Planning Manager

Planning Manager

Salary

$61.48 - $74.73 Hourly

Location

City of Rohnert Park, City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

PLMG AUGUST 2026

Department

Development Services

Opening Date

08/19/2026

Closing Date

9/4/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The City of Rohnert Park is seeking a technical, hands-on Planning Manager for the Development Services Department to oversee the planning functions for our City. The Planning Manager guides development through the entitlement process, serves the Planning Commission, meets with applicants and regional planning agencies, and assists with economic development. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills, a passion for innovative solutions, a commitment to serving the public, and mastery of the art of conflict resolution.

TO APPLY:

To be considered for this opportunity, please visit "Job Opportunities" at www.rpcity.org

for an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. Work history must include all employment for the last ten years. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to interview.

PLEASE NOTE:

You may submit a resume or other relevant documents to further describe your qualifications; however, "See Resume" will not meet the requirements to submit a complete application, including employment history, or be accepted in lieu of responses to supplemental questions. If you need assistance applying online, please click on the Application Help/FAQslink: https://www.governmentjobs.com/home/faq

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff performing difficult and complex professional and technical support related to all programs and activities of the Planning Division, including current and advanced planning; manages the effective use of the Citys planning resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Director of Development Services in areas of expertise; and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Development Services. Exercises general direction and supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating all current planning programs, projects, and activities of the Planning Division. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting, and program evaluation. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Director of Development Services in that the latter has overall responsibility for all functions of the department and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

Ideal Candidate

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Planning Division, including current planning and historic preservation planning for City of Rohnert Park.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services, projects, and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends to the Director.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of and oversees the division budget.
• Participates in selection, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director; develops and reviews staff reports related to planning activities, projects, and services; presents reports to and advises the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board (DRB), and other commissions, committees, and boards related to a wide variety of planning and zoning matters; serves as the primary staff liaison to the Planning Commission; chairs staff review meetings, such as pre-application conferences, in coordination with other departments involved in the development project review process; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Manages, directs, and participates in highly complex planning programs and activities in the areas of land use, transportation, natural resources, parks and open spaces, General Plan amendments, zone changes, conditional use permits, variances, and other discretionary cases; designs and conducts studies to develop policies, plans, and codes.
• Prepares environmental documents consistent with California Environmental Quality Act.
• Serves as the Citys Zoning Administrator; advises staff on interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan, Municipal Code, State Planning Law, California Environmental Quality Act, and other regulatory standards; resolves difficult problems involving code interpretation beyond the ability or authority of the professional planning staff.
• Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding land use applications and general municipal planning programs, projects, and functions; represents the division, department, and City in disputes and litigations; facilitates community participation through a continual dialogue with residents on major projects.
• Oversees the dissemination of planning and zoning information to the general public.
• Negotiates, administers, and manages contracts for services.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in planning; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Assists the Director of Development Services with special projects, as needed.
• May perform the legal functions and responsibilities of the City Engineer as outlined in the Citys Municipal Code.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements

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

Equivalent to a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in land-use planning, urban planning, public administration, business administration, community development, or a closely related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible administrative and/or project management experience in urban or environmental planning, including two (2) years at a supervisory level.

Possession of a masters degree in city planning, public administration, business administration, community development, or closely related field is desirable, and will substitute one-year of professional experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Drivers License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners certification is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles, practices, and procedures related to city and regional planning, development, and zoning administration.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information planning services, activities, and projects.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the planning of projects, including land use, transportation, natural resources, and parks.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Practices of researching planning and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Planning function and the City.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.
• Administer complex, technical, and sensitive planning, development, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner.
• Plan, organize, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect various construction sites; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although the job involves field inspection work requiring frequent walking at inspection sites to monitor performance and to identify problems or hazards; standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

CALPERS RETIREMENT: Per the Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13, new-hire employees will be in the Misc. 2% at Age 62 retirement formula with a 3-year final compensation. Employees must contribute 50% of the normal cost rate to CalPERS, which is currently 8.0%.

Medicare Taxes are withheld, but the City does not participate in Social Security.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Employees may select from Kaiser, REMIF, or Sutter Health plans. The City contributes a set credit amount based on coverage level.

DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: City provides Ameritas Dental and VSP (vision) insurance at no premium cost to employee and eligible dependents.

HOLIDAYS: 13-1/2 paid holidays a year, plus 1 floating holiday

ANNUAL LEAVE: New employees accrue 14.0 hours/month of personal leave time according to a schedule which increases with years of service.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE: 100 hours per year.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: City-paid $100,000 life insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, auto allowance, Employee Assistance Program, Education and Tuition Reimbursement Program, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Health Care Tax Free Dollar Account Program, and free use of the Citys Sports Center and lap swim in Citys swimming pools. Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance, participate in a deferred compensation program and join a credit union. In addition, the City is a non-smoking workplace.

EMPLOYEE UNIT: This position is Exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and receives fringe benefits of Management Unit employees.

For further details about the benefits offered, please Click here

01

Describe your leadership philosophy and how you apply it when supervising, coaching, and evaluating planning staff who prepare complex planning or development projects. Provide an example of how your guidance improved the quality, consistency, or efficiency of staff work.

02

Describe your experience interpreting and applying zoning regulations, general plan policies, CEQA requirements, and development standards at a managerial level. How do you support staff in navigating complex or ambiguous technical issues, and how do you ensure department-wide consistency?

03

Explain a time when you led your team through a significant planning challenge, policy update, or high profile development review. What strategies did you use to coordinate multiple departments and stakeholders, maintain momentum, and ensure thorough and defensible technical analysis?

04

Provide an example of a difficult or high impact land use decision you made as a supervisor or project lead. What technical factors did you weigh, how did you communicate and justify your decision to staff, applicants, or elected officials, and what were the results?

05

Describe how you stay current on planning laws, case law, housing legislation, and best practices. How do you translate emerging requirements or trends into improved staff training, internal processes, or policy recommendations for the organization?

Required Question

Employer City of Rohnert Park

Address 130 Avram Avenue

Rohnert Park, California, 94928

Phone (707) 588-2261

Website http://www.rpcity.org