Senior Planner

Salary: $115,601.00 - $150,833.00 Annually
Location : Malibu City Hall, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202500034
Department: Planning
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 4/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
DEFINITION

Under general direction, administers current and advanced planning activities including zoning, redevelopment, housing and advanced planning; serves as project manager for complex development applications; provides information and assistance to property owners, developers, contractors and the public; provides professional assistance to the Planning Director, the City Council, the Planning Commission and others in areas of expertise; oversees, reviews and performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; performs related duties as assigned.
IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of land use planning laws and practices, development and zoning administration, and California local government and coastal planning. Knowledge of site planning and architectural design principles, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are required. The ability to serve in a leadership role within the department, bringing experience, creative problem-solving and excellent customer service to the team. The Senior Planner will effectively manage their own caseload of complex current and/or long range projects, and serve as a mentor to junior staff, and a liaison to other departments and agencies. Will have excellent skills conducting meetings with applicants and the public regarding specific development projects and planning issues. The ability to administer complex current and long-range planning, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner is desirable.

Examples of Duties

• Reviews complex residential, commercial, and industrial development proposals, plans. and applications for conformance with City policies and ordinances, the General Plan, the Local Coastal Program, and state and federal laws.
• Confers and coordinates assigned planning and development activities with those of City departments, public utilities, and public agencies to solicit comments regarding projects and ensures that the comments are satisfactorily addressed by the project applicant.
• Provides day-to-day technical support and direction to lower-level professional, technical, and administrative staff.
• Prepares and processes California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance documents.
• Confers with and provides information to property owners, contractors, developers, engineers, architects, and the public regarding conformance to standards, plans, specifications, and codes; explains codes, requirements and procedures and evaluates alternatives.
• Prepares or oversees preparation of modifications to General Plan elements and/or Local Coastal Program and development regulations; prepares draft ordinances, resolutions, and agenda items for council approval.
• Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population and land use data and trends; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters and elements of the City's General Plan.
• Prepares staff reports and various technical and informational reports; prepares presentations and presents to City Council, boards, commissions, committees, various groups, and other jurisdictions interested in or affected by City planning and development.
• Serves as project manager for complex planning projects, including analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review and making recommendations; manages consultant contracts including determining scope of work and budgets, tracking budgets and approving contract payments.
• Conducts site inspections, including determining if projects are in compliance with laws, regulations, and ordinances; makes recommendations regarding changes.
• Conducts studies and needs assessments for the development of programs to address significant development issues.
• Maintains accurate records and files.
• Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, community development, business or public administration or a related field.
Experience:

Four (4) years of professional experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record to be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Municipal planning principles, techniques, practices, and procedures including knowledge of general plans, zoning ordinances, specific plans and development standards and practices.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political and other elements related to City planning.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• Local coastal planning.
• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Recent development, current literature, and sources of information related to information planning and zoning.
• Basic organization and function of public agencies, including the role of an elected City Council and appointed boards and commissions.
• Practices of researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by dealing effectively with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.
• Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Receive and respond to a variety of questions from the general public, contractors and developers; interpret planning and zoning programs, policies, processes, codes and regulations.
• Review applications for accuracy and completeness; process and/or submit to other planning staff for action.
• Conduct research, compile technical and statistical information to evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Effectively representing the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Enforce ordinances and regulations effectively and tactfully.
• Read and understand technical drawings, plans, and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Make effective public presentations.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Having trouble logging in? Contact the NEOGOV Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at (855) 524-5627.

Need an Accommodation? If you have questions or need special accommodation with the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at (310) 456-2489 ext. 488. The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer.
Paid Holidays: 9 paid holidays plus paid Winter Break (December 24 - January 1).

Malibu City Hall is closed on the following holidays:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
• Presidents Day (third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Juneteenth (June 19)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Veterans Day (November 11)
• Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
• The Friday following Thanksgiving Day
• Winter Break (December 24 - January 1)

Vacation Leave:
1-5 years: 96 hours per year.
6-10 years: 120 hours per year.
11 years or more: 160 hours per year.

Sick Leave: 96 hours per year.

Vacation and sick leave cash-out provision. A portion of vacation leave can be cashed out at the applicable accrual year for qualifying employees. A portion of sick leave can be cashed out at the applicable accrual year for qualifying employees.

The City participates in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New members to CalPERS, new PEPRA formula 2% at 62, three-year average, 8.25% member contribution; classic CalPERS members 2% at 55, one-year average, the City pays the member contribution for classic CalPERS members. The City does not contribute to Social Security.

Health, Dental, Long Term/Short Term Disability, Life and Vision Insurance are all covered.

Health Insurance: A selection of health plans is available from CalPERS. The City will provide 100% paid premiums-coverage for employee and dependents up to the PERS Platinum PPO health plan level. Dental and Vision: 100% paid premiums-coverage for employee and dependents.

A voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan is available for employee participation. The City will match up to $50.00 per pay period of a contribution to our 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.

Employees have the option to sign up with the Ventura County Federal Credit Union.

The City offers an Alternative Work Schedule (9/80) and a hybrid work option; Employee Assistance Program; Tuition Reimbursement ($2,500 per fiscal year).

New hire and promotional appointments shall be subject to a probationary period of not less than six months.

Federal law requires mandatory contribution for each employee of 1.45%.

In compliance with the Immigration & Control Act of 1986, all new employees must verify identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THE BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

THE CITY OF MALIBU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.