Job Description

Why Join Team SB

Help Lead the Next Chapter of Growth in the City of San Bernardino! The San Bernardino is at a pivotal moment of growth, investment, and community revitalization. With expanding housing initiatives, increased development activity, and transformative projects underway, the City is seeking an experienced and strategic planning leader to serve as its next City Planner (U). This is an opportunity to shape land use policy, guide sustainable development, and play a central role in advancing a community-focused vision for one of Southern California's most dynamic cities. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and collaborative leadership to help balance land use, economic development, environmental stewardship, and quality of life for residents and businesses alike.

As a future member of our team, you'll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California's Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history—shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences—continues to inspire the city's evolving identity. San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It's a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose—and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

The Planning Division is responsible for implementing the City's Comprehensive General Plan, Housing Element, and Development Code—the framework that guides future development and preserves the community's vision.

• Facilitates land use entitlement processes
• Ensures compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
• Coordinates with regional agencies including SCAG and SBCTA
• Supports the department on the Development and Environmental Committee, participates in the department's efforts in coordinating Planning Commission, and provides support for projects going to the City Council
• Under the direction of the Director of Community Development & Housing, manages the City's cannabis monitoring program
• Reviews a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and energy development projects, as assigned.

Recent planning activity has included completion of the much awaited General Plan 2050, which is an update of the 2005 General Plan, the new Development Code, the Downtown Specific Plan, as well as approvals for multifamily housing, commercial redevelopment, drive-through establishments, industrial site modernization, battery energy storage facilities, adaptive reuse projects, and transit-supportive infill housing.

The Division plays a central role in balancing responsible development with public health, safety, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.

The City Planner (U) serves as the Division Manager for Planning and reports directly to the Director of Community Development & Housing. This senior-level management position provides leadership and oversight of all current and long-range planning functions for the City. The incumbent is responsible for administering and directing Planning Division operations, implementing the City's General Plan and Development Code, and ensuring high-quality review of land use entitlements and environmental documentation in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The City Planner supervises professional and technical staff, manages complex and sensitive development projects, and ensures consistency and excellence in customer service throughout the entitlement process. The position prepares and presents reports and recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council, advises applicants, developers, and residents on land use policies and regulations, and represents the City in meetings with regional agencies and community stakeholders. In addition, the City Planner assists in the development and monitoring of the Division's budget, evaluates operational effectiveness, and implements process improvements to support efficient and responsive service delivery.

This role requires a strategic, solutions-oriented leader who can navigate complex regulatory environments, interpret evolving state legislation, foster cross-department collaboration, and guide responsible growth that aligns with the City's long-term vision.

What You'll Be Doing Here

Challenges & Opportunities: The next City Planner will lead in a dynamic environment where the Division plays a central role in guiding the City's growth and revitalization. Key challenges and opportunities include:

• Navigating complex CEQA and NEPA requirements and other regulatory obligations.
• Implementing state housing mandates and balancing them with community needs.
• Managing a high volume of development projects across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
• Strengthening internal processes and ensuring timely, consistent entitlement review.
• Enhancing cross-department collaboration and building strong relationships with external agencies and stakeholders.
• Mentoring and developing staff while fostering a positive team culture.
• Influencing strategic planning priorities and shaping long-term policy initiatives.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate brings a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and community-focused vision:

• Experienced leader with proven supervisory experience in municipal planning.
• Strong knowledge of land use law, municipal planning, zoning, and CEQA compliance.
• Effective communicator able to present complex planning issues to Planning Commission, City Council, developers, and the public.
• Collaborative and solutions-oriented , balancing customer service with regulatory compliance.
• Politically savvy with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Strategic thinker capable of implementing process improvements and guiding long-term planning initiatives.
• Committed to advancing the City's development goals, sustainability, and quality of life for residents.

A Day in the Life A typical day for the City Planner may include:

• Reviewing staff reports and providing guidance on complex development applications and environmental documents.
• Meeting with Planning staff to discuss project timelines, troubleshoot entitlement issues, and provide direction on General Plan or Development Code interpretation.
• Consulting with developers, property owners, or community members about proposed projects.
• Coordinating with other City divisions and departments (Building & Safety, Housing, Code Enforcement, Public Works) and regional agencies to ensure aligned processes and compliance.
• Preparing agendas and reports for Planning Commission and City Council meetings.
• Evaluating policy implications of new state legislation or development proposals.
• Strategic discussions with leadership about divisional priorities, budget considerations, and process improvements.
• Balancing leadership, technical review, customer engagement, and strategic planning to ensure projects meet City policies and community vision.

What You Need to Qualify

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Regional Planning, or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in municipal current and long-range planning programs including three (3) years in a supervisory capacity. Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment: A valid State driver's license is required. Knowledge of:

• Modern principles, procedures, practices and standards of municipal planning and community development; planning and zoning laws, ordinances, codes, modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding City planning.
• Comprehensive plans including their formation, process of adoption, and enforcement.
• Principles and practices of management, organization, budget practices, administrative procedures and fiscal management; principles and practices of contract administration.
• Methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations, including but not limited to the California Environmental Quality Act.
• Methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; standard office procedures, practices and equipment.
• Modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software including GIS applications.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar.
• Methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability To:

• Manage, oversee, review, and perform the operations and activities of the Planning Division.
• Analyze complex planning issues and develop solutions.
• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the effectiveness of assigned program activities,
• Exercise supervisory control over complex professional and technical tasks, and perform the full range of professional planning tasks.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate employees, prepare and administer a budget.
• Interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations pertaining to municipal planning including Building codes.
• Make adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate.
• Organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments

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