Principal Planner

Principal Planner

Salary

$134,148.00 - $172,920.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

26-071

Department

Community Development

Opening Date

05/14/2026

Closing Date

6/11/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The City of Santa Cruz is seeking an innovative and collaborative Principal Planner to oversee the Advance Planning Division of the Community Development Department. We are proud to be an HCD-designated Prohousing city that met our 5th Cycle RHNA targets in every income category, certified our 6th Cycle Housing Element on time, and is already ahead of schedule for meeting our very-low- and low-income 6th Cycle RHNA targets. Join a forward-thinking team committed to shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for our community.

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Principal Planner vacancies that may occur during the life of the list in the Current Planning, Advance Planning, Environmental and Resource Planning, and Transportation Planning divisions. The eligibility list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #26-071

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 06/11/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 06/15 and 06/22/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 07/03/26.

• Week of 07/06 and 07/13/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under general direction, plans, organizes and directs the work of a major function of the assigned department, such as advance planning; current planning; transportation planning, capital planning, development planning, environmental, natural resource, utility or other related planning work; plans, organizes, supervises, reviews and participates in the work of assigned staff; coordinates activities with other divisions, City departments, outside agencies and organizations; makes recommendations to the City Council, Commissions and a variety of related boards and committees; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Principal Planner is the classification responsible for planning, organizing and directing the work activities of the advance planning or current planning divisions of the Planning Department or work activities of the Transportation Division of the Public Works Department or environmental and resource planning activities of the Water Department. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Transportation Manager (requires Professional Engineer or Traffic Engineer license) in that the latter positions are responsible for assisting the Director with overall administration of department activities.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Manages, supervises and participates in the development and implementation of division or program goals, objectives, policies and procedures; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures for improving organizational performance and meeting division goals; establishes and maintains a customer service orientation within the division or program.
• Supervises and evaluates employees; provides or coordinates staff training; recommends the selection, promotion and discipline of employees; reviews the work of staff to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (C.E.Q.A.) and the National Environmental Protection Act (N.E.P.A.); supervises the work of professional planning and engineering consultants retained for the development of plans, specifications, studies and reports.
• Oversees and participates in the development of the annual division or program budget; participates in the forecast of necessary funds for staffing, materials, services and supplies; administers and monitors the approved division or program budget; negotiates, prepares and administers contracts, proposals and agreements.
• Serves as a technical advisor to the Director, Assistant Director, City staff, City Council and Council appointed advisory boards, commissions and committees on issues related to assigned area.
• Monitors and evaluates current trends related to the area of assignment, including legislation, court rulings and professional practices and techniques; recommends policy and procedural modifications accordingly.
• Prepares and coordinates development of reports, ordinances, applications and presentations for City Council; commissions such as the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, Water Commission, Parks & Recreation Commission, Transportation and Public Works Commission, and Downtown Commission; community groups; regulatory agencies and a variety of other boards, groups, and commissions.
• Ensures timely action on City Council directives, and City Commission initiatives; serves as staff to Council appointed boards, commissions, and committees.
• Develops and maintains records, statistics and reports.
• Researches federal and state grant funding sources; prepares or directs the preparation of grant and permit applications; appears before a variety of agencies, boards and commissions related to the application process; assures compliance with grant or permit requirements; prepares and reviews a variety of staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, environmental impact reports, negative declarations and related documents required for project implementation.
• Directs, coordinates, reviews and participates in data collection, analysis, plan formulation, implementation and maintenance.
• Represents the department to other City departments, other agencies, civic groups and the public; coordinates activities with other divisions, City departments, outside agencies and organizations.
• Evaluates proposed legislation and regulations and coordinates with internal and external representative(s) as appropriate on legislative or regulatory issues with potential impact to the City.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

As manager of the Current Planning Division:

• Directs the administration of the zoning and subdivision ordinances in connection with development applications; supervises staff engaged in review of permit applications and plans for compliance with applicable ordinances, and supervises and coordinates code enforcement activities.
• Supervises the interpretation of the Citys zoning ordinance by division personnel; drafts ordinance amendments for the zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance.
• Manages the evaluation and processing of all development review and zoning applications; including subdivisions, special use permits and large development applications.
• Meets with and advises developers and the general public regarding complex applications and processes; responds to the most complex and difficult inquiries and requests for information; provides information and resolves service issues and complaints.
• Acts as the Citys Zoning Administrator; serves as staff representative to the Planning Commission; schedules public hearings before the Zoning Administrator, Historic Preservation Commission, City Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Oversees, reviews and negotiates on behalf of the City for all land development proposals including site design and environmental review.

