City Planner, Management

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents.

The city sets the standard for high‑quality local government services and is home to corporate headquarters in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly 40 percent preserved open space. Thanks to an award‑winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life.

To manage, supervise and coordinate the programs and activities of the Planning Division within the Community Development Department; to coordinate assigned activities with other city departments, divisions and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director and Assistant Director of Community Development. The ideal candidate will have the ability to balance technical skills, customer service, and supervisory responsibilities to manage a complex division of approximately 20 staff members.

This is a single incumbent position reporting to the Assistant Community Development Director.

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life.

We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

First application review will be conducted the week of January 26, 2026.

Responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the Planning Division.

Plan, direct, supervise, coordinate and participate in planning programs.

Develop and recommend division policies and procedures and direct their implementation upon approval.

Serve as planning staff to the City Council, Secretary to the Planning Commission and to other commissions and committees in city planning matters including the preparation and presentation of reports and recommendations relating to the social, economic and physical development of the community.

Supervise and participate in the most complex planning studies.

Make authoritative interpretations of applicable laws, regulations and policies.

Represent the city in the community and at professional and other business meetings required.

Participate in the preparation and administration of the recommended division work program and annual budget. Recommend adoption and assist in preparation of ordinances.

Coordinate City Planning activities with other city departments and divisions, and with outside agencies.

Manage employees through other supervisors; set goals and objectives; select, train, and motivate staff; assess performance and make salary recommendations.

To perform a job in this classification, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties as generally described in the specification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties in a specific job. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Principles and practices of planning operations and administration
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, budgeting and personnel management
• Applicable federal, state and local planning laws and regulations
• Organization and functions…