Planning Manager I/II

Description

Be Part of Something Amazing!

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• General Salary Increase - 3.5 % effective December 21, 2025, December 20, 2026, and December 19, 2027.
• Educational incentive -An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5 % for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5.0% for completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual incentive -Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level Ill).
• Annual Leave Accrual -New regular, full-time employees in this classification will earn 208 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service.
• Annual Leave Redemption -Upon using 80 hours of annual leave within the proceeding 12-month period, an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 of annual leave accrued in the same year.
• Deferred Compensation -Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Plans - Full time employees are given a flexible credit allowance of up to $26,626.96 annually to offset the purchase of medical insurance for you and your dependents.
  • Employee only - $463.99 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus one dependent - $834.32 per biweekly pay period
  • Employee plus family - $1,024.11 per biweekly pay period.
• Dental and Vision- Employees who select dental and vision, shall receive dental and vision at no cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts -Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increases spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
• Pension Plan -Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as PERS.
• Holidays -13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.

VENTURA COUNTY

Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," about 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. Residents enjoy rolling hills and wide ocean views in a nearly perfect Mediterranean climate, with an average annual temperature of 74.2 degrees. The beautiful scenery and pleasant weather, along with a high quality of life, are the main reasons why our residents choose to call Ventura County "home."

THE AGENCY

The primary goal of the Resource Management Agency (RMA) is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public through administration and enforcement of County ordinances, Board policy, and state and federal laws regarding land use, and commercial and environmental regulation. The agency includes five divisions: Environmental Health, Building & Safety, Code Compliance, Operations, and Planning. RMA also plays an important role in economic development by assisting County residents and businesses in obtaining permits needed to construct new or reconfigured buildings, start new businesses such as home occupations, restaurants and food service establishments, and agricultural enterprises.

RMA recognizes the value of having a diverse and inclusive workforce at all levels of our Agency to best serve our clients and be representative of the community we serve and is committed to being an active participant in removing barriers to ensure equitable access and opportunities for success. The Agency is dedicated to attracting, hiring, developing, retaining, and valuing quality employees fully empowered to protect everyone’s health, safety, and the environment, and committed to providing excellent customer service through the efficient, accurate, and consistent application of laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies.

THE DIVISION

The chief responsibility of the Planning Division is to regulate the use of land and structures within unincorporated areas of the county. Using these regulations and others, the Planning Division issues permits for uses and structures and enforces both permit conditions and maintains consistency with the County's Zoning Ordinances and General Plan. The Division is comprised of eight interdisciplinary teams that work collaboratively to meet the mission of the organization: Planning Programs, Ordinances and Implementation, General Plan Implementation, Area Plans & Resources, Housing & State Mandates, Commercial/Industrial Permits, Residential Permits, and Permit Administration. A GIS Story map with more information about the Planning Division for potential job candidates can be viewed: HERE

THE POSITION

The position serves under the direction of the Planning Director and/or Assistant Planning Director, depending on which section is assigned as manager: policy programs (4sections) or permitting programs (4 sections). The current position is to manage the Residential Permit Section, but all planning managers can serve in any section based upon the annual operational needs of the Division as determined by the Planning Director.

The Planning Manager assists in the planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating of various activities within the Planning Divisions of the Resource Management Agency (RMA);and performs related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual with expertise in planning principles and practice, exceptional communication skills, and proven success managing, mentoring, and motivating professional staff. Additionally, the successful candidate will have demonstrated ability implementing Zoning Ordinance regulations, General Plan policies, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Individuals who are certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and hold a Master's degree in Urban Planning, or a related field from an accredited university are highly desired.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This series is characterized by the responsibility to plan, organize, and supervise the activities of a section within the RMA Planning Division.

Manager, RMAServices I-Planning is the entry-level management job class within the RMA Planning Division. Manager, RMAServices II-Planning is the intermediate level. Incumbents are distinguished from Deputy Director-RMAseries in that the latter is responsible for managing an entire major division of the Agency .

