American Planning Association,
California Chapter, Northern Section
Job Postings

City of East Palo Alto
Planning Division Manager

Urban Ecology
Executive Director

City of Martinez
Planning Manager

Michael Baker Jr., Inc
Senior Planner

City of Fresno, CA
Director of Planning & Development

LSA Associates, Inc.
Senior Planner

Marin Transit
Senior Transportation Planner

City of Martinez
Planning Manager

The City of Martinez is looking for a Planning Manager who is an experienced planner ready to take their professional career to the next level. The next Planning Manager will be responsible for successfully completing advanced planning and special projects and overseeing the day to day current planning activities.

The Planning Manager is a key division manager position in the Community and Economic Development Department that includes Planning, Engineering, Recreation, Marina, Community Services and Economic Development. The Planning Manager reports directly to the Assistant City Manager in charge of Community and Economic Development. The Planning Manager will play the lead role in the following advance planning and special projects as well as major CIP projects:

• Comprehensive update of the City’s 30 year old General Plan.
• Implementation of new downtown specific plan.
• Implementation/Update of the City's Housing Element.
• Comprehensive update of the City Zoning Ordinance.
• Finalizing the Historic Resource Inventory and Affordable Housing Ordinance.

Responsibilities:

• Manages the Planning Division, including both current and advance planning.
• Provides administrative support to the Planning Commission and Design Review Committee.
• Makes presentations to City Council and other boards and commissions.
• Prepares department work programs and budget.
• Supervises 2 planners and 1 clerical support staff.
• Works with Senior Planner on developmental proposals to ensure consistency with City plans, policies, and zoning.
• Serves as Zoning Administrator.
  

Qualifications:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills listed below. A typical way to obtain these would be:

Experience - 4 yrs professional urban planning, including 2 yrs with supervisory responsibilities. Master’s in urban planning or a closely related field may be substituted for 1 yr of exp.

Education - Bachelor’s in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Admin, Urban Studies or a closely related field.

Knowledge - The successful candidate will have:

• knowledge of the principles and practices of planning, zoning, subdivision, and land use regulations;
• knowledge of Federal and State laws applicable to urban planning and current professional issues such as sustainability, historic preservation, downtown revitalization and economic development;
• ability to plan, organize, and supervise others;
• ability to interpret technical reports and prepare and present reports in written, graphic, and verbal form;
• ability to identify and resolve organizational, procedural, technical, and personnel problems;
• ability to provide leadership.

Must possess a valid CA Driver’s license and pass a pre-employment physical and duig screen.

Compensation:
The City of Martinez offers a competitive compensation package, including a salary of $7,695 to $10,651 per month, depending on qualifications and experience, as well as generous benefits. The City pays employee’s contribution to the California Public Employees Retirement System. (The City does not participate in social security.)

Additional benefits include:

• Contribution of 1.6% gross monthly earnings into a deferred compensation plan
• 15 working days vacation for the first four years of service
• 16 ½ holidays and four days of floating holiday time
• 60 hours Management Leave awarded in January each year
• The City of Martinez pays 100% of the 1/1/07 Kaiser rate plus 85% of each increase. Blue Cross is also available, with employees paying the difference.
• City pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for the employee and dependents. Orthodontics coverage.
• City pays the premium for life and disability insurance for the employee only.
  

Selection Process:
A selection committee will review all applications and select the most qualified candidates to participate in an oral board examination process.

How to Apply:
Request a City Application and Supplemental Questionnaire by calling Personnel at (925) 372-3522, by emailing jobs@cityofmartinez.org, or find it on-line by visiting the City website at www.cityofmartinez.org. Along with the application form and questionnaire, submit a cover letter containing a statement of interest, a comprehensive resume, experience and training relating to the required qualifications.

Send all materials to:
Personnel Department, City of Martinez
525 Henrietta St., Martinez, CA 94553

Final filing date is: Friday, October 31, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.

The City of Martinez is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disabilities in conformance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. posted 10/07 top

Urban Ecology
Executive Director

Executive Director Search Announcement

Urban Ecology is seeking a passionate, creative and talented leader to serve as Executive Director for our entrepreneurial nonprofit.

Founded in 1975, Urban Ecology believes vibrant neighborhoods are the building blocks of healthy cities and sustainable regions. We specialize in community outreach and participatory land use planning that help low-income urban neighborhoods envision and advocate for change. We are hands-on in neighborhoods, offering technical assistance and design focused on parks, schoolyards, greenways, streetscapes and other aspects of the public realm. We are also active at the city and regional policymaking levels, working to channel essential resources to create safe, healthy urban communities. Finally, we offer key educational tools, such as community plans, tours and publications.

