Senior/Principal Planner

Senior/Principal Planner

Salary: $108,388.80 - $143,915.20 Annually Location: CA 93030, CA Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 3155-CDJ-2603-SM Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Opening Date: 03/25/2026 Closing Date: 4/15/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Description

The City of Oxnards Community Development Department is seeking a Senior/Principal Planner with strong technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, a customer service orientation, and a history of effective partnerships and problem-solving to be part of the Current Planning Team. This position is represented by the Oxnard Mid Managers Association (OMMA). You may access and review the labor agreement online at https://www.oxnard.gov/human-resources/memorandums-of-understanding. The OMMA labor agreement sets forth the compensation rates and benefit levels.

The advertised salary is for this position only.

As a Senior/Principal Planner, you will be eligible for the following benefits per the OMMA MOU:

MEDICAL AND DENTAL

• For employees hired on or after January 1, 2023: The City will contribute $2,054.00 towards medical insurance premiums with no cash back. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back provided they show proof of other qualifying coverage. The City will continue to provide $61.66 per month towards dental insurance.
• For employees hired before January 1, 2023: The City contributes $1,543.00 per month toward medical insurance premiums and an additional $74.21 per month toward dental insurance premiums. Employees will receive cash back if the medical plan they choose is less than the Citys monthly contribution of $1,543.00 per month. Employees who waive medical insurance will receive cash back in the amount $1,243.00 per month provided they provide proof of other qualifying coverage. Any unused dental premium monies are paid to the employee. If employees hired prior to January 1, 2023 make any changes to their health plan, they will be placed in level two.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

• The City contributes 1% to a deferred compensation program (401(a) plan).

LIFE INSURANCE

• City employees receive Basic Life Coverage ($7,500) + 1 times annual salary 100% paid by the City. Employees also have the option to purchase additional insurance.

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS PROGRAM

• The City established a retirement health saving plan which allows employees to save money in a defined contribution plan which is intended to assist employees in paying for medical expenses. The City contribution to this plan shall be 1% of employee salary.

VACATION/ANNUAL LEAVE

• Leave accrual rates vary between 6.24 - 11.78 hours per pay period based on years of service.

ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

• Management employees are not compensated for overtime worked. However, the department director may authorize up to 40 hours of administrative leave in one year.

HOLIDAYS

• The City observes 12 holidays per year.

One Time Cash Payments In lieu of cost of living adjustments, the City will provide a one-time cash payment for the years specified below. Pursuant to the OMMA MOU, the payment will be based on the employees hourly rate of pay in the pay period that it is paid. Effective the first full pay period of July 2026, and the first full pay period of July 2027, the City shall provide 3% of base salary.

Other Benefits Include:

• TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Full-time employees are eligible for 100% reimbursement for work-related coursework up to a maximum of $5000 per fiscal year.
• BILINGUAL PAY: A regular full time employee may receive bilingual pay at the rate of $50.00-$125.00 bi-weekly depending on the Level the employee is required to provide bilingual services as determined by the City Manager or designee.

WHAT YOULL DO

• Provide professional urban land use plan development and monitoring.
• Review and evaluation of land use development proposals.
• Perform project management for land use and development entitlement applications.
• Analyze and prepare environmental studies and staff reports for assigned projects.
• Analyze and interpret zoning and design standards of proposed development for compliance with City policies and Specific and Master-Planned Community standards.
• Prepare staff reports for decision-maker, City Council and/or Planning Commission.
• Review construction plans for all types of residential, commercial and industrial developments.
• Guide assistant and associate planners and support staff; review work products for quality and accuracy.
• Calculate and assess development fees.
• Conduct site visits and project completion inspections.
• Provide planning assistance to community representatives, land developers, entitlement/real estate representatives, and other City staff.
• Schedule and conduct meetings with City committees such as the Development Advisory Committee and the Downtown Design Review Board.
• Serve as the systems administrator for project tracking systems.
• Respond to public inquiries at the planning counter, via email or phone.
• Provide special project support and technical expertise; assist in administering the project tracking system and supporting maintenance and upgrades; serve as staff liaison for special committees by preparing and posting agendas and minutes, preparing reports and recommendations for approval.
• Monitor development project life cycle; make assessments and formulate foundation and reasoning for recommendations; prepare staff reports detailing project research and conditions; prepare reports for leadership, and prepare and deliver presentations to the Planning Commission and/or City Council.
• Provide planning assistance to representatives of the community, entitlement/real estate businesses, land developers, and staff on all types of land use projects.
• Stay current on state/local planning and zoning legislation and apply best practices to client projects.

