Description
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by
employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the
job.

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs advanced journey level, complex administrative and professional
planning and research assignments involving advanced (long-range) planning projects, including
special long-range projects, policy development, code updates, grant management, and the General
Plan ; makes recommendations on long-range projects to Planning Commission and City Council;
ensures projects are in compliance with the City’s policies and other applicable local, State and
Federal regulations; coordinates, prepares and presents staff reports, recommendations, and
advanced planning projects; and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This Senior Planner position is primarily assigned to advanced planning (long-range) projects. It
will require leading projects involving General Plan maintenance and implementation, zoning code
updates, policy studies, and grant management.
The Senior Planner is the advanced journey level class within the professional Planner Series.
Incumbents perform the higher level, more complex and difficult planning functions involving
advanced planning projects. The application of advanced professional knowledge and skills is
required in the research, analysis, planning, and implementation of effective strategies and
approaches to work, and requires frequent use of independent judgment. The work may require regular
attendance at meetings and public hearings, and in making presentations to Planning Commission,
City Council, residents, business and community groups. Positions assigned to this level may serve
as a lead over a functional area of the Planning Division (e.g. Advanced Planning), the management
of work and multiple projects through assigned team members, and the ability to provide functional
and technical direction over assigned staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Planning Manager. May exercise functional and technical
direction over Assistant and Associate Planners and technical staff, as assigned.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not
limited to, the following:
1. Assists in the preparation of amendments/updates to the City’s general plan, long-range plans,
policies, and municipal code pursuant to State Law and recommended work programs.
2. Manages and process special advanced planning projects.
3. Confers /coordinate with other consultants, and other department and agency representatives on
advance planning projects.
4. Oversees and manages budgets relating to advanced planning projects.
5. Provide representation at various meetings, events, or City function.
6. Responds to public requests for information.
7. Prepares comprehensive staff reports, plans, code amendments, General Plan amendments, policy
documents, or other supportive documents related to the advanced planning project.
8. Conduct site visits as needed for projects.
9. Plans and conducts public informational meetings on planning matters; facilitates community
workshops and stakeholder outreach efforts related to long-range planning initiatives;
10. Attends public meetings of the City Council and Planning Commission; prepares and makes
presentations on planning matters or projects as directed.
11. Coordinates work with other City departments; represents the Department with other agencies as
assigned; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities.
12. Oversees or completes environmental review for advanced planning projects.
13. Responds to inquiries from the public, developers and other City staff related to advanced
planning; interprets planning policies, State laws and local ordinances and explains procedures.
14. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
*Objectives, advanced principles, procedures, standards, practices and information sources of short
and long-term urban planning, City code promulgation, and related activities in planning and
zoning.
*Application of land use, physical design, economic, environmental, architecture and/or social
concepts to the planning process.
*Implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; methods used in developing information for
General Plan modifications.
*Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of
responsibility including the Subdivision Map Act, the California Environmental Quality Act, Housing
Laws, Planning and Zoning Laws, and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act.
*Organization and functions of an elected City Council, Planning Commission and other appointed
boards and commissions.
*Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, contract
administration and maintenance of public records.
*Community trends and market analyses techniques including research, math concepts and statistical
analysis techniques.
*Physical design, economic, environmental and social concepts to the planning process.
*Terminology, symbols, methods, techniques and instruments used in planning and map drafting; local
government organization and the functions and practices of a municipal planning unit.
*City government and issues of concern to developers, property owners, contractors, private
engineers, and others when dealing with the City on planning matters.
*Report writing methods and practices.
*Recent developments, current literature and sources of information regarding urban planning.
*Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and computer applications related to work,
including word processing and spreadsheet software.
*English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
*Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public,
vendors, contractors, and City staff.
*City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Ability to:
*Effectively manage projects and project team members. Manage and track project’s budget.
*Prepare accurate, clear, and concise PowerPoint presentations for a wide range of audience.
*Conduct complex research and identify economic and demographic trends; compile and analyze complex
technical and statistical planning information.
Interpret and apply related codes, laws and policies; interpret maps, site and building plans and
specifications, graphs and statistical data.
*Research, analyze and summarize planning data both manually and with computer programs.
*Present technical information effectively both orally and in writing; prepare clear, concise
technical reports. Instruct others in work procedures and provide specific project direction.
*Analyze situations and take effective action.
*Speak before groups, organizations, regulatory bodies and professional meetings; respond
constructively to conflict and develop effective resolutions.
*Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
*Understand and carry out a variety of complex instructions in a responsible and independent manner.
*Organize and prioritize a variety of complex projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely
manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
*Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and
legal guidelines. Lead and train lesser-skilled staff as assigned.
*Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community
groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations and in meetings with
individuals.
*Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted
in the course of work.
*Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions.
*Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
*Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern
business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
*Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Ensure adherence to safe work
practices and procedures.
*Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and
abilities to perform the essential functions is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge
and abilities would be:
Experience:

