Principal Planner

DEFINITION Under direct or general supervision, the Principal Planner handles complex activities, projects, and programs within the Community Development Department. 
IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal Principal Planner is an experienced, forward-thinking planning professional who brings deep technical knowledge, strong leadership capacity, and a collaborative, service-oriented approach to shaping a re-building and growing community. Skilled at managing both current and advanced planning functions and thrives in an environment where innovation, problem-solving, and cross-department coordination are essential. 

Professional Expertise

The ideal candidate possesses a strong foundation in urban planning principles, land-use policy, CEQA compliance, and project management. Must have demonstrated success developing and implementing planning policies, reviewing complex development applications, and leading the preparation of environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Reports.  Must be comfortable navigating both the technical and political dimensions of planning. Significant experience with General Plans, Local Coastal Programs, zoning ordinances, and other regulatory tools a must. Background should include managing residential and commercial projects review of hillside and beachfront development projects, experience planning in environmentally sensitive areas, acting as a technical resource for planning staff, and supporting the Community Development Director and Assistant Community Development Director in executing statutory and departmental responsibilities. 

Leadership & Judgment

This individual is a strong and confident decision-maker who exercises a high level of independent judgment. Adept at balancing competing priorities, managing sensitive or high-profile projects, and ensuring consistency with city, state, and federal policies and regulations. With experience supervising or guiding staff, must demonstrate an ability to mentor, delegate, and elevate the performance of others. The ideal candidate brings a proactive approach—anticipating issues, identifying solutions, and recommending procedural and operational improvements to strengthen the City’s community development operations. 

Communication & Collaboration

The ideal Principal Planner is a clear communicator who excels at presenting complex planning projects and concepts to diverse audiences, including elected officials, commissions, community groups, developers, and regional partners. Comfortable in preparing high-quality staff reports, present confidently at public meetings, and serve as an effective liaison to the Planning Commission and advisory bodies. Must have strong ability to build positive relationships with residents, colleagues, and partner agencies and skilled at facilitating constructive dialogue and resolving planning-related issues. Overall approach must reflect diplomacy, responsiveness, collaboration, and a commitment to public service.

Examples of Duties

1. Works with the Community Development Director to develop and implement policies and regulations relating to land use, including the City’s General Plan and Local Coastal Plan, specific plans, zoning annexations and other pertinent ordinances and policies. 
2. Manages applications and permit review on residential and commercial projects. 
3. Assists Community Development Director with tasks assigned to the Director in the Municipal Code and LCP, including conducting hearings in the Planning Manager’s absence. 
4. Manages preparation of environmental impact reports. 
5. Coordinates compliance with CEQA for complex City activities/projects. 
6. Assists the Community Development Director with activities of the planning department. 
7. With the Community Development Director, develops, recommends and implements technical and operational procedures and systems to improve efficiency in the City’s planning operations.
8. Acts as back-up liaison to the City’s Planning Commission. 
9. Assists Community Development Director with preparation and presentation of staff reports for the City Council, commissions, committees and City Advisory group agendas. 
10. Assists Community Development Director with interpretations of applicable planning regulations and policies.
11. Responds to citizen inquiries and requests for service; facilitates positive resolutions to planning issues and problems. 
12. Acts as liaison to boards and study groups. 
13. Represents the City at various regional planning meetings.
14. Performs other duties as assigned. 

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: 

Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, geography,  landscape architecture, or a closely related field. Possession of a Master’s degree in either city  planning or public administration with emphasis in city planning and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are highly desirable.
ExperienceFive (5) years of progressively responsible professional level experience in urban planning, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE OF: 
• Urban planning principles and practices, including extensive working knowledge of municipal planning, zoning, subdivision, conservation, environmental quality, permit and  project development issues. 
• Site design principals, geography, basic architecture, basic landscape architecture and environmental implications. 
• Geographic Information System (GIS). 
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
• State housing law. 
• Local coastal planning.

SKILL IN: 
• Managing and supervising professional and administrative support staff. 
• Preparing and presenting written and oral reports and other planning related documents. 
• Problem solving and dispute resolution.
• Managing multiple complex cases. 
• Interpreting land use, topographic, physical and natural land features on planning maps, plans and other documents. 
• Balancing competing land use goals.
• Performing research and statistical analysis relative to urban planning, zoning and community development.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials and the public. 
• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.

Having trouble logging in? Contact the NEOGOV Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at (855) 524-5627.

Need an Accommodation? If you have questions or need special accommodation with the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at (310) 456-2489 ext. 488. The City of Malibu is an equal opportunity employer.

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• City of Malibu