Job Information
Job Category
Land Use
Company Name
City of Santa Cruz
Position Level
Managerial
Job Description
The City of Santa Cruz is seeking an innovative and collaborative Principal Planner to oversee the Advance Planning Division of the Community Development Department. We are proud to be an HCD-designated Prohousing city that met our 5th Cycle RHNA targets in every income category, certified our 6th Cycle Housing Element on time, and is already ahead of schedule for meeting our very-low- and low-income 6th Cycle RHNA targets. Join a forward-thinking team committed to shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for our community. Under general direction, the Principal Planner plans, organizes and directs the work of a major function of the assigned department, such as advance planning; current planning; transportation planning, capital planning, development planning, environmental, natural resource, utility or other related planning work; plans, organizes, supervises, reviews and participates in the work of assigned staff; coordinates activities with other divisions, City departments, outside agencies and organizations; makes recommendations to the City Council, Commissions and a variety of related boards and committees; and performs other related duties as required. For the complete list of minimum qualification and full job description, please refer to the City of Santa Cruz Jobs page on the link below. Deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026. For the complete list of minimum qualification and full job description, please refer to the City of Santa Cruz Jobs page on the link below. https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-JobsRequired Skills / Experience / Education
Education and experience Bachelor’s degree in urban, regional, natural resources, environmental planning, environmental studies or a related field; and Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in urban, regional, natural resources, utility, transportation, or environmental planning, including three years in a public agency performing duties equivalent to those of the assigned division, and some supervisory experience. Knowledge: The principles and practices of local government administration, including budget preparation and control; contract administration; ordinance enforcement; and legal procedures. Principles, practices and techniques of municipal or natural resources, environmental or utility planning. Principles and practices of program development, administration and evaluation. Principles and practices of policy development, policy analysis, and implementation and evaluation of federal, state and local government policies. Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing. Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning, community development and/or housing, depending upon area of assignment. Applicable federal, state and local agencies, laws, policies, codes, permitting and regulations related to area of assignment. Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies. Principles and practices of program development, administration and evaluation. Principles, practices and techniques of environmental planning and analysis, environmental impact assessment and review, permitting, mitigation, monitoring and reporting. Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing. Methods and techniques for making effective public presentations of complex information. If assigned to Current Planning: the principles and practices of current planning as they pertain to development review, site design, evaluation, zoning and code enforcement. If assigned to the Water Department, the principles, practices and techniques of natural resource and water utility planning and analysis. If assigned to the Public Works Department, the principles, practices and techniques of transportation planning and analysis. Grant writing and administration. Contract negotiation and administration. Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments. Office practices, methods and equipment, including a computer and applicable software. Methods and techniques of supervision and training. Licenses/certificates Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and a safe driving record, or the ability to provide alternate transportation which is approved by the appointing authority. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS A Master’s degree in urban, regional, natural resources or environmental planning. Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners certificate is highly desirable for positions in the Planning Department.US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
Yes
Salary Range
$64.49 - $83.13 Hourly
Other Benefits
The City of Santa Cruz offers excellent benefits including CalPERS retirement, medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, long-term disability, an Employee Assistance Program, vacation time, sick time, and up to 13 paid holidays per year.Application Deadline
06/11/2026
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
None
Primary Language Required
English
Job Location
Location Address
809 Center Street
Rm 6
Santa Cruz, California
95060
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
Emily Dorff
Phone Number
(831) 420-5040
Website
https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Jobs