As manager of the Advance Planning Division:

• Directs implementation of the local coastal program and related coastal polices and prepares necessary amendments.
• Supervises administration of the Citys comprehensive planning program and maintenance of the General Plan and its elements in conformance with state law requirements; directs the development of related information systems on land use, economics and demographics.
• Serves as the Planning Departments inter-jurisdictional coordinator with local, regional, state, and federal agencies including tracking legislation that may have an impact on land use within the City.

As manager of the Current Planning or Advanced Planning Division:

• Supervises the implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (C.E.Q.A.) and other environmental regulations for City and private projects; advises other City departments on C.E.Q.A. guideline requirements; reviews environmental compliance issues with other agencies and City departments.
• Makes final determinations for compliance with C.E.Q.A. on behalf of the Director.
• Provides supervision to all Planning Department staff and to professional staff engineers and planners in other City Departments with respect to environmental analysis and review.
• Reviews environmental documents of other agencies whose projects have potential impact on the City, and provides responses on behalf of the City.

As manager of environmental and resource planning in the Water Department:

• Supervises the implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act (C.E.Q.A.) and other environmental regulations for City and private projects; reviews environmental compliance issues with other agencies and City departments.
• Coordinates the development of long range planning documents including but not limited to the Urban Water Management Plan, Water Shortage Contingency Plan, Long Term Demand Forecast.
• Participates in state, regional, and local efforts related to implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, the Integrated Regional Water Management Planning Act and water use efficiency planning.
• Reviews environmental documents of other agencies whose projects have potential impact on the City, and provides responses on behalf of the City.
• Coordinates compliance with water supply assessment requirements.
• Participates as a member of the departments senior management staff in policy development, administrative planning, coordination of work, and addressing department issues.

As principal of transportation planning in the Public Works Department:

• Supervises the implementation of transportation and parking planning within the City.
• Coordinates the development of long range planning documents including but not limited to the Mobility and Land Use Elements, the Active Transportation Plan, the ADA Transition Plan, the Climate Action Plan, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network Plan, the Sustainable Community Strategy, and other long-range plans and projects as they are approved.
• Participates in state, regional, and local efforts related to obtain grant funding and implementation of sustainable and effective transportation and parking plans, projects, and programs.
• Performs traffic, parking and transportation studies and develops requests for proposals and quotes to perform traffic, parking, and transportation studies.
• Participates as a member of the departments senior management staff in policy development, administrative planning, coordination of work, and addressing department issues.
• Provides supervision to transportation planning staff and to professional staff engineers and planners in other City Departments with respect to transportation analysis and review.
• Supervises, trains and evaluates professional, technical or other support staff, as assigned.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the Capital Investment Program.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on slippery, level and uneven surfaces, kneeling, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and experience

• Bachelors degree in urban, regional, natural resources, environmental planning, environmental studies or a related field; and
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in urban, regional, natural resources, utility, transportation, or environmental planning, including three years in a public agency performing duties equivalent to those of the assigned division, and some supervisory experience.

Knowledge:

• The principles and practices of local government administration, including budget preparation and control; contract administration; ordinance enforcement; and legal procedures.
• Principles, practices and techniques of municipal or natural resources, environmental or utility planning.
• Principles and practices of program development, administration and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of policy development, policy analysis, and implementation and evaluation of federal, state and local government policies.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
• Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning, community development and/or housing, depending upon area of assignment.
• Applicable federal, state and local agencies, laws, policies, codes, permitting and regulations related to area of assignment.
• Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies.
• Principles and practices of program development, administration and evaluation.
• Principles, practices and techniques of environmental planning and analysis, environmental impact assessment and review, permitting, mitigation, monitoring and reporting.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
• Methods and techniques for making effective public presentations of complex information.
• If assigned to Current Planning: the principles and practices of current planning as they pertain to development review, site design, evaluation, zoning and code enforcement.
• If assigned to the Water Department, the principles, practices and techniques of natural resource and water utility planning and analysis.
• If assigned to the Public Works Department, the principles, practices and techniques of transportation planning and analysis. Grant writing and administration.
• Contract negotiation and administration.
• Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
• Office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software.
• Methods and techniques of supervision and training.

