Senior Planner

The City of Calistoga is seeking a qualified Senior Planner to support the City in managing complex housing and commercial development projects in a collaborative and inclusive municipal environment. Under direction, the Senior Planner performs advanced, professional planning duties including long-range and current planning. This includes managing complex applications, preparing reports for the Planning Commission and City Council, conducting public hearings, and collaborating across City departments. The position also provides mentorship to junior staff and guidance to consultants.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Planning & Building Director or designee. May provide lead direction to lower-level planning staff, permit technicians, and contract personnel.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey-level professional role responsible for handling the City's most complex and sensitive planning assignments. The Senior Planner works independently on high-impact projects, exercising sound judgment in policy development, CEQA compliance, and regulatory interpretation.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This classification is distinguished from Associate Planner by its greater responsibility for managing high-profile projects, training and mentoring staff, and leading department initiatives. This position is a key contributor to the department’s leadership.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serve as project manager for complex housing, commercial, and mixed-use development applications.
• Administer CEQA review and environmental compliance for a variety of projects.
• Prepare staff reports, draft ordinances, and make presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Provide interpretation of zoning, land use, and general plan policies to developers, consultants, and the public.
• Coordinate the work of consultants and junior staff; ensure project schedules and budgets are met.
• Represent the City in regional and community meetings.
• Participate in department initiatives including policy updates, long-range planning efforts, and special studies.
• Support and lead housing initiatives consistent with state mandates and City priorities.
• Assist in the review of historic preservation, resort development, and downtown revitalization efforts.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

CURRENT PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

The department is actively managing:

• Development of approximately 100+ housing units including affordable, missing middle, and market-rate projects.
• Adaptive reuse and restoration of 4 historic downtown buildings.
• Construction of a new community health center.
• Buildout of 140+ additional housing units, multiple resort projects (including a 112-key resort and 100-key resort), and an innovative hydrogen + battery micro-grid for energy resilience.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the necessary background is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is:

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, geography, architecture, or a related field.

Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible planning experience in municipal, regional, or private planning settings. Experience managing California housing and CEQA-related projects is highly desirable.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• AICP certification is highly desirable

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURE

To apply, please complete a City of Calistoga employment application and include a résumé and cover letter.

For more information please see our brochure, job description and Salary and Benefits. 

Final Filing Deadline: Midnight, Sunday, August 25, 2025

Qualified candidates will be notified the week of September 2, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews with the Human Resources Manager and Planning & Building Director. 

Based on the number of qualified applicants, the City may use a written examination and/or panel interview to establish the eligible list.

The City of Calistoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Calistoga will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.