Principal Planner

Job Information

Company Name

RICK

Position Level

Other

Job Description

RICK is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary planning, design, and engineering firm with a 71-year history of enriching communities throughout San Diego and the western United States. With more than 380 employees, RICK offers a full range of services from initial planning through concept development, final designs and plans, and implementation. We pride ourselves on growing with the times, staying true to our fundamentals, and evolving with technology paradigm shifts and sustainable design. RICK fosters a close-knit, people-focused culture that yields an 85% employee retention rate.

WE CREATE vibrant, authentic and complete communities. New development, from large-scale greenfield master planned developments to small-scale or infill projects, must fit within the context of the physical and community character surroundings. All land uses, urban design, infrastructure, and mobility networks must be designed around interconnected development patterns and integrated with recreational and entertainment opportunities. These features provide a balanced variety of living styles and options and create complete neighborhoods and authentic social experiences. RICK designs concepts and prepares plans that create vibrant communities offering authentic and culturally rich places to live. We work for the public and private sector, providing creative solutions and strategic guidance on all types of clients and projects.

RICK’s Planning + Design Division services include:
• General/Community Plans
• Specific Plans
• Master/Downtown/TOD Plans
• Economic Analysis
• Urban Design
• Zoning & Land Use Analysis
• Design Guidelines
• Conceptual Design
• Site Planning
• Concept Planning & Yield Analysis
• CEQA/NEPA
• Streetscape Design
• Visual Simulations/Renderings
• Community Engagement
• Development Feasibility Analysis
• Entitlement Processing
• Project Management

Qualifications
Candidate will have a Masters Degree in Planning or related field plus a minimum of ten to twelve years’ experience. American Institute of Certified Plannning documents within California including General Plans, Specific Plans, Community/Corridor Master Plans, Development Applications, Zoning and other Ordinances, and development applications. Strong knowledge of California planning and zoning laws is a must. Candidate must also possess strong experience in management of comprehensive planning projects, programming and conducting public engagement program, high participation in business development, and mentorship and training of staff. In addition to project leadership, candidate must also demonstrate experience and strong success in business development including building client relationships and preparing proposals.ers (AICP) certification is strongly preferred. Work experience must include leading the preparation and processing of wide range of plan.

Position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, strong organization, and management abilities as well as ability to mentor staff. Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suites and ArcGIS is strongly preferred. Experience in the land development process for both the private and public sector is preferred. Position requires ability to effectively coordinate and present at public meetings; an understanding of production processes; and knowledge of local codes, policies, and City/County guidelines.

A good driving record is a must.

Candidate must have five or more years’ experience in Planning and Development specific to the California region.
What We Offer
• Generous Benefits Package
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Profit Sharing, 401K, and Life and Disability Insurance and Personal Leave
• Company Events
• Holiday Parties, Team Building Activities and Events and Alternative Work Schedule
• Annual bonus potential
RICK Engineering Company (RICK) is an Equal Opportunity
RICK employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit-based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. RICK employees are also protected against

Required Skills / Experience / Education

Candidate will have a Masters Degree in Planning or related field plus a minimum of ten to twelve years’ experience. American Institute of Certified Plannning documents within California including General Plans, Specific Plans, Community/Corridor Master Plans, Development Applications, Zoning and other Ordinances, and development applications. Strong knowledge of California planning and zoning laws is a must. Candidate must also possess strong experience in management of comprehensive planning projects, programming and conducting public engagement program, high participation in business development, and mentorship and training of staff. In addition to project leadership, candidate must also demonstrate experience and strong success in business development including building client relationships and preparing proposals.ers (AICP) certification is strongly preferred. Work experience must include leading the preparation and processing of wide range of plan.

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Will security clearance be required?

No

Salary Range

$110,240 to $130,000

Other Benefits

Profit Sharing after 1 year, 401K with 50% match for the first 7%, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Health Savings Accounts, Annual Bonus Potential

Application Deadline

12/16/2026

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Travel

10%

Primary Language Required

English

Industry

Planning & Design

Job Location

Location Address

5620 Friars Road
San Diego, California
92110

Contact Information

Hiring Contact Name

Dorene White

Email

[email protected]

Phone Number

(760) 681-7199

Website

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=5388ae22-6327-499a-a62d-abed736e9939&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter&jobId=651796&type=JS