Senior Planner
Apply NowCompany: City of Modesto, CA
Location: Modesto, CA 95355
Description:
Salary: $94,681.60 - $115,086.40 Annually
Location : Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 4132B
Department: Community and Economic Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 02/07/2025
Closing Date: 2/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCMA
THE POSITION
Our Planning Division within our Community and Economic Development Department is hiring! Do you have professional work experience in the field of current and advanced planning? Please see the opportunity below!
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% COLAeffective July 1, 2025
3% COLA effective July 1, 2026
2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)
5% Education Incentive (master's degree)
The Senior Planner is responsible to organize, assign and review the work of assigned personnel engaged in professional planning; to perform advanced level professional work pertinent to current and long-range planning; and to provide responsible staff assistance to the Planning Manager. The Senior Planner will be responsible for managing complex projects and taking a proactive approach to projects, programs, and other planning efforts. Proactive problem-solvers who can thrive in a fast-paced collaborative environment are encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Applications will be screened to the most qualified. Please do not substitute any part of the application with the words "see resume".
The following information is provided for use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Tentative Testing Schedule
Online exam
February 25, 2025 - March 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire.
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of technical and professional planning duties.
Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments, ensuring that work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
Provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
Perform the most difficult work pertaining to professional planning.
Develop and present recommendations on various development proposals and applications; prepare appropriate planning, statistical, financial, and narrative reports.
Act as project or program leader for general plan elements, environmental impact reports, comprehensive plans, and other special planning studies involving utilization of planning disciplines such as transportation, urban design, capital facilities, environmental analysis, growth management, zoning, and land use regulation.
Research, review, and analyze economic, social, and physical data affecting land use and community development.
Confer with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning and zoning matters; provide information regarding City development requirements.
Interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure that development proposals, City projects, and municipal code amendments are in compliance with federal and state laws.
Prepare general plan elements and amendments; make recommendations concerning long-range planning projects, including annexations, specific plans, specific plan amendments, precise plans, or complex subdivisions.
Perform extensive research regarding implementation of policies established by the general plan, zoning ordinance, or other land use and development ordinances.
Provide staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees.
Provide information to the public regarding zoning, land use, and the general plan; monitor the plan check activities of Department staff; participate in public meetings, as necessary.
Provide direction, assistance, and/or supervision to assigned planning staff; participate in the selection of staff; implement discipline procedures.
Assist in preparing request for proposals; coordinate consultant selection and contract preparation/administration activities.
May assist in preparing the departmental budget; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; assist in monitoring and tracking the approved budget.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.
Advanced principles and practices of urban planning and development.
Advanced methods and techniques of technical report preparation and presentation.
Advanced research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.
Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Planning and Zoning Law, State Subdivision Map Act, and Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.
Perform the most complex duties related to current and/or advance planning.
Intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information.
Observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedure issues.
Analyze complex site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
Ensure project compliance with federal, state and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Collect, analyze, interpret, and apply data to various planning projects.
Coordinate, organize, and conduct research studies; prepare concise technical reports; prepare maps, charts, and other graphic material for effective presentations.
Prepare and analyze complex technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of responsible experience equivalent to an Associate Planner with the City of Modesto.
Training
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, geography, or a related field.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional holiday/weekend work or travel.
Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime.
VACATION: Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,028.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,436.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 718.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9+ years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): On the first pay period following completion of two (2) full years of continuous City service, regular full-time employees shall receive a lump sum equal to 24 months of contributions deposited into an RHS account established in their name. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute a set amount bi-weekly which is $55 effective 1/1/2024.
LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
DISABILITY INSURANCE: Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.
LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.
SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.
02
Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college in one of the following areas?
03
If you selected "other" above, please indicate the major of your degree. If you did not, please indicate N/A.
04
Do you possess at least two years of journey level work experience equivalent to Associate Planner with the City of Modesto?
05
If you answered yes to the question above, please describe your experience. In your response, include the name of the agency, duties performed, dates of employment and the supervisor you reported to. Keep in mind, this experience must also be identified under work experience on your application. If you have no experience, please indicate "N/A".
06
Do you possess certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?
07
Please describe any work experience you have processing Tentative Parcel Maps/Tentative Subdivision Maps or administering Specific Plans. If you have no experience, indicate "N/A".
Required Question
Location : Modesto, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 4132B
Department: Community and Economic Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 02/07/2025
Closing Date: 2/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MCMA
THE POSITION
Our Planning Division within our Community and Economic Development Department is hiring! Do you have professional work experience in the field of current and advanced planning? Please see the opportunity below!
Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:
3% COLAeffective July 1, 2025
3% COLA effective July 1, 2026
2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)
5% Education Incentive (master's degree)
The Senior Planner is responsible to organize, assign and review the work of assigned personnel engaged in professional planning; to perform advanced level professional work pertinent to current and long-range planning; and to provide responsible staff assistance to the Planning Manager. The Senior Planner will be responsible for managing complex projects and taking a proactive approach to projects, programs, and other planning efforts. Proactive problem-solvers who can thrive in a fast-paced collaborative environment are encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Applications will be screened to the most qualified. Please do not substitute any part of the application with the words "see resume".
The following information is provided for use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.
Tentative Testing Schedule
Online exam
February 25, 2025 - March 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire.
ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions:
Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of technical and professional planning duties.
Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments, ensuring that work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications.
Provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
Perform the most difficult work pertaining to professional planning.
Develop and present recommendations on various development proposals and applications; prepare appropriate planning, statistical, financial, and narrative reports.
Act as project or program leader for general plan elements, environmental impact reports, comprehensive plans, and other special planning studies involving utilization of planning disciplines such as transportation, urban design, capital facilities, environmental analysis, growth management, zoning, and land use regulation.
Research, review, and analyze economic, social, and physical data affecting land use and community development.
Confer with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning and zoning matters; provide information regarding City development requirements.
Interpret and apply environmental quality laws and regulations to ensure that development proposals, City projects, and municipal code amendments are in compliance with federal and state laws.
Prepare general plan elements and amendments; make recommendations concerning long-range planning projects, including annexations, specific plans, specific plan amendments, precise plans, or complex subdivisions.
Perform extensive research regarding implementation of policies established by the general plan, zoning ordinance, or other land use and development ordinances.
Provide staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional groups and committees.
Provide information to the public regarding zoning, land use, and the general plan; monitor the plan check activities of Department staff; participate in public meetings, as necessary.
Provide direction, assistance, and/or supervision to assigned planning staff; participate in the selection of staff; implement discipline procedures.
Assist in preparing request for proposals; coordinate consultant selection and contract preparation/administration activities.
May assist in preparing the departmental budget; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; assist in monitoring and tracking the approved budget.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.
Advanced principles and practices of urban planning and development.
Advanced methods and techniques of technical report preparation and presentation.
Advanced research methods and sources of information related to urban growth and development.
Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to municipal planning and administration.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), State Planning and Zoning Law, State Subdivision Map Act, and Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.
Perform the most complex duties related to current and/or advance planning.
Intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information.
Observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedure issues.
Analyze complex site design, terrain constraints, circulation, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
Ensure project compliance with federal, state and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Interpret, explain, and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Collect, analyze, interpret, and apply data to various planning projects.
Coordinate, organize, and conduct research studies; prepare concise technical reports; prepare maps, charts, and other graphic material for effective presentations.
Prepare and analyze complex technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of responsible experience equivalent to an Associate Planner with the City of Modesto.
Training
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, geography, or a related field.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional holiday/weekend work or travel.
Modesto Confidential and Management Association (MCMA)
Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).
HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours holiday credit.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE: 80 hours per year for positions exempt from overtime.
VACATION: Accrued at the rate of two weeks during the first year, increasing to five weeks during the 21st year of service.
SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,200 hours.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:
$ 2,028.00 Employee + Family
$ 1,436.00 Employee + 1 Dependent
$ 718.00 Employee Only
$ 450.00 Opt Out
The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1.5% of salary, increasing to 2.5% at 9+ years of service, to a voluntary 457 Plan.
RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): On the first pay period following completion of two (2) full years of continuous City service, regular full-time employees shall receive a lump sum equal to 24 months of contributions deposited into an RHS account established in their name. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute a set amount bi-weekly which is $55 effective 1/1/2024.
LIFE INSURANCE: Coverage in the amount of $120,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.
DISABILITY INSURANCE: Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Master's Degree Pay in the amount of 5% of salary. Bachelor's Degree Pay in the amount of 2.5% of salary.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.
LONGEVITY PAY: 2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.
SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.
- Yes
02
Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college in one of the following areas?
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Geography
- Other
- I do not possess a bachelor's degree
03
If you selected "other" above, please indicate the major of your degree. If you did not, please indicate N/A.
04
Do you possess at least two years of journey level work experience equivalent to Associate Planner with the City of Modesto?
- Yes
- No
05
If you answered yes to the question above, please describe your experience. In your response, include the name of the agency, duties performed, dates of employment and the supervisor you reported to. Keep in mind, this experience must also be identified under work experience on your application. If you have no experience, please indicate "N/A".
06
Do you possess certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?
- Yes
- No
07
Please describe any work experience you have processing Tentative Parcel Maps/Tentative Subdivision Maps or administering Specific Plans. If you have no experience, indicate "N/A".
Required Question