Payroll/Classification Title: Planning Supervisor

SUPERVISION EXERCISED / SUPERVISION RECEIVED As assigned, incumbents may serve as lead workers, assigning work and monitoring work completion or may formally supervise two or more exempt level staff, as well as other staff. Receives general supervision and is expected to prioritize work to meet deadlines and to keep the supervisor informed of issues that would impact achievement of a deadline, organizational policy or procedure or in consideration of risk management.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This classification is distinguished from the Planner in that it provides advanced technical guidance and project management related to large, complex assignments and provides lead direction or supervision to assigned staff members.

WORK SCHEDULE The normal work week is Monday through Thursday 8:00am to 6:00pm and alternating Fridays 8:00am to 5:00pm. Depending on the work assignment staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. In addition, this position may be required to be available to work additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs. The standard work environment varies depending on assignment but is typically either primarily in an office setting or out in the field. The City does not offer hybrid or remote work.

Essential Functions (This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.)

• Serves as project manager providing direction to professional and technical staff participating in major planning studies or addressing complicated issues related to land use and development projects; interfaces with City partners, agencies and development stakeholders providing guidance, technical expertise and issue management.
• Plans, researches, analyzes and participates in the development of policies, procedures and master community plans; advises and confers with stakeholders and the public; interprets and applies policies, code, ordinances, conditions of approval and standards in providing guidance, decision-making and recommendations.
• Reviews project plans and determines consistency and compliance with General Plan, codes, and standards; prepares staff reports and supporting narratives; prepares and delivers presentations; reviews and maintains General Plan and City Code.
• Responds to inquiries, technical and information requests; assists public by reviewing conformance requirements for development; provides policy, procedural and process information.
• Identifies and troubleshoots issues; researches applicable Code, General Plan, and industry best practices; recommends and implements issue resolutions and process improvements; and prepares and maintains files and project/department documentation.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications The following are the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

• EDUCATION: Bachelors degree in urban or regional planning, economics, architecture, landscape architecture or related field (Must be attached to your application).
• EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of planning experience and two years of supervisory or project management experience.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: A valid California Class C Drivers License with a satisfactory driving record may be required.
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

General Information

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application.
• Complete and submit responses to the supplemental questions, if required.
• Upload resume, cover letter, proof of degree (transcript), or other requested documents.
• Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume.
• Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
• Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

The list of qualified candidates established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full-time, part-time, and temporary assignments. There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy within the Community Development Department. Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation.

UNION MEMBERSHIP Positions in this classification are represented by the Oxnard Mid Managers Association (OMMA).

NOTE: For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work. Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions. Employees are required to participate in the Citys direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis. This position requires a 12 month probationary period.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897-7781 dhs.gov/e-verify

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Susie Morales at susie.morales@oxnard.org.

NOTE: 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.

Retirement Contributions

• New members (as defined by PEPRA), 2% @ 62; "Classic" members 2% @ 55. The employee will be required to pay a portion of their annual earnings toward their retirement.
• The City of Oxnard does not participate in social security.

Safety Designated Positions

• New members (as defined by PEPRA), 2.7% @ 57; "Classic" members 3% @ 50. The employee will be required to pay a portion of their annual earnings toward their retirement depending on their relevant MOU.
• The City of Oxnard does not participate in social security.

Vacation/Annual Accrual Rates Leave accrual rates vary between 6.24 - 11.78 hours per pay period based on years of service.

Administrative Leave Management employees are not compensated for overtime worked. However, the department director may authorize up to 40 hours of administrative leave in one year.

Deferred Compensation The City contributes 1% of employee salary to a 401(a) plan of its choosing.

Retirement Health Savings The City contributes 1% to a retirement health savings account.

Bilingual Pay A regular full time employee may receive bilingual pay at the rate of $50.00-$100.00 bi-weekly depending on the Level the employee is required to provide bilingual services as determined by the City Manager or designee.

Supplemental Questions

1. Do you possess a Bachelors degree in urban or regional planning, economics, architecture, landscape architecture or a related field considered useful in City planning? If "yes", list the degree field (e.g. Urban Planning). If "no", state "n/a".

2. Do you possess at least five (5) years of professional planning experience? If "yes", describe your experience. If "no", state "no experience".

3. Do you possess at least two (2) years of supervisory and/or project management experience? If "yes", describe your experience. If "no", state "no experience".

4. Did you attach a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts? Yes / No (Required Question)

Employer Contact Information

• City: City of Oxnard
• Address: 300 West Third St, Oxnard, California, 93030
• Phone: (805) 385-7590
• Website:http://www.oxnard.org