Planning Manager

The City of San Pablo is actively seeking candidates for the position of Planning Manager. If you are experienced in directing the daily operations and functions of a Planning Division or Department, including preparing community plans, managing planning programs, reviewing and processing planning, zoning, and environmental projects ensure consistency with policies and procedures, overseeing public counter services and processing of permits; conducting design and plan check review; preparing ordinances and amendments, serving as Zoning Administrator; coordinating Planning Division activities with other divisions and departments; and providing highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Community Development, we encourage you to consider applying for this outstanding opportunity to take your leadership, professional, and technical skills and implement them in a well-resourced, professional organization, with an exceptional executive leadership group and solid team to make a positive impact on the community of San Pablo! 

In addition to the great salary and benefits, including a four-day work week and the ability to work with other innovative executives, the incumbent will serve as a member of the Planning Division within the Community Development Department.  Incumbents in this FLSA-Exempt management-level classification will be responsible for direct and indirect supervision of subordinate professional and support staff and for directing the daily operations and functions of the Planning Division, including administering the City’s Zoning Ordinance and General Plan; supervising the processing of applications for use permits, site plan reviews, design review, CEQA determinations, and variances; and presenting staff recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, policies and procedures.

Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of the Planning Division within the Community Development Department including review and processing of community development, current and advanced planning, zoning administration, and transportation and environmental planning programs, projects and applications to ensure consistency with policies and procedures; to oversee public planning counter services, permitting, and plan check review and related areas as assigned.

Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the Planning Division work plan; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.

Act as Community Development Director as assigned.

Prepare the Planning Division budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.

Prepare and present staff reports, resolutions, ordinances and other information to the Planning Commission and City Council.

Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.

Review fee structure; analyze billings related to projects; provide fee comparisons related to justification of fee increases and make recommendations; and implement and oversee fee adjustments as assigned.

Oversee planning permit center activities, respond to policy questions and complex and difficult code interpretation and application requests; review unusual inquiries and provide related directions to staff; and provide input to the establishment of a working protocol and related duties as assigned.

Oversee and act as project manager for development of general plans, area plans, specific plans, special plans, and other planning projects as assigned; monitor budgets.

Participate in public outreach; attend meetings with outside community and professional groups, organizations and committees; meet with property owners, consultants, and other stakeholders as needed.

Provide high level staff support to a variety of committees, boards, and commissions; review agendas, staff reports, and notices to applicants; meet with applicants and staff regarding project issues.

Conduct Planning Commission meetings and provide supervision to staff to ensure that packets are properly prepared, notices issued, and meetings and public hearings held in conformance with City requirements and State regulations.

Represent the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; make formal presentations to official bodies; resolve, or refer, conflicts and issues; provide technical assistance to others as necessary.

Research and prepare complex detailed technical reports; prepare a variety of written correspondence.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.

Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication. Perform related duties as assigned.
 
 
 

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices and trends of urban design, municipal and environmental planning, land use, zoning, transportation planning, subdivision design, real estate trends, community outreach, and principles of community development.

Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management. 

Pertinent local, state and federal rules, regulations and laws including environmental review processes such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies and (Mitigated) Negative Declarations and related requirements, and planning regulations as they pertain to housing elements and housing production.

Methods and procedures for conducting advanced research and statistical analysis. Principles, methods and procedures for providing excellent customer service.
Modern office procedures and computer equipment including Geographic Imaging Systems (GIS), data analysis and other technical tools used in planning and community development processes.

Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management. Principles and practices of project management.

Budgeting procedures and techniques.
Ability to:

Organize, direct and manage the Planning Division operations.

On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department related issues; remember various rules and procedures; and explain and interpret policy.

On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.

Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.

Explain planning and community development requirements and procedures to the public, applicants, and other departments; and oversee the investigation and resolution of conflicts and complaintss.

Perform, or oversee, a variety of complex special projects related to planning, zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning and community development programs and functions.

Make clear formal presentations before groups utilizing visual displays and graphics.

Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.

Interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Prepare, interpret and administer a divisional budget.

Perform the most complex and sensitive work of the division. Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal planning, including two years of supervisory responsibility.

Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, environmental studies or a related field.

License and Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to employment, a valid California driver’s license.

Possession of a certificate from the American Institute of Certified Planners is highly desirable 
 
 

How to apply: 

Applications will only be accepted online at http://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanpabloca.

For general questions, call the Human Resources Division at (510) 215-3000.  Applications must be submitted to GovernmentJobs.com by the date and time listed.  Applications not submitted by the posted date and time will not be considered.  The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the subsequent phases of the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements of the position does not guarantee the advancement in any phase of the selection process. Final selection will be made from an eligibility list.

Recruitment timeline: Although dates may change, we suggest planning your calendar accordingly, as these are currently the only interview dates. 

First Round Interviews: Week of August 11, 2025 

Second Round Interviews: Week of August 18, 2025  

Estimated Start Date: October 1, 2025 

Pre-employment Process: Successful candidates may undergo a complete background investigation, fingerprinting, and pre-employment medical examination, which may include a TB test. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Please contact the Human Resources Department on, or before, the filing deadline if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process. Every attempt will be made to consider your request (medical documentation must be provided upon request). Immigration Reform & Control Act: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all potential employees will be required to provide proof of United State Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States. Drug-Free Workplace Policy: In accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, it is the objective of the City of San Pablo to achieve a drug-free workplace. 

THE CITY OF SAN PABLO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. MINORITIES/WOMEN/INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.   QUALIFIED APPLICANTS RECEIVE EQUAL CONSIDERATION, WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, AGE, MARITAL STATUS, AND DISABILITY EXCEPT WHERE DICTATED BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.

The information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or an implied contract of employment and these provisions are subject to change.