Senior Planner

Senior Planner Salary $118,612.00 - $143,534.56 Annually Location Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA Job Type Full-Time Job Number 26-L83-C Department County-Wide Recruitment Opening Date 05/01/2026 Closing Date 5/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit 01 Description Benefits Questions Description Under limited direction, to provide service to the public and permit applicants, to coordinate the review and analysis of development applications for cities, agencies and other county departments, to conduct planning studies, feasibility studies, master plans and concept plans, to research and analyze planning data, to make policy, ordinance and program recommendations, and to administer zoning, planning or parks and recreation development programs. Typical Tasks Provides advanced level customer support for the preparation and processing of moderate to major development applications, re-zonings and plan amendments; Serves as a project manager for the preparation and review of master plans, concept plans, feasibility studies, development applications, zoning and plan amendments and annexations, and other planning-related documents by leading the process, supervising professional and technical staff, establishing procedures, setting goals, and assuming responsibility for the final outcomes; Supervises consultants and negotiates, executes and administers third-party consultant contracts, including fiscal controls such as budget tracking and verification of invoices; Serves as a program manager for a specialized portion of the planning program such as zoning administration, architectural review, Stanford administration, surface mining, historic resources, agriculture and park and open space related projects, and airport land use; Develops and manages complex planning studies, master plans, concept plans or feasibility studies and reports on topics, such as land use, housing, historic resources, environmental impacts and economic development, in support of new or updated plan policies, regulations or programs; Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to planning projects and the development review process, to verify that development projects comply with approved plans or to initiate actions necessary to correct violations of regulations or project conditions; Enters development permit information and permit process workflow data in a central database; Abstracts information from aerial photographs, subdivision maps, census reports, building permits, etc., for analysis in planning studies; Analyzes geographic information systems data and creates maps; Prepares plans, maps, graphs and other visual aids; Leads or serves on advisory committees or boards such as Bay Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council South County Committee or zoning decision-making bodies, schedules and conducts meetings, assists elected officials and their staff with planning matters and constituent concerns; Prepares or manages personnel who prepare environmental documents in compliance with environmental laws such as the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Conducts in-depth property specific research including the review of deeds and other legal documents; Prepares recommendations and presents detailed written and oral reports on complex development applications, standards, zoning ordinances, General Plan amendments or local or regional planning initiatives to decision-making bodies such as Board of Supervisors, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Airport Land Use Commission, Historical Heritage Commission, Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee, and San Martin Planning Advisory Committee; Assists in the training and supervision of subordinate staff; Analyzes and reviews complex land development applications, site plans and building permit applications for completeness and conformance with policies, ordinances, master plans, concept plans, County General Plan, conditions of approval, and State and Federal regulations, prepares conditions of approval where necessary, and takes discretionary action on certain land development projects that reviewed at the staff level, making required findings; Prepares and delivers presentations to community organizations, clubs, planning seminars, homeowners groups, etc.; Participates in meetings, conferences and workshops at local, regional and state levels; Assists in the administration of a functional unit; Conducts advanced outreach to community organizations, government agencies, developers and the public to encourage participation, resolve problems or obtain input; Answers inquiries and provides general information to the public regarding land use projects, permitting procedures, development policies, plans, zoning ordinances and other regulations; Provides information to the public regarding the permitting and development review requirements of other County departments such as Fire Marshal's Office, Environmental Health, Land Development Engineering, Geology, Roads and Airports, and Building, and County programs such as Williamson Act, Historic Preservation, and the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan; Resolves issues and complaints from the public or neighbors and permit applicants; Attends evening meetings; May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required; Performs related work as required. Employment Standards Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with a major in planning, architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, natural resources, social science or related field; AND - Three (3) years of professional planning experience. A Master's degree in planning may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. Possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County Driver's Permit. Possession of license, registration or certification in a related field, such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), is desirable. Knowledge of Principles, practices and legal requirements of planning and zoning administration; Environmental protection regulations such as California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and Endangered Species Act; State and local laws pertaining to land use such as Williamson Act, Historic Preservation Program, and Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan; Relationship of land use planning to the requirements of other County departments such as Fire Marshal's Office, Environmental Health, Land Development Engineering, Geology, Roads and Airports, and Building; Principles of effective customer service; Statistics and math applicable to planning and property development; Planning implications to the community's physical, economic, and social characteristics; Environmental impacts and property development and