Principal Planner

Job Information

Job Category

Environmental, Land Use, Urban Design

Company Name

City of Visalia

Position Level

Managerial

Job Description

The City of Visalia Planning Division is recruiting for the position of Principal Planner.  Please click here for the recruitment announcement. THE  DIVISION The City of Visalia's Planning Division is part of the Community Development Department and is responsible for maintaining the City's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Specific Plans. The Planning Division provides support staffing for the City Council, Planning Commission and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, as well as provides environmental and planning support to other departments within the City. The Planning Division also prepares studies and reports such as demographics, land absorption trends, and development entitlement activity on a regular basis. The division's staff of planners and administrative staff are committed to customer service, safety, and providing high-quality planning support and services to other City Departments and the Public. POSITION We are recruiting one Planner at the Principal Planner level. The selected Principal Planner will be responsible for coordinating the work of and providing technical lead supervision to major functional areas of the division including, but not limited to; Advance Planning, Current Planning, Environmental Review, perform land-use planning and preparation of specific plans, prepare updates to General Plan elements including the Housing Element, analyze and manage complex planning processes and various development projects including major subdivisions, residential planned developments, commercial and industrial complexes, and similar type work. The Principal Planner will be expected to coordinate and work collaboratively with other departments and divisions. Other responsibilities include research, Planning Commission and City Council presentations, presentations to community groups and public assistance.

Required Skills / Experience / Education

IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will possess a high level of professionalism, sound knowledge of planning, customer service skills, presentation skills and a demonstrated track record of successfully completing projects. The position requires excellent judgement, integrity, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate will be a self-driven individual, willing to take on new challenges, flexibility to function in current and long-range planning, and able to effectively communicate with coworkers, supervisors, support staff, and outside stakeholders to successfully deliver projects. The ideal candidate will have planning experience in long range and current planning, zoning text updates, annexations, fee nexus studies, specific plans, housing, MWELO, and CEQA. EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skill and ability is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skill and abilities would be: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in the field of urban planning. Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning or related field considered useful in City Planning, preferably supplemented by a Masters degree in planning or a related field. Please click here for a detailed job description.

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Will security clearance be required?

No

Salary Range

$9,434-$11,860 monthly

Other Benefits

SELECTION PROCESS Application and supplemental materials will be evaluated and applicants who appear to be most qualified will be invited to participate in a job related interview and/or examination process. Successful candidates may be required to pass a background, physical examination, and/or drug screen. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The City of Visalia offers a competitive total compensation package that includes: Monthly Salary: $9,434 - $11,860 CalPERS Retirement Program Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Longevity Pay Tuition Reimbursement Onsite City Health and Wellness Clinic Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave and much more. Review the Benefits tab for more information. EXPERIENCE VISALIA. ENHANCE YOUR LIFE. If work-life balance is important to you, consider living in a thriving community that offers the most affordable housing in California with a typical commute time of less than 20 minutes. With a population of over 145,000, Visalia offers small town charm with metropolitan amenities. Visalia has a world class health care system, our own Sequoia Symphony Orchestra, a flourishing arts community, a minor league baseball team, a downtown convention center, and numerous fine dining establishments. As the Tulare County seat, Visalia is the principal retail center in the region, and home to several large industrial employers. Visalia has a vibrant downtown district, safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, institutions for higher learning, and low cost of living. The City has many community parks, organized team sports, a municipal golf course and private country club, a multi-sport family-oriented regional sports park, and numerous outdoor and recreational activities. Located in the heart of California's San Joaquin Valley, Visalia offers easy access to the nearby mountains, national parks, lakes and rivers which provide year-round opportunities for sports and recreation within an hour or less. Visalia was ranked as the top Central Valley community and one of seven California cities in the top 25 of Gallup Sharecare's latest State of American Well Being Index. Our strong sense of community and social well-being keeps Visalians happy, healthy, and moving forward. Come discover all Visalia has to offer! The City of Visalia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Start Date

07/08/2025

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Travel

None

Primary Language Required

English

Industry

City Planning

Job Location

Location Address

220 N. Santa Fe
Visalia, California
93292

Contact Information

Hiring Contact Name

Shawna Kneeland

Email

[email protected]

Phone Number

(559) 713-4027

Website

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/visalia