County of Santa Clara

Senior Planner - Department of Planning and Development

SANTA CLARA, CAPosted 24 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from County of Santa Clara

  • Job overview

    The Senior Planner at the County of Santa Clara's Department of Planning and Development leads complex land use and planning projects, ensuring compliance with zoning, housing, and environmental laws, significantly impacting county development and planning initiatives.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The Senior Planner manages and reviews development applications, prepares environmental documents, oversees consultants, conducts planning studies, leads public outreach, and presents reports to decision-making bodies, contributing to effective land use and policy implementation.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field and three years of professional planning experience, with expertise in CEQA, complex development projects, consultant management, and knowledge of state and local land use laws; a Master's degree or certifications like AICP are desirable.

  • Unique job features

    This role involves managing major county planning projects including the General Plan Update and requires advanced skills in environmental law and project management, distinguishing it from similar planning positions.

Company overview

The County of Santa Clara, located in California's Silicon Valley, is a government entity providing a wide range of public services including healthcare, social services, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance. The county generates revenue through property taxes, state and federal funding, and service fees. Established in 1850, it has a rich history of supporting one of the most innovative regions in the world, playing a crucial role in the development of the tech industry.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to emphasize your expertise in land use planning, CEQA document preparation, and managing complex development projects, highlighting your ability to lead major planning efforts like general plan updates and institutional campus planning.

  • Focus on showcasing your skills in project management, consultant oversight, public outreach, and report writing, as these are critical components of the Senior Planner role at County of Santa Clara.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including the County of Santa Clara official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure your resume reaches the right hiring managers.

  • Connect with current planners and project managers in the Department of Planning and Development on LinkedIn; start conversations by referencing recent County planning initiatives or asking about their experience managing CEQA projects to break the ice.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating key phrases from the job description such as 'California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)', 'land use planning', 'project management', 'zoning ordinance', and 'public outreach' to ensure it passes automated screenings.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored resume customization, identify multiple application portals, and find relevant LinkedIn contacts to network with, freeing you to focus on preparing for interviews and strategic follow-ups.

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