Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from City of Palo Alto
Job overview
The Senior Planner for Current Planning at the City of Palo Alto is responsible for managing complex urban planning projects and ensuring compliance with local and state regulations, impacting community development and growth.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves processing entitlement applications, supervising environmental impact report preparation, evaluating project designs, preparing reports for various boards and commissions, and making public presentations to support city planning goals.
Compensation and benefits
The salary ranges from $133,224 to $163,134 annually with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and flexible/hybrid work schedule.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field, five years of professional planning experience, knowledge of CEQA, state housing laws, and strong technical and communication skills; AICP certification is desirable.
Career development
Opportunities include working on diverse projects in a dynamic community with potential for advancement within city planning departments and involvement in high-profile planning initiatives.
Work environment and culture
The City of Palo Alto offers a flexible and hybrid work environment with a focus on customer service, collaboration, and community engagement in a vibrant Silicon Valley setting.
Company information
The City of Palo Alto is a municipal government entity providing planning and development services to maintain and enhance the city's safety, vitality, and attractiveness in Silicon Valley.
Team overview
The Senior Planner will join the Current Planning team responsible for processing entitlement applications and ensuring regulatory compliance, working closely with other staff and boards.
Job location and travel
The position is based in Palo Alto, CA, with a flexible/hybrid schedule and some public presentations required.
Application process
Applicants must apply online by 7/9/2025 with required documentation and may contact NeoGov support for assistance; interviews are tentatively scheduled for mid to late August.
Unique job features
This role offers the chance to work on complex projects, present to city boards, and influence urban development in a leading Silicon Valley community.
Company overview
The City of Palo Alto operates as a municipal government providing essential services such as public safety, utilities, and community development to its residents. They generate revenue primarily through taxes, utility fees, and service charges. Founded in 1894, Palo Alto is known for its role in the development of Silicon Valley and its commitment to sustainability and innovation, including being one of the first cities to offer municipal fiber internet.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your extensive experience in urban planning, particularly your expertise in implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and processing major housing applications under State legislation like SB330 and the Housing Accountability Act.
Emphasize your strong project management skills, ability to handle complex and competing priorities, and your technical proficiency with architectural and landscape plan analysis, GIS, Microsoft Office Suite, and presentation software.
Apply through multiple platforms including the City of Palo Alto's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility for the Senior Planner Current Planning role.
Connect on LinkedIn with current employees in the Planning and Community Environment Department at the City of Palo Alto; use ice breakers such as commenting on recent city planning initiatives, asking about their experience with current planning challenges, or expressing your enthusiasm for Palo Alto's innovative community development.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'CEQA,' 'project management,' 'housing applications,' 'Planning Commission presentations,' and 'zoning regulations' to ensure your resume passes initial automated screenings.
Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored resume customization, identify multiple application channels, and facilitate networking on LinkedIn, thus allowing you to focus your time and energy on preparing for interviews and refining your candidacy.
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