City of Rancho Cucamonga
Deputy Director of Planning
City of Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Cucamonga, California, United States, 91739
From its earliest days, the City of Rancho Cucamonga was dubbed the "City with a Plan" and over the past forty years, we have been creating a world‑class community. In late 2021, the City adopted an updated General Plan that clarified the vision for the City’s next chapter and an idea that has been simmering for over a decade: that the city can grow, providing new housing and economic opportunities and position itself for the next generation economy, while maintaining its wonderful single‑family neighborhoods by focusing new growth onto key corridors and into key nodes.
The Planning Department plays a central role in advancing the City Council’s goals related to land use, urban design, and the long‑term quality and sustainability of the built environment. As a senior leader within the department, the Deputy Director of Planning will help translate these goals into actionable policy, high‑quality development outcomes, and places that matter.
Our work goes beyond managing individual development applications. We focus on creating places, not just projects—taking a holistic view of how buildings, streets, public spaces, infrastructure, and natural systems come together to shape daily life. The Deputy Director will help guide this approach, balancing technical requirements, design quality, community values, and economic vitality in both infill and redevelopment contexts.
The department leads complex long‑range planning efforts addressing housing, transportation, economic development, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. The Deputy Director plays a key role in shaping and implementing these initiatives, using data, policy analysis, and professional judgment to guide decision‑makers and ensure equitable and resilient growth.
Collaboration is central to our success. The Deputy Director works closely with residents, business owners, developers, elected officials, and partner departments to build a shared vision for the city’s future—supporting responsive day‑to‑day decision‑making while maintaining a clear focus on long‑term outcomes. This role requires the ability to navigate politically sensitive issues, communicate clearly with policy makers, and represent the department with credibility and confidence.
Ultimately, we are committed to people‑first planning—creating high‑quality places that support prosperity, livability, and community identity. The Deputy Director of Planning will help steward this mission, shaping development that attracts and retains residents, businesses, and talent while honoring the character and heritage of the city.
This position supports the Planning Director in managing daily operations of the Planning Department, overseeing complex planning initiatives, and ensuring high‑quality customer service to residents, developers, and partner agencies. The Deputy Director also provides strategic and operational leadership, while mentoring staff and helping guide policy development that shapes the community’s future.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with the Planning Director to lead the Planning Division’s operations, staffing, and work program.
Serve as an advisor to appointed bodies and elected officials on land use policy, development trends, and planning strategy.
Lead and manage complex planning initiatives, including zoning code updates, housing implementation, and infill development projects.
Navigate politically sensitive and technically complex development proposals with professionalism and sound judgment.
Represent the department on behalf of the Planning Director as needed, ensuring continuity in leadership and decision‑making.
Oversee development review and entitlement processes, balancing efficiency, design quality, and community outcomes.
Mentor and develop professional planning staff and future leaders within the organization.
This Position Might Be Perfect For You If
You enjoy shaping places that matter and turning community values into built form.
You are comfortable operating at both the strategic and operational levels of a planning organization.
You like guiding elected officials and appointed bodies through complex land use and policy decisions.
You have experience navigating infill development, redevelopment, and community‑scale change.
You thrive in politically nuanced environments and bring sound judgment and professionalism to sensitive issues.
You enjoy mentoring staff and building strong, collaborative teams.
You value thoughtful, people‑centered planning and ethical public service.
You are motivated by meaningful work that has a lasting impact on a community’s future.
You want to be part of a supportive, high‑performing team that values learning, initiative, and shared success.
Department Perks
We budget for renewals for professional certifications (AICP, CNU‑A, etc.) for our staff.
We invest in your continued education and budget for conferences, educational courses and continuing professional certifications.
Where possible, we offer the flexibility of a hybrid schedule option so you can occasionally work from home.
Recruitment Schedule
Application Deadline: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Application Screening completed by: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
1st Panel Interview: Week of February 23, 2026
Tentative Department Interview: Week of March 2, 2026
Education and/or Experience Graduation from college with a Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a related field, is required. A Master’s degree in Planning, Public Policy, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is highly desirable. Six or more years of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience, including employee supervision, project management, community participation, and related work. Professional certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is highly desirable.
Examples of Acceptable Substitutions Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a related field, plus
six (6) years
of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience, including employee supervision, project management, community participation, and related work. In current or advanced planning. Substitution: A total of
ten (10) years
of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience, including employee supervision, project management, community participation, and related work.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Knowledge of theories and principles of urban and environmental planning; organization and management of current planning, advanced planning, historic preservation, and zoning services; land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, and social/economic and statistical analysis techniques; State planning laws, Subdivision Map Act, California and National Environmental Quality Acts; principles of employee motivation and leadership; customer service practices; principles and practices of supervision, training, and evaluation; budgeting practices; contract administration practices; research and surveying methods; ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel; select, supervise, train and evaluate staff; identify and respond to Planning Commission, City Council, and staff issues, concerns and needs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques; formulate work plans; prepare clear and concise administrative reports and make effective presentations at community, management and official levels; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with staff, management, developers, consultants, and other parties on behalf of the City; operate computer hardware and use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Licenses, Certificates; Special Requirements A valid Class C California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
Physical and Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit and frequently stand, walk, talk, and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands or fingers to handle, touch, or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally reaches items above or below desk level, and lifts and carries records and documents, typically weighing less than 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret complex data; thoroughly analyze and solve problems; exercise sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines; use math and mathematical reasoning; establish priorities and work on multiple assignments and projects concurrently; meet intense and changing deadlines given continual interruptions; and interact appropriately with staff, management, City officials, Commissions, developers, consultants, and others encountered in the course of work.