Urban Ecology has a staff of four and an annual budget of $500,000. For more information on our projects and programs, see www.urbanecology.org.

Responsibilities: The ideal candidate will continue implementation of current projects and work with the Board of Directors and staff to create new partnerships, program opportunities and revenue sources. The Executive Director’s responsibilities include:

Fundraising & Business Development:
Fee-for-Service Contracts – maintain existing and procure additional fee-for-service contracts that complement other funding sources.
Grants – Develop a foundation funding strategy that strengthens the organization’s fee-for-service work portfolio. Serve as primary contact with Urban Ecology's supporting foundations, including managing all relationships with existing funders and seeking grants from new sources.
Donors – Build and oversee Urban Ecology's donor program to increase total funding from individuals. Work with the Board to design a successful individual donor strategy, including an evaluation of our membership program and of annual fundraising events.
Local and state government contracts and grants– Continue and enhance Urban Ecology's partnerships with local, state and federal government agencies via contracting and grant programs.

Strategic planning:
Organizational positioning – Facilitate a strategic planning process with the Board of Directors, staff, and colleagues to identify a program and funding vision for the organization in the near to mid-term and maintain Urban Ecology's niche and position at the leading edge of planning for urban change in the Bay Area and California. Guide the Board of Directors through decision-making about targeted and strategic expansions of activities, and pursue new opportunities for growth and revenue. Structure organizational activities to flow from strategic decisions.
New partnerships – Explore and build relationships with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to realize new partnerships, with the goal of bringing Urban Ecology's planning and design expertise into new arenas of urban change, and enabling the organization to work with new constituencies and communities.

Board of Directors:
Board liaison – Serve as the direct, primary liaison with the Board of Directors and its committees, and facilitate the Board's involvement in fundraising, policy setting, program work, strategic planning, and financial management of the organization.

Financial Management:
Fiscal health – Manage all aspects of organizational finances to ensure short- and long-term fiscal health, including preparation of annual budget and monthly reports to the Board, oversight of bookkeeping activities, monitoring of cash flow and liabilities and tracking of staff resources.

Staff and Program Management:
Staff – Manage and mentor staff to generate a creative, energized, purposeful and team-oriented work environment. Establish a culture of delegation that empowers key staff to manage large projects under the supervision of the Executive Director.
Programs – Work with staff to implement programmatic activities that match Urban Ecology’s vision, principles, and strategic decisions.

Public Relations and Communication:
Public relations – Serve as Urban Ecology's primary public representative, including making public presentations, working with the press, and related activities.
Communication – Build and manage Urban Ecology's communications activities.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Minimum five years work experience in either City Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Policy, Community Development or related fields; alternately, a Masters degree plus three years work experience in the fields listed above will be considered.
  
• Minimum two years experience in administrative, financial and/or human resources management, preferably in a nonprofit setting; management experience in for-profit or government settings also considered.
  
• Minimum two years work experience with fundraising, including grant writing and/or major donor solicitation. Demonstrated creativity in seeking nontraditional sources of revenue to support projects.
  
• Desirable to have experience doing fee-for-service or consulting work in addition to foundation-funded work.
  
• Excellent writing, public speaking and facilitation skills.
  
• Demonstrated ability to find creative, entrepreneurial solutions to complex problems.
  
• Knowledge and/or an understanding of community processes, and issues pertinent to low-income, ethnically diverse neighborhoods, are highly preferred.
  
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience. Knowledge of/experience with agencies and organization involved planning processes in the Bay Area.
  
• Basic fluency in Spanish or Cantonese a plus.
  
• Commitment to Urban Ecology’s organizational philosophy and practices.

Compensation:
Competitive salary, plus health, vacation, transportation, and retirement plan benefits.

How to apply:
Materials should be sent by email to jobs@urbanecology.org. To apply send, cover letter, resume and three references.

Urban Ecology is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. posted 10/21 top

City of East Palo Alto
PLANNING DIVISION MANAGER
Population 31,500
Salary $95,623-$116,231/ Annually

The City of East Palo Alto is a beautiful community located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, and is uniquely positioned to maximize its potential as a significant city in the region. East Palo Alto is a general law city incorporated in 1983; and, operates under the Council-Manager form of government.

This classification currently reports directly to the City Manager; perform a variety of managerial, supervisory, technical, and professional duties related to current and advanced planning and special projects; provide supervision and oversight of daily operations of the division; train and evaluate personnel in the Planning Division; perform related duties as required.