A minimum of four (4) years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience equivalent
to an Associate Planner with majority of experience in advanced planning.
Training – All Levels:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work
in Community Development, Urban Planning, Political science, Public Administration or a closely
related field. A Master's degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a State of California driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Special Requirements:

Employee in this class may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics and physical/mental demands described here are representative
of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this
class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Environmental Conditions:

Employees in this class generally work in an office environment with moderate noise levels,
controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting
and enforcing City-wide policies and procedures.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting including use of standard office
equipment, including a computer; and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City development
and meeting sites. Vision is required to read printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and
speech is required to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Touch is
required in order to handle documents, and use a computer. Finger dexterity is needed to access,
enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office
equipment. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and
walking between work areas may be required. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.
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 up to 20 pounds.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent in this class regularly uses written and
oral communication skills; reads and interprets complex data, information, and documents; analyzes
and solves problems; uses math, and mathematical reasoning; observes and interprets people, and
situations; learns and applies new information; performs highly detailed work; deals with changing
deadlines, constant interruptions, and multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with City
management, staff, developers, contractors, homeowners, members of the public, representatives of
private and public agencies, and others encountered in the course of work.
CAREER PROGRESSION

FROM:Senior Planner

TO:Principal Planner

Employer
City of Jurupa Valley
Address
8930 Limonite Avenue
Jurupa Valley, California, 92509
Phone
951-332-6464 ext 251
951-332-6464 ext 232
Website
http://www.jurupavalley.org/
Approved by Name: City Council Title: N/A
Effective/Revision Date: 4/1/23 FLSA Status: Exempt
At-Will Status: This is an “At Will” position as defined in Section 2.35.030 of the City of Jurupa
Valley Municipal Code. Employment can be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by
either City or employee.
Supplemental Information

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure that an applicant will be invited to the
next phase of the examination process which may include a written exercise and/or multiple
interviews. The City reserves the right to invite only the most closely qualified applicants to
participate and move forward in the recruitment process for this position.
Successful candidates may be required to pass a comprehensive background investigation which
includes reference check, live scan fingerprinting, and pre-employment examination. In compliance
with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must verify identity and
entitlement to work in the United States by providing required original documentation.

Resumes and Letters of Interest are encouraged and may be sent as attachments but cannot substitute
the City Application. Submit your online application at www.jurupavalley.org. EOE / ADA

Applications must be received by the City of Jurupa Valley Division of Human Resources before 5:00
p.m. on the closing date stated on the job announcement. Emailed or facsimiled applications will
not be accepted. Applications that are received after the closing date and time, regardless of
online postmark date, will not be considered. Incomplete or illegible application packets may
result in disqualification. If the position is open until filled, apply immediately for optimal
consideration as the recruitment may close without notice. A separate application must be submitted
for each position of interest.
If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Human Resources at: 951-332-6464 ext.
251.