The County of Riverside’s Planning Department has an opportunity for a Principal Planner who will be assigned to the Current Planning Division in Riverside. The Current Planning Division is responsible for the review and processing of Land Development applications/entitlements.

The Principal Planner manages complex and sensitive planning applications and projects, performs research and analysis, oversees the preparation of concept plans, feasibility studies, environmental documents, and other planning-related documents as needed. The incumbent will be involved with making land use decisions and interpretations related to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, establishing a clear direction and implementation process.

Competitive candidates will possess knowledge of State laws, guidelines, and local ordinances pertaining to planning and development, and knowledge of environmental protection regulations such as California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) as well as conservation and habitat plans. Candidates with working understanding of thematic mapping tools such as ArcGIS is  desired.

Spanish language skills (speak, read, write), an advanced degree, professional certification, or membership in the American Planning Association (APA) and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), although not a requirement, will receive favorable consideration.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Planning, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, Geography (with related course concentration), Architecture, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field.

Experience: Four years of professional environmental planning, land use planning, and/or transportation planning experience which must have included performing at least two kinds of the following planning activities associated with a planning agency: comprehensive, regional, area, or community planning; plan/proposal review; general plan amendments; zoning, land division; information services; urban renewal; planning administration or transportation planning; including at least one (1) year of responsible project or program management experience.

One year of experience must have been in a lead or supervisory capacity. (A master’s degree in planning or transportation planning may be substituted for one year of the required non-supervisory experience. A master’s degree in Public Administration, Geography-with related course concentration, Architecture, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field may be substituted for six months of the required non-supervisory experience. No more than one master’s degree may be used to substitute for the required non-supervisory experience. Such substitution will not meet the requirement of experience in two kinds of planning activities.)

Knowledge of: The principles of good organization, management and supervision; the principles, methods, and procedures applicable to land use or transportation planning activities; the physical, social, environmental, and economic implications of land use or transportation planning; local, state, and federal legislation governing land use development and transportation planning activities; research methods; mandated general plan elements and factors that must be considered in County evaluating land use or transportation proposals for consistency with these elements; the organizational structure and jurisdiction of governmental agencies involved in the planning process.

Ability to: Manage and coordinate the work of subordinate planners; plan and conduct a training program for subordinate staff; motivate and evaluate the work performance of subordinate personnel; collect and analyze data, generate and evaluate alternatives, reach logical conclusions and formulate consistent recommendations; compose clear and thorough study reports and recommendations; orally present study findings and recommendations to a variety of public groups and governmental bodies; work effectively with the general public and community and governmental boards and commissions; ability to interpret and apply laws and regulations pertaining to planning projects and cases.

•Five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional experience in planning, including at least two (2) years of responsible project or program management experience.

•Knowledge of State laws, guidelines, and local ordinances pertaining to planning and development. Knowledge of environmental protection regulations such as California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”)

•Knowledge of current housing legislation, State housing trends, and low-income housing development requirements.

•Working understanding of thematic mapping tools such as ArcGIS.

•Membership in the American Planning Association (APA) and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.

This recruitment is open to all applicants. Applicants who are current County of Riverside employees, or employees of TLMA may be considered before other applicants depending on the volume of applications received. Applications received prior to the closing date will be considered based on the information submitted. Changes or alterations cannot be accepted. No late applications will be permitted.

Applicants who fail to provide information demonstrating they possess the position requirements may not be considered further in the application process. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered. Based on the number of applications received, this posting may close without notice. Qualified applicants may be considered for future vacancies throughout the County.

If you have any questions regarding this posting, please contact Edgar Chavez at EdgarChavez@rivco.org

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