The Planning Division manager must possess knowledge of principles, practices and purposes of city planning; and principles and techniques involved in the development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive master plan including the development of affordable housing plans. The Division Manager must be aware of the Laws and other regulations relating to municipal planning, state planning, redevelopment, subdivision and environment.

Minimum requirements for this classification include a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in Land-Use Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Community Development or a closely related field; and, five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in urban planning with emphasis in current and advance planning and two (2) of those years supervising technical and support staff. AICP Certification is required.Web site: www.ci.east-palo-alto.ca.us

Apply by December 11, 2008. Submit a comprehensive cover letter, resume and the City Application along with a copy of Degree and certification; and, five work related references (who will not be called until mutual interest is established) to:

Mr. ML Gordon, Assistant City Manager
Human Resources Department
EPA Government Center
2415 University Avenue, 2nd Floor
East Palo Alto CA, 94303.

Application materials may be faxed to: (650) 853-3111 (with original document submitted for records).

Inquiries pertaining to the recruitment, the application process or additional information about the position, or the City, should be directed to Mr. ML Gordon, at (650)853-3100. EOE posted 11/14 top

Marin Transit
Senior Transportation Planner
Marin County
$6,601-$7,899/Month

Marin Transit is seeking a team-oriented and self-motivated person to perform high level transportation and transit planning/analysis, manage program implementation and coordinate all aspects of transit operations. Marin Transit is responsible for finance, planning and management of all public transit services operating within Marin County. The position enjoys minimal but accessible supervision and allows for immediate contributions to a wide range of efforts.

The ideal candidate for this position will have strong technical knowledge, strong interpersonal skills, including leadership and effective oral and written communication skills.

For specific requirements for this position or to apply, visit our website at http://www.co.marin.ca.us/jobs/. County application and supplemental form are required. For more information or for additional help, contact the Human Resources Dept., Room 403, 3501 Civic Center Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903 or call (415) 499-6104. EEO/TTY. posted 09/18 top

LSA Associates, Inc., South San Francisco
Senior Planner
Join a great team!

LSA Associates, Inc. is seeking a highly-motivated Senior Planner with 5 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience to join our South San Francisco office.  The successful candidate should show a demonstrated ability to perform planning analyses, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage project budgets. The ability to serve as a mentor, work in a fast-paced professional environment, and manage time- and budget-sensitive projects is very important in this position.  The South San Francisco office is located in highly-desirable San Mateo County, near public transit and major freeways.  We are looking for someone with the intellectual curiosity to take on new different and varied tasks for our private sector clients, while providing efficient and effective service to our public sector clients through current and long-range planning.  Excellent writing, design creativity and presentation skills are required.  AutoCAD experience is a plus, but not a requirement.  Successful marketing and client development/retention experience is also desirable. 

LSA provides significant benefits to our employees, including employee ownership, profit-sharing and savings plan, discretionary performance bonuses, a 401(k) program including company match, and an excellent health benefits package.  Check out our website at www.lsa-assoc.com.  LSA is an AA/EOE employer.
Send a letter of interest and resume to:
Suzanne Giesin, Office Manager
LSA Associates, Inc.
c/o 1190 El Camino Real, Colma, CA  94014
Phone:  650-985-2590, Fax:  650-985-2578
Or send via email: Suzanne.Giesin@lsa-assoc.com posted 09/18 top

The City of Fresno (pop. 500,000), a vibrant, growing, diverse community located in the Central Valley and just a short drive to Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, seeks a new Director of Planning & Development following the recent retirement of the long-tenured incumbent. The Director is responsible for the administration, leadership, management, and operation of the Planning and Development Department, which guides the physical development of the City. Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Planning & Development manages five divisions: Administration, Building & Safety Services, Code Enforcement, Planning, and Housing & Community Development. City of Fresno directors are “at will” and appointed by the City Manager. The ideal candidate is an innovative thinker with a customer service vision and a proven track record of professional accomplishments. Planning and Development Department resources include 203 employees and an operating budget of ! approximately $33 million.

A Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or closely related field is required, as is five years of relevant professional administrative or management experience.

Annual salary to the $130,000’s based on qualifications plus competitive benefits package. A detailed brochure is available. Please submit cover letter, resume, current salary, and names of four work-related references by Friday, October 24, 2008 to:

Stuart Satow, CPS Executive Search
241 Lathrop Way, Sacramento, CA 95815
Phone: 916-263-1401 Fax: 916-561-7205
Email: resumes@cps.ca.gov
CPS website: www.cps.ca.gov/search
City website: www.fresno.gov posted 09/24 top