Planner I -Planning & Development

The ancestors of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation existed many centuries ago as a community of people…a Tribe living together farming hunting and fishing to survive.

Much has changed since that time. Today the Sycuan Tribe governs its Reservation owns and operates a Casino and a Golf Resort and owns a number of other business ventures in the San Diego Region. One attribute that remains unchanged however is Sycuans sense of community. Sycuan is more than just a business. Sycuan is a community of people working together toward a common goal. Whether you work in our state-of-the-art Casino our beautiful Resort or become a staff member in our Tribal Government division you will be part of the Sycuan family.

Planner I

The Sycuan Tribal Government is seeking a dedicated Planner to support the development, preservation, and long-term vision of the Sycuan Reservation. This role plays a key part in overseeing capital and research projects, coordinating with internal departments and outside agencies, supporting initiatives, and ensuring responsible and compliant land use planning.

If you are passionate about community development, project management, and contributing to meaningful projects, we would love to hear from you.

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Director of Planning and Development, performs planner and project management, construction management duties, oversees major and minor projects, including infrastructure rehabilitation, manages consultants and contractors, manages project budgets, completes critical research, coordinates with outside agencies, and prepares and presents reports to the General Council, Business Committee, Tribal Committees, and other departments as appropriate. Other projects may be assigned to Planning and Development by the Tribal Council as they arise.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Note: Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at the sole discretion of Sycuan Management at any time.

Ensures compliance with Tribal ordinances, resolutions, and direction provided by the Tribal Council.

Ensures, as required, projects and activities occurring on Trust and/or Fee owned property comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including but not limited to NEPA, CEQA, and County regulations.

Assists in establishing planning schedules and prepares action plans, timelines, and other related documents according to established procedures.

Oversees major and minor capital and research projects, including but not limited to project research, preparation of project scope, preparation of contracts, requests for proposals, reference checks, construction management, management of project schedules, change orders, and budgets, management and coordination of project consultants and contractors, coordination and approval of project delivery and commissioning.

Generally assists with research and data collection pertaining to specific projects as assigned.

Assists with distribution of schedules, reports, and analysis to project participants.

Assists with the implementation of established department project and Tribal goals and objectives.

Assists with preparation of department budgets.

Assists with the preparation of planning resolutions, ordinances, amendments, and policies.

Assists with the preparation of local permits and documents, such as County Encroachment Permits, Water, Sewer, Meter Service Connections, etc., as required by the project.

Assists with the implementation of and compliance with approved policies and procedures.

Maintains professional, responsible, and positive working relationships with internal and external contacts.

Responds to requests for information from public entities according to established procedures.

Attends planning, Tribal Council, General Council, Tribal Committee, community, and/or other meetings as required.

Attends educational and certification classes as instructed.

Provides support to the Director of Planning & Development as required.

Supports the GIS Manager with Sycuans Geographic Information System, including data collection, reporting, analysis, map generation, and other assigned duties.

Serves as a backup in the absence of the GIS Manager.

Job Specifications

Education and Experience

Essential:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• 2 years of directly related experience in the field of planning and project management

Desirable:

• Bachelors or Associates Degree in Urban Planning, Project Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field

Skills and Knowledge

Essential:

• Working knowledge of major and minor capital and research projects, including but not limited to project research, preparation of project scope, preparation of contracts, requests for proposals, reference checks, project construction management, preparation and review of project schedules, change orders, review and approval, and overall project budget management, management and coordination of project consultants and contractors, coordination and approval of project deliverables and project
• Ability to coordinate the delivery of services with other government entities, outside agencies, utilities, and contractors in a manner that protects Tribal rights and sovereignty
• Ability to research and become familiar with Federal, State, and local environmental laws governing planning and zoning, including NEPA, CEQA, and regulations
• Ability to research and become familiar with municipal and resort planning procedures
• Ability to develop knowledge and understanding of Sycuans objectives and programs, including knowledge of Sycuans Master Plan and related documents
• Ability to collect research and analyze data and make sound judgments
• Ability to implement planning projects and programs
• Ability to assist with preparation of department annual budget
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and working knowledge of Excel software applications
• Ability to complete forms and compose documents in the English language
• Ability to effectively communicate and explain regulations, protocols, schedules, and plans clearly and concisely
• Ability to provide feedback and guidance to internal and external contacts
• Ability to accept constructive criticism
• Ability to effectively organize and manage assignments, meetings, project schedules, and meet project deadlines
• Ability to exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor when working with Tribal Council staff and the public
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directives
• Ability to appear for work and meetings as scheduled
• Ability to perform field work and inspections

Desirable:

• Tribal government experience
• Private or public sector related experience in project design or construction

Additional Information

This is an onsite role located in El Cajon, CA. The target compensation range is $83,500 - $97,000 plus annual 10% discretionary bonus. Sycuan offers a generous benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with match, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Company and Partner Discounts, and more.

If you enjoy being part of a community dedicated to creating a memorable guest experience, we invite you to explore career opportunities with Sycuan and join our winning team.