Principal Planner

The Port of San Diego manages San Diego Bay and 34 miles of its beautiful, natural waterfront for the people of California. It is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. For over 50 years, the Port’s five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego – have worked together to develop and promote commerce, navigation, recreation, and fisheries on and around San Diego Bay. We are excited to offer an opportunity if you are interested in taking an active role in shaping San Diego’s diverse waterfront.

The Port of San Diego Development Services Department is currently seeking a Principal Planner. The ideal candidate will have experience with managing Current Planning development projects of moderate to high complexity/controversy and overseeing the preparation of various types of environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Other desirable qualities include experience with coastal development and a good understanding of the California Coastal Act, the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders and the public; experience working directly with or for a public agency; a solution-oriented approach; strong political acumen; and the ability to adapt and remain versatile in a dynamic work environment.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, assigns, organizes, supervises, manages, reviews, and participates in the work of assigned staff providing support to programs or projects of significant Port impact in terms of cost, service impact, and visibility, including tenant and Port development projects; reviews, develops, manages, recommends, and implements goals, objectives, policies, processes, procedures, and priorities for assigned planning projects; manages and facilitates implementation and completion of related special and complex projects, as assigned; plans and monitors performance against program goals and objectives and ensures program results; leads and participates in efforts to build program support and participation with internal and external program or project stakeholders; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from an assigned Deputy Director or Assistant Director. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and/or administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the principal level classification in the professional Planner series responsible for serving as a technical expert for Port Planning on an ongoing basis, specifically as it relates to urban, regional, and waterfront development, large-scale Port or tenant-initiated projects with significant Port importance, visibility, and impact, and environmental disciplines including air quality, aquaculture, climate action planning, and natural resource planning. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant professional accountability and decision-making responsibilities, to ensure the design and development of strategic, efficient, and effective systems. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.?

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, and supervises internal staff, consultants, and contractors to assigned programs and projects; develops, implements, and monitors project plans to achieve planned project goals and performance standards and criteria; monitors performance against project budgets and plans.

• Serves as project leader or project manager; provides oversight to large Port or tenant-initiated projects and Port-wide projects or programs; develops overall program and project objectives; forecasts and recommends project budget allocations, staffing, and timelines; ensures project resources for the life of the project and adjusts project resources as needed; manages, reviews, and provides input on required Coastal Act/CEQA entitlements for implementation and long-term planning of the Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan; conducts research, analyzes proposals, and provides recommendations to management.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, directs, and reviews the work of assigned staff; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.

• Develops and oversees consultant or contractor contracts related to assigned projects and/or programs; coordinates and oversees work of consultants to ensure contract terms are met; monitors work programs and schedules to ensure timely project completion; reviews invoices and identifies discrepancies and non-compliance issues.

• Evaluates the effectiveness of program activities and makes or recommends program modifications; monitors conformance with program/project budget and other requirements; prepares narrative and statistical program performance reports and recommendations; coordinates with other Port Departments to form new processes, procedures, or enhancements to existing work processes and procedures to facilitate CEQA Act and Coastal Act review.

• Develops and reviews planning documents, environmental documents, studies, and surveys; provides feedback and directions to program/project staff; communicates pertinent information to key senior management and key stakeholders; develops, reviews, presents, manages, and/or processes formal written and oral reports, correspondence, and other related documents.

• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.
  

• Reviews, develops, manages, recommends, and implements goals, objectives, strategies, policies, processes, procedures, and priorities for assigned projects; ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices.

• Manages and facilitates implementation and completion of related special and complex projects as assigned; conducts technical and administrative analysis on proposals, processes, and services; manages internal and external stakeholder outreach; identifies and recommends changes in design and measures to improve efficiency of operations.

• Manages, reviews, and processes required entitlements, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, and Coastal Development Permits (CDPs) for Port and tenant projects, to ensure compliance with CEQA, the Coastal Act, the Port Master Plan, and other applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

• Recommends corrective actions for projects; responds and/or provides assistance to related requests from the general public, tenants, outside agencies, and other Port departments particularly if complex or sensitive in nature.

• Researches and identifies potential funding sources for programs/projects, secures and administers grant and loan funding from governmental agencies, foundations, and other funding sources; recommends funding to leadership and initiates funding process.

• Provides consultation, information, and technical assistance to other departments, tenants, agencies, and organizations regarding areas of expertise; researches, examines, learns, and applies related laws, regulations, rules, policies, processes, and procedures related to areas of responsibility for Port management, staff, and tenants; coordinates with other agencies for information sharing and community education; responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements.

• Represents the Port in meetings with members of public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and members of the public; represents the program/project with senior management, project sponsors, consultants, and internal and external agencies.

• Facilitates meetings with stakeholders, including outside agencies, committees, organizations, and associations, to communicate project progress; develops and delivers presentations to the Board of Commissioners, executive leaders, and outside organizations and associations.

• Oversees the preparation of and provides recommendations regarding the Port Master Plan and other related plans to obtain approval of Port Master Plan Amendments by the Board of Port Commissioners and certification by the California Coastal Commission for projects.

• Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.

• Observes and complies with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.

• Principles and practices of leadership.

• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction and communication to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

• Principles, theories, methods, policies, and techniques of current and advanced land use, urban and environmental planning, natural resources, stormwater, sustainability, site assessment and remediation, and watershed management.

• Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting.

• Principles and best practices of business, interpersonal, and public information communication techniques and interview methods.

• Principles, practices, and methods of project budget planning and cost control.

• Advanced principles, practices, and methods of program, administrative, and organizational analysis, including workflow analyses and business process reengineering.

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.

• Principles and practices of purchasing, contracting, and maintenance of public records.

• Project management, including managing project scope, schedule, quality control, risk management, and resource planning.

• Social, political, and environmental issues influencing planning project processing, development and implementation.

• Principles and practices of sound business communication.

• Principles, practices, and techniques of group process facilitation and conflict resolution.

• Project management methodologies and software.

• Theory, principles, and practices of strategic planning and long-term business and operation planning.

• Advanced principles and practice of project management techniques.

• Practice of organizational planning and management.

• Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.

• Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff.

• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate resources in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.

• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.

• Identify problems, conduct research, and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively to both internal and external stakeholders.

• Coordinate program/project activities with multiple stakeholders and facilitate development of consensus among diverse groups and individuals.

• Conduct effective public and stakeholder presentations on projects, Port initiatives, and policies.

• Organize, manage, and direct complex projects and activities.

• Exercise political acumen and handle difficult issues and situations with tact and diplomacy.

• Manage multiple projects with competing priorities.

• Exhibit effective analytical, writing, and communication skills.

• Negotiate effectively on behalf of the department and the Port.

• Operate project management software.

• Plan, organize, manage, and direct a variety of complex program functions and activities to achieve program/project goals, objectives, timelines, and deliverables over multi-year periods.

• Understand, interpret, and respond to internal and external customer needs and expectations; respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.

• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.

• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations and budgets.

• Proactively identify potential issues pertaining to assigned programs and projects. Conduct research, evaluation and form recommendations on how to prevent or resolve identified issues.

• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.

• Effectively represent the Port and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, architecture, biological or environmental sciences, land use planning, public administration, business administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in experience developing, implementing, and/or administering complex and special projects and/or programs within a public agency, including two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.

THE PANEL INTERVIEW & ASSESSMENT (100%) ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 6, 2026

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our websitehttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsd Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Port sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.