Senior Planner

Senior Planner

Salary

$135,372.00 - $177,924.00 Annually

Location

City Hall/DSC, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

11816-2026

Department

Development Services Department

Opening Date

05/19/2026

Closing Date

6/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

CITY OF MORGAN HILL

SENIOR PLANNER

$11,281 - $14,827 Monthly

$135,372 - $177,888 Annually

Choose Morgan Hill: The City of Morgan Hill is the best community for people to live, work, visit, and operate their businesses.

The City of Morgan Hill focuses on meeting our core values of teamwork, innovation, customer service, professional growth, and overcoming challenges. If you share these core values and have a passion to serve our community, this may be the position for you! The City of Morgan Hill Development Services Department is responsible for Planning, Building, Housing and Economic Development functions within the City. The City also offers a 2.5% @ 55 single highest year option for CalPERS Classic Members and 2% @ 62 for CalPERS PEPRA Members.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under direction of the Community Development Director/Development Services Director or designee, the Senior Planner conducts various professional activities related to the Citys land use planning program, including serving as project manager for current planning, long-range planning and special studies environmental review, data analysis and related work as required. The Senior Planner may also acts as a front-line manager, supervising professional planning staff including Associate Planners, Assistant Planners and/or Planning Technicians to implement the Citys land use planning program. The Senior Planner is expected to have substantial experience and expertise in the field of land use planning and to apply knowledge and skills gained through specialized training and depth of experience to complete complex long-range and/or current planning projects or assignments. The position requires the exercise of considerable initiative and discretion; the use of seasoned and independent judgment; and excellent communication and coordination skills.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

This position plays a key leadership role within the Citys Planning Division. This is a management classification that conducts day to day planning activities including conduct of land use entitlements, delivery of customer service, coordination with outside agencies and compliance with State and local regulations and that includes supervision of, mentoring or technical assistance to other planners and support staff and which may play a key role in development of the Citys General Plan and other long-range planning activities. In addition, this position is responsible to conduct major planning projects and reports.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate will be an accomplished long-range planning professional with extensive experience leading complex, policy-focused planning initiatives. This Senior Planner position is assigned to the Long-Range Planning Division and is dedicated exclusively to long-range and strategic planning efforts.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record in the preparation and management of General Plans, Specific Plans, Design Guidelines, Zoning Code updates, Annexations, area plans, housing-related policy documents, and other long-range planning studies. They will bring a high level of technical expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to translate complex planning concepts into clear, actionable policy direction.

The ideal candidate will also excel in community engagement, interagency coordination, and the application of best practices in urban planning. They will be collaborative, solutions-oriented, and committed to advancing the City's long-term vision through thoughtful, data-driven planning. A strong customer-service mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team environment, as well as with community stakeholders and regional partners.

APPLICATION and SELECTION PROCESS:

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply on-line at www.morganhill.ca.govand submit the following items:

• A completed City of Morgan Hill employment application
• Responses to the supplemental questions
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Copy of Certificates (if applicable)

Final Filing Date: Friday, June 5, 2026.

Examples of Duties

The following duties are performed personally, in cooperation with the Community Development Director or designee and/or in coordination with other City staff and community groups. Additional duties may be assigned.

• As a project manager for current planning projects, including applications for general plan amendments, development agreements, zoning variances or changes, use permits, planned developments, site approvals, annexations, urban serve boundary adjustments, preliminary review applications, etc. achieves the following outcomes:

• Permitting of high-quality land use development within Morgan Hill consistent with the Citys General Plan, zoning ordinance and other policies.

• Use of effective communication, delivery of high-quality customer service, and establishment of positive working relationships with members of the community, elected officials, appointed boards and commissions, teammates in other City departments, staff of outside agencies, development industry representatives, and other stakeholders, promoting a positive image for the City Hall team.

• Compliance with applicable state laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and others as applicable.

• Consistency with work program objectives, project processing timelines and other performance measures.

• Serving in a lead role for special long-range planning projects, such as a comprehensive General Plan update, preparation of area plans, zoning code changes, or other special studies achieves the following outcomes:

• Completion of complex, long-range planning projects consistent with work program timelines.

• Advancement of the use of land use planning "best practices" within Morgan Hill.

• A demonstrated commitment to providing adequate opportunity for community stakeholders to be fully engaged within the Citys long-term planning and land use policy development processes.

• •Successful collaboration with representatives of other cities, the County and other public agencies which have an interest in land use planning in Morgan Hill.

• As a member of the Departmental management team, participate in strategic planning to accomplish Departmental objectives, provide mentoring and expertise to support the planning team and serve as a front-line supervisor to achieve the following outcomes:

• Efficient and timely delivery of planning services.

• Full cost-recovery conduct of the land use entitlement process.

• Professional development opportunities for teammates leading to increased overall performance.

• Selection, management and supervision of consultants to provide expedited permitting and CEQA review consistent with Departmental budget objectives.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education & Experience:

• Possess a Bachelors degree from an accredited college in urban planning, architecture, public administration or field closely related to the work.
• Four years of city planning experience.
• Experience in municipal land use planning is desirable.