APPROXIMATE SALARY

Manager-RMA Services I-Planning - $4,200.48 - $5,880.67 (Biweekly)

Manager-RMA Services II-Planning -$4,589.49 - $6,425.91 (Biweekly)

PAYROLL TITLE

Manager- RMA Services I/II-Planning

Manager RMA Services I / II-Planning are Management classifications and are not eligible for overtime compensation. Incumbents in this classification are eligible for benefits at the MB3 level.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
OPENING DATE: 12/19/2025
CLOSING DATE: 2/13/2026

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include , but are not limited to the following :

• Manages the section's daily activities including consultant services; supervises , hires, trains, counsels, and evaluates assigned staff; and recommends or imposes management or disciplinary action.
• Administers, reviews, and evaluates daily activities of the Planning Division Section (e.g. : Conditional Use Permits, Planned Development Permits, etc.) for processing cases consistent with land use regulations, both coastal and non-coastal areas of the county, and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance reporting.
• Provides management - level expertise, input, and decision-making for ministerial and discretionary projects and permits including coordination and oversight of consultant services .
• Manages work assignments and monitors planner case management activities for section planners .
• Functions as a member of the Planning Division Management Team to propose, evaluate, and develop policies and procedures for the Division and the County .
• Serves on a standing committee of managers who meet and review new development projects and policies related to Zoning Ordinance, General Plan , and operations within the Planning Division.
• May represent the Planning Director or Assistant Planning Director at meetings or public hearings.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING,AND EXPERIENCE

Manager- RMA Services I- Planning

Extensive experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities . The required knowledge , skills and abilities may be obtained by completion of a Bachelor ' s degree in Urban Planning or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible land-use planning experience which includes some training, education or direct experience in the areas of supervisory and management practices .

Substitution: Additional experience in land - use planning may be substituted for the education .

Manager- RMA Services II- Planning

Extensive experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities . The required knowledge, skills and abilities may be obtained by completion of a Bachelor ' s degree in Urban Planning or a related field and five (5) or more years of progressively responsible land-use planning experience which includes one (1) or more years of supervisory or management experience leading a team of professional planning staff.

An example of progressively responsible land-use planning experience includes permitting or related regulatory activity in housing and resource planning in agricultural areas, environmentally sensitive habitat areas, and compliance with Local Coastal Plans and the California Coastal Act.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Independent travel is required.
• Possession of a valid California driver license is required.
• Experience working with elected and appointed public officials and bodies, public agencies, and community groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

DESIRED:

• Experience implementing state and local regulations that pertain to housing and resource planning in agricultural areas, environmentally sensitive habitat areas, and compliance with Local Coastal Plans and the California Coastal Act.
• Master's degree in urban and/or Regional Planning, Natural Resources or related field.
• Three (3) or more years management experience leading a team of professional planning staff.
• Two (2) or more years of experience in the preparation of environmental impact reports pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) membership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques to accomplish work related to urban and regional planning.
• Federal, state, and local laws and regulation relating to planning and land use and environment protection, including Tribal Consultation AB 52 & SB 18.

Working knowledge of:

• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review process.
• Management and leadership principles, practices, and techniques
• Map and plan reading and Interpretation.

Skilled in:

• Evaluating and processing projects and permits subject to State Housing Laws and local zoning standards.
• Evaluating, processing, and implementing regulations related to agricultural and environmentally sensitive habitat resource areas.
• Managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

Ability to:

• Supervise, direct, coordinate and implement major land use planning projects and programs.
• Interpret and understand local ordinances.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data.
• Set objectives and review recommendations.
• Prepare clear and concise written reports.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of professional and technical planning subordinate staff.
• Provide mentorship and professional development to staff.
• Manage consultant service contracts for selecting, annual budgeting and invoicing, and performance.
• Assist the Planning Director and Assistant Planning Director to manage the operations of the Planning Division.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with others.
• Present and communicate clearly and effectively with the Board of Supervisors, other governing bodies, staff, citizens, and interest groups.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by the County of Ventura Human Resources no later than 5:00P.M. Friday, February 13, 2026.

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call(805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application; however, it/they may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) for additional information.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination AT THE TIME OFFILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire will result in the application being removed from consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.

NOTE: If upon first review there is a high number of applicants who appear to meet the minimum requirements, additional comparative screening will be conducted to determine which of the applicants will be selected for invitation to the oral examination. Applications will be evaluated and ranked according to criteria that most closely meets the needs of the department, so it is essential that applicants provide as much detail as possible and answer all parts of the application and supplemental questions completely and thoroughly.

ORAL EXAMINATION -100%: A job-related Oral Examination will be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an oral examination will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.

ELIGIBLE LIST

Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary, Extra Help, Intermittent, and Fixed-Term) vacancies for this position and similar positions within the Resource Management Agency. There is currently one (1) Regular vacancy within the Planning Division, Residential Permits Section.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough post offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education , criminal background information and driving record is required for this position .

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical) , exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status , medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy , childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Magali Rodriguez via email at Magali.Rodriguez@venturacounty.gov

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

MANAGEMENT

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQ's
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes:MB3, MB4, MS, MT,MCC, MU

Closing Date/Time: 2/13/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• County of Ventura

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