Senior Planner (Multiple Vacancies)

Senior Planner (Multiple Vacancies)

Salary

$126,660.00 - $163,284.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-024

Department

Community Development

Opening Date

10/15/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The City of Santa Cruz Community Development Department is seeking two Senior Planners, one in Advance Planning and one in Current Planning, to oversee complex professional land use and urban planning projects.

The Current Planning Division is looking for a senior-level planner to guide high-profile development projects through the Citys planning process. The ideal candidate will be able to manage complex current planning processes with limited oversight, interpret and apply state legislation, deliver standout customer service, and help shape the future of our city. If you thrive in a community that cares deeply about what gets built, this is your role.

The Advance Planning Division is seeking a senior-level planner to shape our long-term vision. You will manage projects to update and maintain the policy and planning tools that guide our community's future, including the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, area plans, and zoning ordinance, while advancing our Housing Element goals and other key policy initiatives. If you enjoy working with a passionate, engaged community, you'll feel right at home.

To learn more about the Community Development Department, please visit https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Community-Development

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular, Full Time, Part Time, Limited Term, and Temporary Senior Planner vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible 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 # 27-024

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, 11/05/26 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 11/09 and 11/16/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 11/25/26.

• Week of 11/30 and 12/07/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Under direction, the Senior Planner manages, oversees, reviews and performs complex professional land use and urban planning work, such as current planning, advance planning, implementation of the City's General Plan, development review, management of Citywide pre-application review, and major, complex planning projects; provides direction and training to assigned staff; and, performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Duties

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

• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned functional areas; plans, coordinates, directs and processes complex projects and conducts research studies; analyzes information and data and makes recommendations for action; negotiates, prepares and administers consultant services contracts; prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, community needs, housing and environmental issues; recommends the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial and community uses.
• Provides lead direction to professional, technical and office support staff in assigned functional areas; instructs staff in work procedures; participates in the review and evaluation of work performed.
• Coordinates and participates in the review and processing of various plans and applications for subdivision, housing and commercial developments; reviews and processes variances and other development permits and applications; collects and evaluates information related to the application process and determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval or alternative approaches; conducts project site inspections.
• May be assigned to investigate and respond to complaints of zoning code violations.
• Supervises, coordinates and participates in the update and implementation of the General Plan; drafts and coordinates adoption of ordinance amendments.
• Manages complex and controversial planning projects; manages public participation and project budget.
• Acts as Deputy Zoning Administrator.
• Supervises special functions of the assigned division such as code enforcement, historic preservation, and code amendments.
• Facilitates interdepartmental coordination of complex planning projects; confers with personnel from other departments and agencies in coordinating work activities; meets with representatives of community organizations and other groups to encourage cooperative action or to resolve problems.
• Interprets, applies and explains 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.).
• Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements; investigates and answers the more complex questions from the public regarding planning, zoning and environmental issues.
• Writes and edits reports and agendas for the City Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator and Historic Preservation Commission; serves as staff to the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission; coordinates, prepares and provides meeting support services to the Commission and other groups, including reviewing draft materials and preparing comments; drafts hearing notices, organizes meetings and work sessions ensuring timely notification of appropriate parties; makes presentations and prepares material for the City Council, commissions, boards and community groups.
• May coordinate and administer grant applications or contracts.
• May manage the work of consultants performing planning projects or studies.
• Serves as technical advisor to City staff and officials, public agencies and members of the public.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

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. Additionally, the position 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

• A Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, or a related field.
• Four years of increasingly responsible experience in urban or regional planning.

Knowledge:

• Principles, practices and techniques of municipal planning.
• Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning.
• Applicable agencies, laws, codes, and regulations related to area of assignment.
• Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
• Methods and techniques for making effective public presentations of complex information.
• Principles and practices of program development, administration and evaluation.
• Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments.
• Office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software.
• Grant writing and administration.
• Contract negotiation and administration.
• Methods and techniques of supervision and training.

Abilities:

• Coordinate and perform complex professional planning work in assigned program area.
• Plan, organize, and direct the work of assigned staff; assist with the training and evaluation of staff; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments.
• Perform thorough research and analysis of complex planning-related 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.).
• Review complex project plans and concepts to determine compliance with the general plan and plan principles.
• Interpret technical manuals, maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs, sketches, drawings and modeling and statistical data.
• Coordinate and/or participate in community planning and information sessions.
• Research, collect and analyze a variety of information relative to planning activities and projects; conduct project inspections.
• Make adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate.
• Participate in the establishment of division and/or department goals, objectives and methods for evaluating achievement and performance levels.
• Assist with budget development and monitoring.
• Negotiate and oversee contracts and manage the work of consultants.
• 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.
• Willingness to attend evening meetings as required.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in urban or regional planning.

Career Ladder

• Principal Planner

• Senior Planner

• Associate Planner II

• Associate Planner I

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 and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license. Please select your current license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license issued by another state. I understand that I will be required to obtain a California drivers license prior to appointment, as a condition of employment, if selected for this position.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license. I understand that I do not meet the requirement for this position and that this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

03

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, or a related field. Please indicate your degree, field of study, and the name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If your degree is in a related field to urban or regional planning, please describe how your field of study applies to the Senior Planner position. If you do not possess a Bachelors degree, please write "N/A."

04

Please select the option that best describes how many years of increasingly responsible experience in urban or regional 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 4 years
• At least 4 years, but less than 5 years
• At least 5 years, but less than 6 years
• 6 years or more

05

Based on your answer above, please describe your increasingly responsible experience in urban or regional planning. Please be thorough with your response as answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

06

Please describe your knowledge and/or experience of applicable agencies, laws, codes, and regulations related to Advanced and/or Current Planning. Please be thorough with your response as answers to this question may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. If you do not possess this knowledge or experience, please write "N/A."

07

Desirable Qualification: While not required, if you possess a Masters degree or above in urban or regional planning, please indicate the degree, the name of accredited college or university attended and your field of study. If you do not possess a Masters degree in urban or regional planning, please write "N/A."

08

The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Senior Planner vacancies during the life of the list. Please select which Senior Planner assignment(s) you are interested in. Please select all that apply.

• Advanced Planning in the Community Development Department.
• Current Planning in the Community Development Department.
• Planning in the Parks & Recreation Department.

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