Licenses & Certificates:

• Possession of a valid California Class C drivers license in compliance with adopted City driving standards.
• AICP Certification is desirable.

Other Requirements:

• Must be willing to attend evening meetings.

Knowledge of:

• Current principles, practices and techniques of urban planning.
• Current supervisory principles and practices.
• Zoning principles and methods.
• Economic forecasting and statistical research methods.
• Environmental issues as related to the planning process.
• Applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Skill in:

• Planning, assigning, directing and reviewing the work of a professional staff and support staff.
• Implementing, interpreting and explaining complex policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Conducting analytical studies, compiling statistical and economic data, evaluating alternatives, and making sound recommendations.
• Reading and interpreting maps and specifications.
• Providing outstanding customer service (internally and externally).
• Facilitating multiple forms of community engagement.
• Use of common office software including Microsoft Office.

Ability to:

• Manage complex near-term and long-term land use planning projects consistent with the Citys objectives for timeliness and quality.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Represent the City effectively in meetings with others.
• Prepare clear, concise and competent reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Perform the essential functions of this position.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Employee frequently is required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception, the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee generally works 90% indoors and 10% outdoors.
• The work environment indoors is usually in a temperature-controlled office; some travel is required.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Retirement Plans

CalPers: 2.5% @ 55 Plan for Classic Employees; 2% @ 62 Plan for New Employees

CalPers: 3% @ 50 Plan for Classic Employees; 2.5% @ 55

Optional: IRS 457 Tax Deferred Comp. plans with Empower Retirement (Mass Mutual) or Mission Square (ICMA) All regular employeesEmployee paid: pre-tax contributions to plan. City will contribute 2% at time of hire and up to 4% total after years of service to 457 plan.

Employee paid: pre-tax contributions to plan.

City may contribute based on bargaining unit.

Health Benefit Plans

CalPers Health Plan:

PPO: PERS Choice, PERS Care, PERS Select

HMO: Blue Shield, Anthem, United Healthcare, Kaiser

Medical and Dental The City will contribute between $1,070.73 - $2,806.25 per month depending on the level of coverage. Employee is responsible for costs that exceed Citys contribution.

Delta Dental Plan All regular employees

Vision Care

Employee Paid: Eye Med (optional)All other employees

Employee Assistance Program

Concern-EAP All employees

City Paid: Includes confidential counseling for a variety of employee work/life issues.

Optional Flex Benefits

IRS 125 medical & dependent care reimbursement accountsAll employees

Employee Paid Insurance Plans

Disability Insurance

City Paid: Long Term / Short TermAll Non-Safety employees

Life Insurance

Life + AD&D policy

City Paid: $100,000 to $250,000Mgmt/Confidential employees

Employee Paid: $100,000Police Officers

City Paid: $100,000All other employees

Optional Flex Benefits

Employee Paid: Whole life insuranceAll Employees

Time Off Work

Holidays: 13.5 defined holidays per year including 2 "floating" holidaysAll employees

City Paid: Public Safety employees who normally work holidays receive 6.5% of base pay in lieu of time off

Vacation: 120 ~ 160 hrs/yrManagement Employees

City Paid: Employees earn up to 160 hrs/yr after five years. May cash out up to 80 hrs/yr.

80 ~ 160 hrs/yrAll other employees

City Paid: Employees earn 160 hrs/yr after ten years in various increments depending on bargaining unit. May cash out vacation time; limits vary by bargaining group. Limits on maximum accrual apply.

Administrative Leave: Up to 72 hrs/yrManagement/Confidential employees only

City Paid: No more than 144 hours may be stored.

Sick Leave: 8 hrs/monthAll employees

City Paid: Employees may use up to 16 hours of sick leave for personal leave depending on bargaining unit. Employees may opt to receive 25% of unused annual sick leave paid in cash each year. No limit on accumulation.

Family Medical Leave & other leaves All employees

City Paid: Bereavement leave 24 hrs - 40 hrs. Family Medical Leave and other paid or unpaid leaves provided as required by law.

01

The following supplemental questions may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and experience. Be sure that the choices you make and the answers you provide correspond to the information you have provided on your application and resume. By completing this supplemental evaluation, you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any information you provide may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information may disqualify you from further consideration in this recruitment.

• Yes, I understand and agree
• No, I do not agree

02

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

03

What is your highest level of education?

• Did not graduate from high school.
• High school diploma or GED
• Some college
• AA/AS Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Post-Graduate Degree

04

How many years of full-time, paid City planning experience do you have? (This experience must be described in the "WORK HISTORY/EXPERIENCE" section of your application.

• None
• Less than 4 years
• 4 or more years

05

Are you willing and available to attend evening and weekend meetings?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you posses an AICP certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Morgan Hill

Address 17575 Peak Avenue

Morgan Hill, California, 95037

Phone 408-779-7278

Website http://www.morganhill.ca.gov