Planning Manager

The City of West Sacramento is seeking a visionary, dynamic, and experienced professional for the newly-created Planning Manager position to lead and shape the future development of our vibrant community. This critical leadership position requires a dynamic individual with a strong commitment to innovative planning, sustainable growth, seeking continual efficiencies and process improvements, and collaborative community engagement. As the Planning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the City’s land use policies and development initiatives, ensuring that West Sacramento remains a desirable and thriving place to live, work, play and learn.

The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of planning principles, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of managing complex planning projects. Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:Extensive Planning Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in urban planning, including a minimum of two (2) years of substantial experience in supervisory or management roles. Experience within municipal or regional government is highly desirable. 

Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, urban studies, community development, public or business administration, or a related field. Possession of a Master’s degree in either city and regional planning, urban studies, real estate development, or public administration with emphasis in city planning, or related field is highly desirable. Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) will be considered a significant advantage. 

Project Management Expertise: Proven ability to lead and manage multiple complex large-scale current and long-range projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery. Experience with land use planning, zoning, environmental review processes (CEQA/NEPA), and contract management is essential. 

Innovative and Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated capability to develop and implement innovative planning strategies that promote sustainable growth, economic development, and community well-being. Ability to anticipate future trends and challenges in urban/suburban development, and executing on creative methods to solve problems; getting to a "yes". 

Community Engagement: Strong commitment to public service and community engagement. Proven experience in effectively communicating and collaborating with internal team members, diverse stakeholders, including residents, developers, elected officials, and other government agencies. 

Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local planning regulations, policies, and procedures. Ability to navigate and apply this knowledge to ensure compliance and facilitate development. 

Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in navigating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), planning and permit-related software, and other relevant technologies. Ability to utilize data and technology to inform planning decisions and enhance operational efficiency. 

Leadership and Mentorship: Demonstration of a growth mindset is essential in this position. Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop a team of planners and support staff. Commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. 

Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to various audiences. 

Adaptability and Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure. Resilience in managing conflicts and navigating political dynamics.

The City of West Sacramento values diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating a work environment that reflects the diverse community we serve and where everyone feels empowered to contribute to our shared goals.

DEFINITION:  The Planning Manager, plans, organizes, directs, reviews and coordinates the  work of professional, technical and administrative staff related to all programs and activities of the Planning Division in the Community Development Department, including current and advanced planning and business licensing functions; manages the effective use of the City’s planning resources to improve organizational productivity and both internal and external customer service;  and outside agencies and organizations; oversees and manages current and advanced planning and environmental review; and provides highly responsible and complex support to the Director of Community Development and others. The Planning Manager also serves as the primary staff to the Planning Commission. The Planning Manager is an at-will position that is appointed by and sits at the pleasure of the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives general direction from the Director of Community Development, and exercises direction and supervision to assigned supervisory, professional, technical, and other assigned staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: The Planning Manager is a single position management level classification that is responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating all current planning programs, projects, and activities of the Planning Division. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• In consultation with Planning Division staff and the Community Development Director, leads the development of an annual Planning Division work program, including project/initiative prioritization and assignment of roles;
• Interprets, applies, and monitors laws, rules, and regulations related to planning matters including enforcement, land use, environmental review and determinations, housing, subdivision, and general planning laws and regulations.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Recommends Division-wide goals and objectives; assists in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services, projects, and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement to the Director.
• Participates in recruitment and selection of assigned personnel; motivates, supervises and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training and activities; works with employees on performance issues; implements performance improvement and personnel procedures as necessary.
• Provides highly complex assistance to the Director; prepares, reviews and edits staff reports related to planning activities, projects, and services; presents reports to and advises the City Council, Planning Commission, and other City, regional and community-based commissions, committees, and boards related to a wide variety of planning matters; serves as the primary Secretary to the Planning Commission; leads Planning Division staff meetings, provides staffing to regular meetings such as Project Review Committee (PRC) meetings, in coordination with other departments involved in the development project review process; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Advises staff on interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan, Municipal Code, State Planning Law, California Environmental Quality Act, and other regulatory standards; resolves difficult problems involving code interpretation beyond the ability or authority of professional planning staff. May serve as the City’s Zoning Administrator if assigned by the Community Development Director.
• Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding land use applications and general municipal planning programs, projects, and functions; represents the division, department, and City in disputes and litigation; facilitates community participation through a continual dialogue with residents on major projects.
• Oversees the dissemination of planning policy, land use and zoning regulatory information to the general public.
• Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Oversees, analyzes, and prepares information regarding social, economic, population, and land use trends.
• Oversees, develops, and implements current and advanced planning program activities including the preparation and review of environmental impact reports and other environmental documents, and issuance of land use permits and approvals; prepares long-range planning documents; provides information and technical assistance regarding City development requirements; participates in public meetings as necessary.
• Participates in the development and implementation of the Planning Division budget; reviews budget expenditures; recommends necessary staff, equipment, materials, and supplies needed to support the Division and Department work plan.
• Attends and participates in professional organization events and meetings; stays informed of new trends and innovations in planning; researches emerging technologies and best practices, and their applicability to the City’s planning needs.
• Monitors changes in State and Federal regulations that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after execution.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Assists the Director of Community Development with special projects, as needed. Reviews, assigns, and oversees the processing of development permit applications including those for new subdivisions, lot line adjustments, variances, use permits, and general plan and zoning amendments; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepares, negotiates and administers requests for proposals, contracts, and agreements.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Education:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, urban studies, community development, public or business administration, or a related field. Possession of a Master’s degree in either city and regional planning, urban studies, real estate development, public administration with emphasis in city planning, or related field is highly desirable.

Experience:  Seven (7) years of responsible, professional urban planning experience, including at least two (2) years providing direction or supervision to professional staff.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:  Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver license. Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  May serve as staff to commissions and may be required to attend off-hour meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Mobility to work in a standard office or construction environment, use standard office equipment and attend off-site meetings.  On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, twist, and reach while performing office duties; mobility to occasionally traverse uneven terrain, periodically standing, stooping, bending, climbing and kneeling to perform inspections; on occasion may be required to work in exposure to weather.   Manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies and small tools and to manipulate both single sheets of paper and large document holders (manuals, binders, etc.); vision to read handwritten and printed material and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds such as files, manuals, or small tools and equipment for distances up to 50 feet.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:  Employees generally work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.  Employees may also work in a construction or field environment including inclement weather conditions and construction and traffic hazards.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies and procedures.

An applicant who qualifies for veterans’ preference and successfully places on an eligibility list for initial entrance into employment with the city shall be advanced one rank on the final eligibility list. Where there are five (5) or less qualified applicants, no veterans’ preference shall apply and all applicants shall be placed on the certification list forwarded to the departments for hiring consideration. The exercise of veterans’ preference shall be exhausted upon appointment to a regular position from an eligibility list.

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• City of West Sacramento

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