Principal Planner

Position:              Principal Planner

Organization:     Metropolitan Planning Group (M-Group)

Location:            Campbell

Hours:                 Full-time or Part-time

M-Group seeks Principal Planners to serve clients in the San Francisco Bay Area.  We offer a hybrid work model at our Campbell and client locations.

M-Group exists to bring innovative and effective planning solutions to Bay Area cities. Since the creation of the firm in 2006, we have brought high-caliber planning services to over 90 Bay Area communities.  M‑Group’s planners have extensive experience working on large, complex, and high-profile projects, and our staff brings together a range of accomplishments and a wealth of real-world experiences.

We strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment in our workplace and in the communities we serve. We work with intention to promote equity and respect for all people. Inclusion and diversity are at the core of M-Group’s values.

M-Group actively seeks planners who represent the diversity of the Bay Area and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and all other qualified applicants. Visit us at http://www.m-group.us to learn more.

 

PRINCIPAL PLANNER JOB DESCRIPTION

Principal Planners are responsible for complex projects and planning project management. This position differs from the lower-level classification of Senior Planner in that the Senior Planner performs less-complex planner duties and has less complex project management responsibilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

1.     Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, architecture or a related field; AND seven years of progressively responsible city planning experience: OR

2.     Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, architecture or a related field; AND six years of progressively responsibly city planning experience.

Essential Job Duties:

Development Review

• Processes planning applications; reviews and analyzes land use impacts and compliance with local and State regulations and City policies.
• Conducts research and compiles, analyzes and evaluates information related to planning studies, such as demographic, economic, social, environmental, land use and housing data, and prepare and oversee graphics and narrative reports.
• Recommend governmental measures affecting land use, public utilities, community facilities, and housing and transportation
• Prepares a variety of technical and administrative reports, documents and correspondence; makes presentations to Planning Commissions, City Councils, other public hearings and community meetings.
• Prepares and maintains maps pertaining to zoning, land use and other planning related activities.
• Conducts studies and prepares and presents corresponding reports.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Evaluates and reviews development plans for compliance; prepares reports, Initial Studies, ordinances, and researches and communicates with applicants, consultants, staff and members of the public.
• Inspects residential, commercial and industrial properties to gather data and assess the possible need for project or plan modifications.
   

Policy Planning

• Researches, conducts and/or analyzes policy and long range planning projects.
• Researches planning issues related to economic development, land use, zoning and environmental concerns.
• Researches and writes special studies including General Plan review and policy study issues.
• Coordinates project reviews with city departments and outside agencies.
   

Public Information Service

• Receives and responds to inquiries and questions at the front counter, via email and telephone; provides information regarding planning, zoning and the development process to developers, property owners, design professionals, other agencies and City departments.
• Represents the Planning Departments at meetings and conferences.
• Plans, prioritizes and reviews the work of staff assigned to the performance of professional planning activities.
• Develops schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
   

Other

• Ability to travel to various client locations
• Perform other related duties as assigned
   

Willingness to:

• Attend weekend and evening meetings on a regular weekly basis.

Licenses/Certificates:

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver’s license. A safe driving record and access to a vehicle may be required to perform job duties at various client locations. The ability to provide alternative transportation may be accommodated as needed.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering public presentations.
• Lead or supervisory experience.
• Completion of certification in land use planning, transportation planning, geographic information systems, public policy, or a related area from an accredited institution; or state licensing or registration in a related field such as architecture or landscape architecture.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners
   

WHY JOIN M-GROUP?

Because We Think of the Future:

We are a socially responsible firm and work to address pressing issues in our evolving communities. We underscore our work with a commitment to respect natural and man-made environments by planning for long-term sustainability.

 

Because We are Dedicated to the Profession:

We hire the most talented and experienced planners and give them the support they need to expand their knowledge and passion. As a firm and as planners, we uphold the AICP Code of Ethics in everything we do.

Because We are Committed to Our Staff:

Our company culture encourages M-Group staff to think big, have fun, and create great plans for our communities. We work in an open, mutually supportive, and collaborative manner. We strive to retain employees by providing job satisfaction and solid paths to career growth.

What We Offer:

·         Pay Range: $65 – 76 depending on qualifications and relevant experience

·         100% Employee Owned Company (ESOP)

·         99% Employer Paid Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

·         Flexible Spending Accounts

·         401k Retirement Plan with an Employer contribution of 3% of salary after 1 year

·         Medicare HSA

·         Life Insurance

·         18 Personal Time Off (PTO) Days

·         13 Paid Holidays

·         Volunteer Time Off

·         Short- & Long-Term Disability insurance

·         Professional Development Reimbursement

·         Financial Planning services

·         Employee Assistance services

·         Office parties, lunches, company picnics, and M-Group swag