Planner (Long Range/Housing) Multiple Positions

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Planner (Long Range/Housing) Multiple Positions

Salary

$96,553.60 - $161,050.24 Annually

Location

Palo Alto, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

202300095

Department

Planning and Community Environment

Opening Date

06/27/2023

Closing Date

7/30/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Questions
• Benefits

Description

The City of Palo Alto is seeking experienced city planners who enjoy working in a dynamic, vibrant community. In this unique opportunity, the Long Range Planning Group has multiple vacancies, which can be filled at all levels ranging from Associate Planner to Principal Planner, depending on qualifications. The Long Range Planning program engages with the community to guide and develop the City’s land use, community development, and housing policies and programs. Some of these areas include: comprehensive plan, housing element, coordinated area plans, Community Development Block Grant, below market rate housing, zoning code amendments, rental policy. This fast-paced team offers an opportunity to work on a variety of strategic policy and projects that enhance and preserve the Palo Alto community for the future.

One of these positions will focus on housing and this experienced planner will manage the City’s affordable housing program, housing work plan, and implement the City’s housing element. If you are interested in this role, please indicate it below in your application.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Palo Alto Planning and Development Services Department provides the City Council and community with creative guidance and effective implementation of land use development, planning, housing and environmental policies and programs in order to maintain and enhance the City’s safety, vitality, and attractiveness.

For more information on Planning in the City of Palo Alto, click here (https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services)

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess The Following

• For Senior Planner or Principal planner, strong project management skills; experience with development of specific/area plans.
• Ability to handle a variety of assignments and adapt quickly to changing priorities and assignments;
• Strong technical skills; familiarity and experience with GIS and data analysis highly desirable;
• A strong customer service focus and superior interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, management, elected officials, community members, and representatives of public and regulatory agencies;
• Ability to write clearly and communicate effectively; ability to prepare and write high quality staff reports, professional documents, and communications;

For Housing Only

• Experience preparing and negotiating loan, contracts and regulatory agreements necessary to provide for the construction and preservation of affordable housing
• Knowledge and experience with housing planning and policy development
• Experience with affordable housing financing and administering affordable housing programs in compliance with local, state, and federal requirements

Depending on applicant qualifications, each position may be filled at the appropriate level/salary of Associate Planner, Planner, Senior Planner or Principal Planner.

Associate Planner, Planner and Senior Planner are represented by Service Employee International Union position (SEIU).

The Principal Planner is in the management group.

Essential Duties

Essential duties vary by position.

To see the complete job description of Associate Planner, click here. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/paloaltoca/classspecs/811307?keywords=planner&pagetype=classSpecifications)

To see the complete job description of Planner, click here. (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/paloaltoca/classspecs/790578?keywords=planner&pagetype=classSpecifications)

To see the complete job description of Senior Planner, click here (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/paloaltoca/classspecs/817025?keywords=senior%20planner&pagetype=classSpecifications) .

Principal Planner

• May prepare and conduct performance evaluations and prepare program, team or individual work programs.
• Procure the services of consultants and contractors consistent with City procedures, oversee contract work program, schedule, budget, and deliverables.
• Critically review the draft work products of staff and consultants, providing comments as needed to ensure they represent the Department’s best work.
• Prepare and write high quality staff reports, professional documents, and communications.
• Assist in the development of department budgets; monitor and approve expenditures in accordance with policies and principles of sound fiscal management.
• Attend, chair, and conduct a variety of meetings; serve on committees as requested; make presentations to the City Council; represent the Department and make oral presentations at meetings, inter-agency meetings, conferences and other events.
• Develop and maintain accurate records as the key project manager including, but not limited to project and grant funding.
• May participate in hiring and disciplinary actions.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature.
• Serve as a liaison to one of the city’s boards or commissions, or other committees.
• Represent the city to the public, to other agencies, and to regional and sub-regional committees, including conducting public meetings, making presentations, and responding to requests for information.
• Establish and evaluate achievement of program and individual goals and objectives.
• Serve as project manager on projects or other assignments; may also oversee programs or oversee staff with responsibility for programs (e.g. housing, block grant).
• May supervise professional and administrative staff and consultants.

Minimum Qualifications

Principal Planner job description is under review.

For Associate Planner

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Environmental Studies or related field from an accredited college or university, and
• Two years of related experience in urban, conservation, or planning

For Planner

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• Three years of suitable professional experience in urban planning. An advanced degree is highly desirable
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field from an accredited college or university, and

For Senior Planner

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• Five years of suitable professional experience in urban planning (or substitute for up to two years of experience a master's degree in planning or a related field).
• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Historic Preservation or a directly related field from an accredited college or university. An advanced degree is highly desirable, and

For Principal Planner (proposed And Under Review)

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge and skills, which would typically be acquired through:

• Five years of suitable professional experience in urban planning (or substitute for up to two years of experience a master's degree in planning or a related field)
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government including complex project management; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above
• Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the program or function being managed, such as Urban planning, architecture, or a related field
• Master’s degree is preferred

Special Requirements: All positions require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

Hiring Process: Applicants will receive email recruitment status notifications. Governmentjob.com account also has notification status updates.

Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination process may consist of a supplemental question, online assessment, written examination, practical performance, oral examination, or any combination to determine which candidate will move forward in the hiring process.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.