What are the responsibilities and job description for the PRINCIPAL PLANNER position at City of Newport Beach?
This is an exciting leadership opportunity for an experienced planning professional ready to make a meaningful impact. Reporting directly to the Deputy Community Development Director, the Principal Planner serves as both a supervisor and a key member of our dynamic Planning team. In this role, you will lead a team of three direct reports, guiding them through a diverse portfolio of development applications for private applicants and City-initiated projects alike.
Beyond team leadership, you will take ownership of some of the City's most significant and complex development applications, long-range planning initiatives, and code amendments — work that directly shapes the community's future. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of supervisory experience and brings expert-level professional planning knowledge, with a strong command of the City's General Plan, Zoning Code, and Local Coastal Program. The Principal Planner delivers expert guidance to elected and appointed City decision-makers, community organizations, and the general public. Your areas of expertise will span a broad and rewarding range of disciplines, including general urban planning and zoning, Coastal Act implementation, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance, transportation planning, housing policy and development, economic development, and contract management.
Selection Components:
- Application Evaluation: Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis with the first review date of July 9, 2026. Candidates are required to submit a resume in order for the application package to be considered complete. Those candidates deemed most qualified as reflected in their online application will be invited to an interview.
- Interview: Tentatively scheduled on August 17, 2026. Passing applicants will be placed on an eligibility list that may be used to fill future full-time vacancies as they occur.
This position may work a 5/40 or 9/80 schedule.
Please view online job specification for a more detailed description of specific job duties.Please view online job specification for a more detailed description of specific qualifications.
Experience: Four years of responsible professional current and/or advanced local government planning experience including some experience in the preparation or review of environmental documents.
Education: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, public or business administration or a related field.
License/Certificate: Due to the performance of some field duties which require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid and appropriate California driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required.
Please Note: Candidates deemed most qualified, as reflected in their application materials, will be invited to continue in the recruitment process. The prospective candidate must successfully complete a thorough background review, including being fingerprinted by the Newport Beach Police Department. The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature, date, surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Newport Beach Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Salary : $9,642 - $14,253