construction practices; Governmental organizations and operations and community interrelationships; Advanced research, report writing and presentation techniques; Common computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, database management, internet, econometric or transportation modeling, and geographic information systems. Ability to Review project descriptions, plans or field conditions and apply policy and code provisions to determine performance; Interpret the zoning ordinance and other policy documents; Organize and conduct planning studies including supervising the work of others; Prepare and present complex staff reports, planning studies, policies and ordinance to the public and decision-making bodies; Conduct analysis and make recommendations based on findings in studies, field observation and public input; Efficiently administer planning policies, ordinances and permit processes; Build relationships and work respectfully, tactfully and creatively with the public, agencies and staff; Provide effective project management and staff leadership; Manage multiple projects and issues effectively and meet firm deadlines; Facilitate large meetings and community workshops. The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here. The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification. In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below. Retirement Benefits The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being. Health Flexible Spending Account The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA. Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000. Life and AD&D The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support. Employee Wellness The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey. Education Reimbursement A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development. NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts. Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes. 01 Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer: a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question? Yes No 02 Please indicate if you possess a Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in any of the following fields. Architecture Engineering Landscape Architecture Natural Resources Planning Social Science Other related field None of the above 03 If you made a selection in the previous question, please provide the degree level and the school attended. If you selected "Other related field" in the question above, indicate the degree level, major or field of study, and school attended. If not applicable, type N/A. 04 How many years of professional planning experience do you possess? No experience Less than one year One to less than two years Two to less than three years Three to less than four years Four to less than five years Five to less than six years Six to less than seven years Seven to less than eight years Eight to less than nine years Nine to less than ten years Ten years or more 05 Describe your professional planning experience. Be specific in your responses and submit answers for EACH employer in the following format a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year) d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed If no experience, please type N/A. 06 Select the areas you possess experience in preparing reports (select all that apply): Development Applications Zoning Amendments General Plan or Housing Element Updates (such as Lead Project Manager) Surface Mining and Reclamation Act Management Master Plan Preparation for Large Campus (Example: University, Major Agriculture Processing) None of the above 07 Describe your experience preparing reports in the areas you selected in the previous question. Be specific in your responses and submit answers for EACH employer in the following format a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year) d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed If no experience, please type N/A. 08 Do you have direct experience in managing a large, controversial project (and technical consultants) that required an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), staff report writing, data management and analysis, public outreach, and public hearings? Yes No 09 If you respond "Yes" to the previous question, describe your role (lead project manager, focus area, or support) and specific responsibilities, along with a brief description of the scope of the project. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to, private institutional developments, industrial, commercial, and/or agricultural processing developments, and/or housing or agricultural worker housing projects. Please also describe whether you oversaw the EIR from the preparation of a Draft EIR through completion of a Final EIR. Be specific in your responses and submit answers for EACH employer in the following format a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year) d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed If no experience, please type N/A. 10 Do you have experience training and/or supervising subordinate staff? Yes No 11 If you responded "Yes" to the previous question, describe your experience and level of involvement. Be specific in your responses and submit answers for EACH employer in the following format a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year) d) Total hours worked per week e) Number of staff trained and/or supervised e) Description of task(s) performed If no experience, please type N/A. 12 Do you have direct experience in interpreting State laws and regulations impacting land use and local government and creating or updating a General Plan, ordinance, or another comprehensive long-range planning document? Yes No 13 If you responded "Yes" to the previous questions, describe your experience and level of involvement. Be specific in your responses and submit answers for EACH employer in the following format a) Employer name(s) b) Job title(s) c) Start/end dates of employment (Month/Year) d) Total hours worked per week e) Description of task(s) performed If no experience, please type N/A. 14 How did you find out about this job? Contacted by County Recruiter Virtual Job Fair In Person Job Fair In-Person Networking Professional Event Virtual Networking Event Community Event Glassdoor Governmentjobs.com Professional Association Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.) Hospital Website: SCVMC, O'Connor Hospital, St. Louise Regional Hospital Website Contacted by a Recruitment Firm Handshake Student Career Center County Text Message County Career Newsletter Other (Specify in the next question) County Employee Referral County of Santa Clara Career Website County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Indeed 15 If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type N/A. Required Question