Abilities:

• Manage, coordinate, plan, organize and direct the operations of a major function of the Department of Planning and Community Development, Public Works Department, or Water Department.
• Plan, organize, train, evaluate and direct work of assigned staff.
• Research and analyze complex operational and technical issues and develop appropriate recommendations for action.
• Interpret, explain and apply applicable, policies, procedures, standards, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to the municipal planning process, including the California Environmental Quality Act (C.E.Q.A.) and the National Environmental Protection Act (N.E.P.A.).
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process.
• Develop and administer operational and project budgets.
• Negotiate and oversee contracts and agreements and manage the work of consultants.
• Coordinate and/or participate in community planning and information sessions.
• Lead and participate in the establishment of division goals and objectives
• Organize and lead multi-disciplinary teams of staff and/or consultants to support completion of planning or analytical work.
• Make adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate.
• Read and interpret maps, sketches, drawings, specifications and technical manuals.
• Maintain a variety of records, maps and plans related to assigned program areas.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Make effective public presentations of complex technical information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, contractors, consultants, advisory bodies, City staff, other governmental agencies, and the public.
• Develop consensus and resolve conflicts between groups and individuals.
• Willingness to attend evening meetings as required.

Licenses/certificates

• Possession of a valid California Class C drivers license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• A Masters degree in urban, regional, natural resources or environmental planning.
• Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners certificate is highly desirable for positions in the Planning Department.

Career Ladder

• Director of Planning and Community Development (PL)/Director of Water (WT)/Director of Public Works (PW)
• Assistant Director of Planning (PL) or Deputy Water Director (WT) or Assistant Director/City Engineer (PW)
• Transportation Manager (PW)
• Principal Planner (PL/WT/PW)
• Senior Planner (PL)/Transportation Planner I/II (PW)
• Associate Planner I/II (PL/WT)/Transportation Coordinator (PW)

LEAVE

Vacation 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, add 8 hours for each additional year up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Management Vacation 80 hours per year

Sick 12 days/year

Holidays up to 11 days/year, plus 3 floating holidays

INSURANCE (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical Depends on plan selected; City generally pays at least 90% of the cost of coverage. Participating members will contribute an additional $50 per pay period toward health care benefits.

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage.

Life City provides a $25,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All regular employees become members of Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average) plan. Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 13.5% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Credit Union

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (2.5% of salary after 10 years)

Medical Reimbursement

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

Vehicle Allowance- $120 per month

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

This position requires possession of a valid California drivers license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

• Yes, I have a valid California drivers license.
• I do not have a valid California drivers license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment or have the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority as a condition of employment if selected for this position.

03

This position requires a Bachelors degree in urban, regional, natural resources, environmental planning, environmental studies or a related field. Please indicate your degree, field of study, and name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If you do not possess a Bachelors degree, please write "N/A" below.

04

Please select the option that best describes how many years of increasingly responsible experience in urban, regional, natural resources, utility, transportation, or environmental planning that you have. The experience selected here must be reflected in the Work Experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 5 years
• At least 5 years, but less than 6 years
• At least 6 years, but less than 7 years
• At least 7 years, but less than 8 years
• 8 or more years

05

This position requires five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in urban, regional, natural resources, utility, transportation, or environmental planning, including three (3) years in a public agency performing duties equivalent to those assigned to the Advance Planning division. Please describe in detail how you meet this requirement. All experience described here must be reflected in the Work History portion of the application. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A."

06

The experience mentioned above must also include some supervisory experience. Please describe your experience supervising, training, and evaluating staff, including years of experience in each role and number of employees supervised. If you do not have supervisory experience, please answer "N/A."

07

Successful completion of the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership Development program is accepted in lieu of the required supervisory experience. Have you successfully and fully completed the City of Santa Cruz Employee and Leadership program?

• Yes
• No
• Not applicable

08

Desirable Qualification: Masters degree in urban, regional, national resources or environmental planning. Please indicate your degree, field of study, and name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If you do not possess a Masters degree, please write "N/A" below.

09

Desirable Qualification: Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners certificate. I currently possess this certification:

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com