Planning Manager

Planning Manager

Join the City of Artesia as our next Planning Manager! We are seeking a forward-thinking, results-oriented professional with a strong passion for community planning, development, and revitalization. The Planning Manager will play a key role in collaborating with stakeholders on a wide range of projects while effectively navigating complex regulatory environments.

This is a mid-level management position with both strategic and hands-on responsibilities. The Planning Manager will support daily counter operations while contributing to broader initiatives within the Planning Division. The role oversees planning functions and works closely with Building and Code Compliance / Enforcement within the Community Development Department. In addition, the position partners with other departments to advance the City's vision for growth and quality of life.

A solid background in urban planning is required. The successful candidate will bring both technical expertise and leadership skills to guide staff, streamline processes, and foster a proactive approach to community development and regulatory compliance.

Under general direction, the Planning Manager manages, plans, coordinates and organizes the activities, programs, projects, and operations of the Planning section of the Community Development Department including current and long-range planning related to the development and implementation of land use and related municipal plans and policies; ensures compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protect Act (NEPA); coordinates the City's transportation planning activities; and performs other related duties as assigned.

This position may provide supervision to professional, technical, and support staff such as Planners and Assistants. This position is characterized by the responsibility for projecting, justifying, recommending, and implementing solutions to a variety of complex problems relative to operational and programmatic activities in daily administration and projections as necessary. Receives general supervision from the Community Development Director, and assignments are made in terms of objectives, priorities, and deadlines to be achieved. Incumbents may be required to perform assignments with minimum instruction and guidance, according to established policies and procedures.

The City of Artesia offers a competitive benefits package, including a hybrid / remote work option, a 9 / 80 work schedule, and an Employer-sponsored health reimbursement account of $600 annually.

Duties and responsibilities include managing and implementing the Planning section goals, objectives, policies and procedures; assisting in developing and implementing departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures; and providing complex management assistance to the Community Development Director. Other duties include managing, overseeing and participating in the development of the Planning section work plan; planning, managing, and evaluating the operations, programs, staffing, policies and procedures of the Planning section; updating the City's General Plan to reflect current and future needs, objectives and goals; preparing additions or amendments to regulatory ordinances relating to all phases of the general plan; selecting, training, motivating, supervising and evaluating staff; participating in meetings with architects, developers, realtors, consultants, residents, and management; managing, preparing, and administering the departmental budget; making presentations to the City Council, supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and the general public; overseeing the administration of professional consulting services contracts; building and maintaining positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; researching and preparing complex technical and administrative reports; assuring effective communication of planning issues; representing the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies in meetings and conferences; keeping informed of innovations and developments in the field; and performing other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of urban planning and zoning; principles, standards, practices, information sources, and trends in the fields of current and advance planning; California Environmental Quality Act, California Subdivision Map Act, Uniform Building and Safety Codes, City Municipal Ordinance, General Plan, County health and safety regulations, and planning and zoning codes; land use planning, physical design, building construction, environmental design standards, and social and economic factors; personal computer, email and other devices software and hardware; including Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; correct use of business English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, proofreading and vocabulary; principles of statistics and demographics; grants and contracts administration; principles and theories of management; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; principles of project management, program development, and administration; and principles of employee development, supervision, and evaluation.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct planning programs and services, including the work of staff and consultants; review and approve projects and plans for conformance with laws, codes, regulations, and standards; direct the compilation and presentation of staff, technical, and consulting reports; analyze plans, specifications and proposals and consider design issues and standards and make appropriate recommendations; formulate and manage department budget; communicate effectively, both orally or in writing; operate modern office equipment and computer hardware and related software such as word processing and spreadsheets; prepare and make presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, regional agencies, and advisory committees; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, urban development or closely related field, five (5) years of professional experience in public planning or related work, including one (1) year in a supervisory capacity, possession of a Master's degree in planning or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience, possession of a valid Class "C," California Driver's License is required, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is desirable.

Physical demands include mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. 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 25 pounds. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required.

Working environment includes office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and / or humid conditions, or airborne particles.