Planning Manager

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a PASSION for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the position manages the planning division and implements and coordinates the City's land use and development activities pertaining to environmental, current and future urban planning, zoning administration, historical preservation, development services center, neighborhood improvement programs and related activities.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

1. Establishes divisional operating policies and procedures.
2. Plans, organizes, manages, and monitors the work activities of the division and supervises division staff.
3. Coordinates assigned activities with others involved in land development and related matters.
4. Supervises the preparation and maintenance of a master plan for the physical development of the City, the collection and analysis of data for environmental, current, and future planning purposes, and the administration of zoning and subdivision codes.
5. Participates in the review of applications for zone changes and land use variances. Recommends revisions of local codes.
6. Confers with property owners, land developers, neighborhood organizations, business and civic leaders, and the general public regarding development and use of land in the City and understands economic realities of development.
7. Manages the duties associated with Planning Commission and Historic Resources Commission agendas and related activities.
8. Assists in the preparation and administration of the departmental budget.
9. Establishes division goals and objectives, incorporating Total Quality Service principles into division procedures and practices.
10. Prepares City Council and Commission agenda items and reports, and responds to inquiries from the public and elected officials.
11. Performs other duties and functions as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be a current City of Santa Ana employee, currently, who has successfully completed the probationary period for the classification below. Six years of professional-level experience in urban planning administration, of which four must have been as a section leader or above with supervisory responsibilities. Graduation from an accredited college or university with specialization in urban planning, public administration or a closely related field may be used in combination with experience to meet the minimum qualifications; or any combination of experience and training which provides the following knowledge and abilities:
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of : provisions, scope and purposes of the State Planning Law and related municipal ordinances, CEQA and Housing element, the Subdivision Map Act, principles and practices of City planning and land use development and historical preservation, research methods and familiarity with sources of data, statistics and statistical methods. Ability to : analyze data and make sound recommendations; plan, organize, schedule, coordinate and supervise professional and technical employees in an effective manner; interpret laws and ordinances; prepare comprehensive, clear and concise reports; develop and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, architects, developers, engineers, the public and fellow workers. SPECIAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Must possess and retain a valid California Class C Driver's License as a condition of employment.
HIGHLY DESIRABLE
Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly desirable. Master’s degree in urban and regional planning or a closely related field is highly desirable.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide .

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview Examination ( Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025 ) : (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score of 70% in order to be placed on the eligible list. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list. Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.
The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SAMA)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the City's website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

Closing Date/Time: 7/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Santa Ana

• 714-647-5340

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