexible Workweek: A 9/80 workweek is available for some positions.

Wellness Program: A comprehensive program is available, including on-site gym, exercise classes, downtown/beach-walking routes, weight loss, and tips on nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

Professional Development: The City of Ventura is a LinkedIn Learning organization. LinkedIn Learning online classes are available with a library of more than 13,000 courses taught by real-world experts. Users can download certificates and customize learning paths that match their roles and competencies.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$101,925.82 - $136,581.74 Annually