Principal Planner

The City of West Sacramento is seeking a visionary, dynamic, and experienced Principal Planner 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 Principal Planner, 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 8-10 years of progressive experience in urban planning, including substantial experience in supervisory or management roles. Experience within municipal or regional government is highly desirable. 

Educational Background: A Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred. 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 and within-budget 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. 

Note: This position is pending City Council approval.

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 Principal Planner directs and performs professional planning duties in advance planning, current planning, and ordinance administration, as well as plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the activities of the Planning Division.  The Principal Planner also serves as principal staff to the Planning Commission.  The Principal Planner 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 or his/her designee.  Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and supervisory staff.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:  This is a single, management level position.  The incumbent reports to the Director of Community Development and has responsibility for providing daily supervision to professional, technical and supervisory staff.

Strategic Planning and Development: Lead the development and implementation of planning policy and long-range plans, and zoning regulations that align with the City Council's strategic goals and vision. 

Project Management: Oversee major development projects from inception to completion, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and timelines. 

Community Engagement: Foster strong relationships with residents, businesses, community organizations and developers to gather input, address concerns, and promote transparent decision-making. 

Sustainability Initiatives: Ensure policy documents such as the draft Climate Action Plan includes environmentally sustainable and equitable practices and implementation measures. 
 
Team Leadership: Provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to planning staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. 
 
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations, and keep abreast of legislative changes that impact the City and its planning policies and processes. 

Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize data-driven analysis to inform planning decisions, track progress, and report on key performance indicators to City leadership and the public.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.
 

• Develops and implements division, department and city goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Prepares for and participates in regular and special public meetings of the Planning Commission including necessary field work, consultation with agencies and individuals with special interests in the project.
• Directs the preparation of, or prepares staff reports on issues and environmental assessments, whether negative declaration or environmental impact report.
• Responsible for the development, maintenance, revision, and implementation of zoning, subdivisions, and General Plan elements.
• Prepares or directs preparation of new ordinances and plan elements to accommodate changes resulting from State legislation or new policies of the City.
• Participates in the selection, training, supervision, evaluation and discipline of assigned staff.
• Supervises and directs planning staff in the daily operation of the division including establishing procedural systems.
• Keeps abreast of legislation affecting planning matters, making the information available to the Director and the public.
• Makes presentations to the City Council, Commissions, Boards or Committees as needed.
• Responds to citizen and community inquiries and complaints.
• Represents the City at a variety of meetings.
• Provides professional planning advice to other agencies and groups.
• May act in the Director of Community Development's absence in departmental responsibilities.

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 four (4) year college or university with major work in planning, engineering, architecture, or a closely related field. 
 
Experience:  Six (6) years of professional planning experience including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
 
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:  Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver license.

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.

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