Planning Manager (Long-Range Planning)
Salary
$119,932.80 - $186,056.00 Annually
Location
City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA
Job Type
Full-Time Regular
Job Number
26-19
Department
Development Services
Opening Date
05/12/2026
The Position
Lead. Influence. Make a Difference.
The City of Encinitas is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced planning professional to fill the position of Planning Manager for the Policy Planning Division (Long-Range Planning) in the Development Services Department. The Planning Manager for the Policy Planning Division is responsible for a wide range of projects including oversight, coordination, updating and implementation of strategic plans, the Citys General Plan, Specific Plans, and Local Coastal Program. The Planning Manager supervises staff and provides oversight of consultant work. This working manager will be responsible for amendments to zoning code to allow for state law implementation as well as applying for, tracking, administering and reporting on grants. Frequent coordination with the Current Planning team and Housing and Homelessness Division team is an important part of this role.
The Development Services Department is a fast-paced, dynamic city department serving an involved and well-educated community. Top-level candidates are familiar with feasibility studies, public outreach and engagement, project management, and local, state, and federal land use laws including CEQA. The Policy Planning Division provides the City Council and community with reliable guidance and effective implementation of land use development, planning, housing and environmental policies and programs in order to maintain and enhance the Citys safety, vitality, and attractiveness.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate has a strong background in long-range planning and housing, with extensive municipal experience and a proven track record of managing complex and controversial land use and housing policy issues. They bring expertise in interpreting and implementing housing legislation, managing Housing Element programs, updating General Plans, revising zoning codes to implement state legislation and leading staff and project teams. With prior planning experience in a California city, they are adept at exercising sound judgment and managing expectations in politically sensitive environments.
This individual is an organized, creative and energetic self-starter with exceptional analytical, communication, project management, and supervisory skills. They are comfortable presenting to Commissions, Boards, and City Council, and ideally have served as a liaison to one of these bodies. The ideal candidate also has experience applying for or administering grants and possesses working knowledge of GIS, presentation and graphics software, and database tools. Above all, they thrive in a collaborative team setting and are motivated by the opportunity to help shape the long-range planning vision for the City of Encinitas.
Successful candidates excel at project management, meeting deadlines, prioritizing competing assignments, and effective time and resource management. Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, exercise good judgment, and maintain a positive, collaborative and professional approach.
Why Youll Love Working Here
Encinitas is a scenic coastal city with six miles of Pacific shoreline, engaged residents, and a strong focus on sustainability and mobility. Our employees are committed to excellence and focused on community, and in this role, your work will directly impact the Citys long-range planning and support a vibrant, collaborative community that values public service and innovation.
Click HERE to read the full job description.
Minimum Qualifications
Training and Experience (position requirements at entry):
Equivalent to a Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban Planning or a closely related field plus five to seven years of responsible professional experience in government, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. A minimum of three to four years of management supervisory experience leading a professional team is also required. A Masters Degree in related field and the Certification in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are also desirable.
Specialized experience and knowledge of zoning, subdivisions, land use, planning and design theories, building codes and related codes and procedures.
Application Process and Deadline
This job posting is open until the position is filled.
Applications will be reviewed as received and qualified applicants will be invited for interviews.
If youre ready to contribute your talents and grow your career while serving an exceptional coastal community, we encourage you to apply today.
A completed application with an attached resume is required. Incomplete application packets are not accepted.
The City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Water District provide equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, physical disability, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Drivers License status or status with pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. The City and Water District encourage minorities, disabled persons and women to apply. Qualified applicants who move to the next Level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of medical evaluation, which includes a physical, TB test and drug and alcohol screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin maybe modified or revoked without notice.
2026 Benefits Summary
Unrepresented General, Management and Professional Employees
Cafeteria Health Plan
The employers Flexible Benefit Plan contribution will make available for each employee a monthly amount equal to the high median of the monthly premiums of all CalPERS health plans available in San Diego County. Under the Citys Section 125 Cafeteria Benefits Plan qualified benefits include: health, dental, vision, dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) and healthcare FSA. The remaining balance is available as additional taxable income capped at one-half of the monthly cafeteria contribution
Retirement
The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS):
Retirement Tier Retirement Formula
Classic2.0% @ 60
New Member2.0% @ 62
457 and 401a Deferred Compensation
The City offers a 457 and/or 401(a) deferred compensation. These accounts are voluntary and employee funded.
Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
The City provides Basic Group Term Life Insurance equal to 1x your basic annual earnings up to a maximum of $150,000. AD&D is up to the amount of your Group Term Life Insurance.
Employees may choose to purchase additional life insurance through the Citys Voluntary Optional Life Insurance program.
Short-Term Disability Insurance (STD)
STD benefits are 70% of your weekly earnings up to a maximum of $3,500 per week.
Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
LTD benefits are 66% of monthly earnings up to a maximum of $8,000 per month. San Dieguito Water District employees pay for their LTD premium.
Sick Leave
Unrepresented full-time employees accrue nine (9) hours of sick leave for each calendar month of paid status (4.153 hours per pay period). New employees are granted a beginning balance of (9) hours. Less than full time employees accrue sick leave in an amount prorated by FTE status. Accrued sick leave carries over from year to year.
Parental Leave (Baby Bonding)
Employees who qualify for California Family Rights Act (CFRA) baby bonding will be eligible for twelve (12) weeks of employer paid leave. Available leave is prorated based on FTE status.
Vacation Leave
Employees earn vacation hours based on the following years of service:
Years of Service Annual Accrual
Hire - 5 Years 104 hours
6 - 10 Years 128 hours
11 - 15 Years 152 hours
16+ Years 184 hours
Credit is given to new employees for related continuous prior public service employment at the rate of one year for every two years worked.
In addition to Vacation Leave, all Management employees shall be provided fifty-five (55) annual hours of Administrative Leave.
General Election Leave
Employees shall be provided a half day of paid leave to vote at the employees polling location or a full day of paid leave to volunteer for the County Registrar of Voters for a General Election.
Holiday Closure
Each year, City Hall is closed from Christmas Eve through New Years Day.
Holidays
Employees receive thirteen (13) fixed holidays and five (5) floating holidays (45 hours) per fiscal year.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Confidential services are available to employees and household members to assist with personal and professional issues. Five sessions per issue are available each calendar year.
Computer Purchase Program
The City will loan employees who successfully complete the probationary period of employment an interest free loan of up to $3,000.
Tuition Assistance
Eligible employees may receive up to $1,200 in reimbursement per fiscal year for approved coursework tuition, required textbooks and registration.
Social Security and Medicare
The City does not participate in the Social Security program. The City and employees each pay 1.45% to Medicare Insurance.
01
I understand that my application wont be reviewed if a resume is not attached
02
Describe your experience managing teams in a government agency and your management style.
03
Describe your experience updating General Plans including Housing Elements, Zoning Codes, Specific Plans, and/or Local Coastal Program Amendments.
04
Describe your experience managing and implementing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Required Question
Employer City of Encinitas
Address 505 S. Vulcan Ave
Encinitas, California, 92024
Phone 7606332767
Website http://www.encinitasca.gov