Principal Planner

The County of Riverside's Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA) Planning Department has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Planner to join the Development Review Division.

This role will be uniquely dedicated to planning activities within the March Joint Powers Authority (JPA) area, one of the region's most dynamic and complex planning environments.

The March JPA area presents a distinctive set of planning challenges and opportunities.

Many of the entitlement projects in this area are highly complex.

The Principal Planner will take a lead role in processing these projects, ensuring that planning efforts align with the General Plan, zoning, land use policies, ordinances, and existing Development and Disposition Agreements.

Key Responsibilities


* Manage and review complex and sensitive entitlement proposals and planning applications.


* Conduct research, analysis, and oversight of concept plans, feasibility studies, environmental documents, and other planning-related reports.


* Provide land use interpretations and decisions consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, while establishing clear processes for implementation.


* Navigate and interpret existing Development and Disposition Agreements related to the March JPA.


* Lead, mentor, and evaluate planning staff, ensuring balanced workloads and high-quality performance.


* Serve as a planning liaison to appointed and elected officials, providing expertise to resolve complex planning matters.


* Prepare and deliver reports and presentations to decision-making bodies, community groups, and stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a knowledgeable and resourceful planning professional with the ability to navigate high-profile and technically complex projects.

Competitive candidates will demonstrate:


* Knowledge of State laws, guidelines, and local ordinances pertaining to planning and development.


* Knowledge of environmental protection regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).


* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher).


* A working understanding of thematic mapping tools such as ArcGIS or SketchUp.


* Strong writing and editing skills to prepare reports, studies, and presentations.


* The ability to conduct independent research, perform analysis, and evaluate complex technical documentation related to planning.

Meet the Team!
The Planning Department is responsible for Riverside County's General Plan, a comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of unincorporated areas within the County.

This department formulates growth management plans and zoning for the County.• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate, directly or through subordinate lead personnel, the activities of a major section within a planning division, a combination of smaller planning sections, a district office, or participate in...