Senior Planner

Job Description:

Senior Planner

Description

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision of the Deputy Director of Community Development - Planning, the Senior Planner performs professional-level tasks in current and/or comprehensive planning; provides information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public in the areas of planning, housing, zoning, and development related matters.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to provide leadership for key projects, related to process improvements, code updates, and the comprehensive General Plan Update along with the development of the City's Historic Preservation Program.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Assists in updating and reporting of the General Plan.
• Supervises or personally performs preparation of General Plan updates, exhibits and land use maps.
• Collects and analyzes data in preparation of reports and recommendations.
• Carries out planning studies related to land use, population, employment, public facilities, etc.
• Supervises, coordinates, and reviews work of professional, sub-professional, and clerical employees related to land use entitlements, zoning, and long range planning.
• Assists in preparation of material and reports for presentation before various boards and commissions and in the representation of the Planning Division and Department and its results before the public.
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with other divisions, departments, agencies, civic and professional organizations, and the general public.
• Confers and provides consultative advice to architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Receives and answers public inquiries regarding zoning, legal descriptions, and other related Planning matters, either on the phone or in person over the public counter.
• Reviews development proposals and applications for compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and consistency with the General Plan.
• Performs field surveys and site inspections to identify problems and ensures conformance with project conditions and development standards.
• Prepares CEQA documentation to evaluate environmental impacts.
• Reviews and processes land use entitlements, including the site plan reviews, conditional use permits, variance, subdivisions, General Plan amendments, and zoning code amendments
• Interprets and applies land use, environmental quality, subdivision, and general and residential development projects with the Zoning Ordinance.
• Assists with City redevelopment programs and projects.
• Prepares staff reports for various zoning and subdivision applications with recommendations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge, and abilities would be:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, with major coursework in Urban Planning or related field. Master's degree in Urban Planning or related field is preferred.

Experience: Three (3) years increasingly responsible professional experience in urban planning. A Master's degree in Planning from an accredited institution may be substituted for one (1) year experience.

Knowledge of: Processes, principles, practices, and techniques of planning, including development and maintenance of the comprehensive General Plan and its implementation; legal requirements related to planning; urbanism and the urbanization process; land use, design, site planning, historic preservation, and transportation planning; state and federal procedures relating to planning laws.

Ability to: Administer and organize Planning Division projects; compile and use statistical data and other planning tools; supervise, analyze, project, and predict physical, social, and economic conditions; utilize models of operations, research, and simulation; produce planning presentations.

Bilingual skills in Spanish are highly desirable.

License Requirement: Due to the performance of field duties which requires operation of a motor vehicle, a valid California Driver's License and the ability to maintain an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout the course of employment is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Independent body mobility to stand, climb stairs and ladders, walk on uneven ground or wet surfaces; upper body strength to reach and move items from above shoulder positions; corrected vision to read documents with standard text and computer screens; strength to lift and carry tools or equipment up to twenty-five (25) pounds in weight. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in an office environment and in the field with exposure to weather conditions. Sit, walk, or stand for extended periods of time; and, bending or stooping repeatedly or continually over time.

Selection/Testing Process:

All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated to determine those applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications for the position. All information supplied by an applicant is subject to verification. Failure to provide all the information required in the application process will result in an application being incomplete and will be disqualified from consideration. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.

In the space provided for education, include the names and addresses of schools attended, and number of credits, degree, and/or certificate(s) earned.

For each job held, provide the name and address of your employer, your job title, beginning and ending dates, description of work performed, and reason for leaving. Failure to provide all the information may result in your application being removed from consideration.

Those applicants who more closely meet the desired qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in selection testing which will consist of an appraisal exam (weighted 100%) before a panel of subject matter experts. The appraisal exam may consist of additional performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligibility List to be considered by the Department's hiring authority. An employment offer is contingent upon acceptable results from a completed background review, including a fingerprint check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ). A pre-placement medical exam will be scheduled after the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

Closing Date/Time: 7/25/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

Salary:

$90,854.82 - $112,539.02 Annually