Job Details

SENIOR PLANNER

$10,495.08 - $14,415.83 Monthly Plus Excellent Benefits

The salary range listed above reflects the full compensation potential for this position. Initial placement in the salary range is typically within the first half of the range; however, in certain circumstances (i.e. an experienced lateral candidate) placement at or above the midpoint may be considered. The last 3% of the salary range requires five years of City of Gilroy service and strong work performance - see MOU for specific requirements.

Opportunity to work a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.

The Senior Planner is a mid-management position and may mentor junior level staff and supervise technical, professional, and administrative staff.

The City of Gilroy's Community Development Department Planning Division is committed to developing and implementing programs to support the City's General Plan. We promote sustainable development and encourage quality design and livability of resident neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial zones within the City's urban sphere. We pride ourselves on providing superior customer service. Our team is dedicated, energetic, collaborative, solution oriented, and we support innovative strategies that enhance quality of life and foster economic growth.

Continuous goals of this department are to provide current and long-range community planning services in conformance with the Gilroy 2040 General Plan and consistent with City Council direction. The Planning team is responsible for implementation of Gilroy's General Plan / Housing Element, Zoning Ordinance, adopted specific plans and other associated policies and ordinances.

• Responding to public inquiries related to land-use and property development regulations.
• Providing solution-oriented customer service to support economic development opportunities whenever possible.
• Reviewing land-use entitlement applications (e.g. tentative map, conditional use permit, annexation, general plan amendment, architectural & site review permits) for conformance with adopted policies and regulations.
• Administering the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for environmental review related to planning and development proposals.
• Implementing and updating the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
• Providing staff support for the Planning Commission, as needed
• Resolving land-use related violations through Code Enforcement.

• Have a strong understanding of concepts, principles and techniques of city and regional planning and zoning administration.
• Be well-versed in processing planning entitlements, with considerable environmental analysis experience and compliance with CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act), Subdivision Map Act, California housing legislation, and various other land use laws.
• Have experience using GIS and/or EnerGov Land Management Software.
• Be detail oriented and possess good time-management skills to handle a variety of assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
• Conduct thorough analysis on complex issues and distill information into a comprehensive report and plan of action.
• Be an effective communicator (verbally and written) and follow through on commitments.
• Be flexible and able to attend evening and weekend meetings, as typically required for Planning Commission, City Council meetings and community meetings.
• Be able to work cohesively with the planning team and maintain consistency with the Division's implementation of regulations and policies.
• Exercise independent initiative and responsibility for current and/or advanced planning.
• Present complex, technical information in an understandable way to customers, elected and appointed decision makers, community groups and others.
• Effectively lead and supervise members of the Planning Division team.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, other departments, outside agencies, and the public.
• Have experience working with community groups on complex and potentially controversial issues.
• Have knowledge of preparing and adopting general plan amendments and/or specific plans.
• Have experience staffing city committee and/or commission meetings.
• Have experience working with LAFCO.
• Possess an AICP certificate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Landscape Architecture, Economics, or related field along with work experience equivalent to three years as a Planner II with the City of Gilroy, or five years with another agency. A Master's Degree is preferred but not required.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver License and safe driving record necessary to operate assigned vehicle(s).
• Pass an employment background check, including a Department of Justice criminal record check.
• Pass a post-offer medical examination which includes a drug test.
• Prefer non-tobacco user.

APPLICATION PROCESS
If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity please attach and submit the following required items with your NEOGOV application:

• A completed City of Gilroy online application including supplemental responses.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position with the City of Gilroy is required.
• A detailed resume focusing on relevant work experience and education is required.

• Application Closing Date: February 2, 2026
• Oral Board: February 18, 2026
• Department Interview: TBD