Principal Planner

Job Description:

Principal Planner

Description

Position Information

The City of Brentwood is proud to announce an exciting career opportunity! We are seeking a motivated, experienced, and team-oriented professional to join our Community Development Department’s Planning Division as our next Principal Planner.

In this key leadership role, you will work closely with the Planning Manager and provide guidance to select Planning Division staff—helping to shape the future growth and character of our community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, organize, and supervise the work of Planning Division staff, including performance evaluations
• Contribute to the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures
• Oversee and participate in activities supporting both current and long-range planning initiatives
• Monitor operations and recommend improvements to enhance customer service and streamline processes
• Assist with annual budget preparation, including forecasting staffing, equipment, and supply needs
• Support the Planning Commission, City Council, and other committees with professional expertise
• Coordinate preparation of agendas for commissions, boards, and community groups

The successful candidate will bring:

• Strong technical expertise and hands-on experience with local/regional planning agencies
• Proven problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to challenges
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams
• Commitment to public service and continuous improvement
• Enthusiasm for supervising, coaching, and mentoring staff

This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on Brentwood’s future. If you are passionate about planning, leadership, and community development, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping the city’s vision.

For more information please see the job description here.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Guidelines - 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:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban or regional planning, architecture or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in urban or regional planning, including one (1) year in a lead capacity equivalent to a Senior Planner with the City of Brentwood.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record must be maintained throughout employment.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is desirable.

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following:
A completed City of Brentwood Employment ApplicationResumeCover Letter

Postmarks, faxes and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Your application must be filled out completely online. Resumes must also be submitted but it is not a substitute for a completed application.

The examination process will consist of:

• Application Review - Submitted applications will be assessed based on job-related qualifications, including desirable qualifications and the specific needs of the hiring department. Candidates may be screened to identify those who are best qualified to proceed in the examination process.
• Panel Board Interview - Those candidates identified as best qualified will be invited to a panel board interview, tentatively scheduled for the week of January 12, 2026.

Eligible List : All applicants that pass the examination process will be placed on the eligible list which is good for at least 6 months and may be extended up to an additional 18 months. This eligible list will be used by the City of Brentwood to fill all current and future openings in this classification as long as the list is active.

DISCLAIMER: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content. Components may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any particular assessment component or combination of components as needs dictate.

All correspondence regarding application status, test and/or interview dates, etc. will be sent by email and will be available on your GovernmentJobs account. Please check your email folders, including your junk/spam folders and accept emails from the domain governmentjobs.com, neogov.com, or brentwoodca.gov. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure a correct email address is provided and that all correspondence is received.

The City of Brentwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants requesting special accommodations during the examination process may contact the Human Resources Department at (925) 516-5191.

The City of Brentwood provides a wide range of competitive benefits which can be viewed on our City Benefits page: https://www.brentwoodca.gov/government/human-resources/salary-and-benefits-overview

Closing Date/Time: 12/22/2025 10:00 AM Pacific

Salary:

$148,732.44 - $180,785.40 Annually