Land Use Planner Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $50.46 - $61.33 Hourly
Location : City of Rohnert Park, City Hall, 130 Avram Avenue, Rohnert Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: SRPL AUG 2026
Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
Closing Date: 9/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
The Position
First interviews will be held on September 10, 2026
The City of Rohnert Park is seeking a Senior Planner to manage projects in the areas of land use planning, zoning, development review, and environmental analysis. The position will process various land use entitlement such as: General Plan amendments, Specific Plan amendments, municipal code and zone changes, design reviews, conditional use permits, and other discretionary permits. Additional duties include developing and reviewing staff reports related to planning activities, projects, and services and presenting reports to the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and other decision-making and advisory bodies.
DEFINITION
Under general direction, coordinates, organizes, manages and performs professional and technical support related to planning programs and activities in the areas of land use, zoning, transportation, natural resources, parks and open spaces; processes General Plan amendments, municipal code and zone changes, conditional use permits, variances, and other discretionary permits; develops and reviews staff reports related to planning activities, projects, and services; presents reports to and advises the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and other commissions, committees, and boards related to a wide variety of planning and zoning matters; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Planning Manager; and performs related duties, as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Planning Manager. Exercises technical and functional direction over and provides training to lower-level staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a professional classification responsible for coordinating, organizing, managing and performing work related to current planning programs, projects, and activities of the Planning Division. Performance of the work requires a comprehensive knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures related to planning, as well as principles, practices, and procedures related to city and regional planning, development, and zoning administration. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Ideal Candidate
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Coordinates, organizes, manages and participates in highly complex planning programs and activities in the areas of land use, zoning, transportation, natural resources, parks and open spaces.
• Processes applications for General Plan amendments, specific plans, planned developments, municipal code changes, zoning code and map amendments, conditional use permits, variances, and other discretionary cases.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Planning Manager; develops and reviews staff reports related to planning activities, projects, and services; presents reports to and advises the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board (DRB), and other commissions, committees, and boards related to a wide variety of planning and zoning matters; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on zoning and permit applications, site plans, and architectural designs, including the processing of current and advanced planning projects from submittal through environmental review, public hearing, plan check and final inspection.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development of and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning services, projects, and activities.
• Participates in the development and administration of the division budget.
• Participates in the selection and training of staff.
• Prepares environmental documents consistent with California Environmental Quality Act.
• Serves as source of information for developers, engineers, property owners, and contractors regarding land use applications and general municipal planning programs, projects, and functions; facilitates community participation through a continual dialogue with residents on major projects.
• Assists with the dissemination of planning and zoning information to the general public.
• Assists the Planning Manager with special projects, as needed.
• Prepares environmental impact reports; prepares written initial studies, negative declarations, and staff reports related to development projects or City projects.
• Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; researches and reviews previous entitlements and City records; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters and the City's General Plan; participates in the implementation and administration of the City's General Plan and development regulations.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to land use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.
• Researches and prepares ordinances for review.
• Refers to and applies numerous documents including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, State Planning laws, Municipal Code, Specific Plans, Redevelopment Guidelines, emergency operations manual, historical preservation guidelines, County tax assessor's maps and records, building and architecture plans, etc.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Provide technical direction and training to consultants, other planning and technical staff, as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrates care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Performs work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements
Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles, practices, and procedures related to city and regional planning, development, and zoning administration.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
• Site planning and architectural design principles.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning services, activities, and projects.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the planning of projects, including land use, transportation, natural resources, and parks.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Practices of researching planning and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Administer complex, technical, and sensitive planning, development, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner.
• Review and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work procedures.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any 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:
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in land-use planning, urban planning, public administration, business administration, community development, or a closely related field and four (4) years of increasingly responsible administrative and/or project management experience in urban or environmental planning.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners is desirable.

Additional Information
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 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 10 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
CALPERS RETIREMENT: Per the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13, new-hire employees will be in the Misc. 2% at Age 62 retirement formula with a 3-year final compensation. Employees must contribute 50% of the normal cost rate to CalPERS, which is currently 8.0%.
Medicare Taxes are withheld, but the City does not participate in Social Security.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: Employees may select from Kaiser, REMIF, or Sutter Health plans. The City contributes a set credit amount based on coverage level.
DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: City provides Ameritas Dental and VSP (vision) insurance at no premium