Planning Director

OverviewThe City Of Sebastopol is seeking an experienced Planning Director to direct, oversee, and participate in the work of the City’s Planning Department, including current and long-range planning, maintenance of the General Plan, Housing Element, and zoning codes, and review of proposals for construction and development within the City of Sebastopol. The selected candidate will coordinate activities, permits, and projects with other City departments, review and prepare recommendations to the Planning Commission on development proposals, and serve as the official secretary and officer of the Planning Commission.The Planning Director performs professional planning duties in long-range planning, current planning, and building permitting, including a variety of diverse professional planning assignments. The incumbent will oversee technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, handle the most complex customer service issues, environmental impact documents, and construction projects, and provide supervision or lead direction to professional and support staff. The director will ensure compliance with all aspects of the City’s General Plan and related ordinances and laws, and perform related work as assigned.The Planning Director will demonstrate cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.This position is exempt from the overtime regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is an “at will” classification serving at the pleasure of and receiving administrative direction from the City Manager.Ideal CandidateBe a proactive leader directing the day-to-day operations and projects for the planning department.Be skilled in delegation and active involvement, problem-solving, and a commitment to driving progress.Possess a deep understanding of municipal planning, design, construction, and maintenance, along with a thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards.Provide leadership and mentoring that inspires and encourages others to develop skills, be prepared for advancement, and achieve their best.Ensure that projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.Be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate emotional intelligence and political understanding, and have a desire to improve customer service experience.Be able to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions, and establish positive relationships with colleagues, employees, the public, and other stakeholders.QualificationsAny combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:Education: Equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, environmental design, urban design, or development, project management, or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job class. Possession of a master’s degree is desirable.Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible planning experience, preferably in a municipal setting, including at least two (2) years of experience in a role with direct supervisory responsibility.License And CertificationsPossession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license is required.Possession of a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or equivalent professional recognition is desired.About the CommunityThe City of Sebastopol is located in Sonoma County, a region that produces the majority of the world/'s supply of Gravenstein apples and a significant volume of grapes used to curate high-quality wines. Sebastopol is also the gateway to the popular Russian River and its surrounding redwood forests, as well as Bodega and Jenner/'s coastal recreation areas. Whether you live, work, or play here, or even if you are just passing through, you are a part of our community, and we welcome you.Selection ProcessEach candidate’s background will be evaluated based on the information submitted. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase in the recruitment process, which may include an oral panel interview and/or practical exercise. Only the names of the most qualified candidates who pass the initial selection process will be submitted to the City for consideration for final selection.Application ProcessQualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a letter of interest and a focused resume detailing their recent experience and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position, along with their completed application and supplemental questions to by following this link: All materials must be included to be considered as a candidate.Deadline to apply: Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 11:59 PMThe City of Sebastopol is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Additional inquiries about the position or candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should be directed to Danielle Oliveira from Muchmore Than Consulting Opportunity EmployerThe City of Sebastopol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-28