Working Conditions The employee works in both office and field settings. The noise level is usually quiet to moderately quiet within the office and at public counter. There is limited exposure to dust, fumes, or odors, or similar hazards. Occasional driving is required to attend meetings at development sites, and City and County facilities. The employee may be required to work on weekends to attend various programs and events and during the evenings in order to attend City Council, Planning Commission and Design Review Committee meetings.
Application Process All applicants are required to apply online at www.cityofrc.us. This position will close on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 5:00 pm or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. Applications must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Resumes may be attached to completed application form as supplemental information and will not be accepted in lieu of an official application form. Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates who best match the needs of the City will be invited to compete further in the examination process. All candidates will be notified of their application status by email throughout the recruitment process. Candidates invited to compete in the examination process, who successfully pass the examination process, will be placed on an eligibility list. The candidate on the eligibility list who most closely meets the requirements of the City may be selected to receive a final offer. The City may conclude that none of the candidates, even those who meet the minimum qualifications, are appropriate for the position.
Successful Candidates Shall Be Required To
Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until a mutual interest has been established.
Provide proof of a valid California driver’s license and be insurable.
Degree verification.
Pass a pre‑employment medical exam.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In accordance, the City will provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E‑Verify, the Federal Government’s online employment eligibility verification system, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Disclaimers The City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In addition, the City of Rancho Cucamonga abides by a nepotism policy which may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City of Rancho Cucamonga makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis. Please make direct requests for accommodation to Human Resources. For information on Employee Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, please click here. There is a no smoking policy in effect in all City Offices and vehicles. Finally, please note that 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. Questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to Human Resources at Careers@CityofRC.us. Applicants may wish to visit the City’s official website at www.cityofrc.us for more information.
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The Planning Department plays a central role in advancing the City Council’s goals related to land use, urban design, and the long‑term quality and sustainability of the built environment. As a senior leader within the department, the Deputy Director of Planning will help translate these goals into actionable policy, high‑quality development outcomes, and places that matter.
Our work goes beyond managing individual development applications. We focus on creating places, not just projects—taking a holistic view of how buildings, streets, public spaces, infrastructure, and natural systems come together to shape daily life. The Deputy Director will help guide this approach, balancing technical requirements, design quality, community values, and economic vitality in both infill and redevelopment contexts.
The department leads complex long‑range planning efforts addressing housing, transportation, economic development, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. The Deputy Director plays a key role in shaping and implementing these initiatives, using data, policy analysis, and professional judgment to guide decision‑makers and ensure equitable and resilient growth.
Collaboration is central to our success. The Deputy Director works closely with residents, business owners, developers, elected officials, and partner departments to build a shared vision for the city’s future—supporting responsive day‑to‑day decision‑making while maintaining a clear focus on long‑term outcomes. This role requires the ability to navigate politically sensitive issues, communicate clearly with policy makers, and represent the department with credibility and confidence.
Ultimately, we are committed to people‑first planning—creating high‑quality places that support prosperity, livability, and community identity. The Deputy Director of Planning will help steward this mission, shaping development that attracts and retains residents, businesses, and talent while honoring the character and heritage of the city.
This position supports the Planning Director in managing daily operations of the Planning Department, overseeing complex planning initiatives, and ensuring high‑quality customer service to residents, developers, and partner agencies. The Deputy Director also provides strategic and operational leadership, while mentoring staff and helping guide policy development that shapes the community’s future.
Key Responsibilities
Partner with the Planning Director to lead the Planning Division’s operations, staffing, and work program.
Serve as an advisor to appointed bodies and elected officials on land use policy, development trends, and planning strategy.
Lead and manage complex planning initiatives, including zoning code updates, housing implementation, and infill development projects.
Navigate politically sensitive and technically complex development proposals with professionalism and sound judgment.
Represent the department on behalf of the Planning Director as needed, ensuring continuity in leadership and decision‑making.
Oversee development review and entitlement processes, balancing efficiency, design quality, and community outcomes.
Mentor and develop professional planning staff and future leaders within the organization.
This Position Might Be Perfect For You If
You enjoy shaping places that matter and turning community values into built form.
You are comfortable operating at both the strategic and operational levels of a planning organization.
You like guiding elected officials and appointed bodies through complex land use and policy decisions.
You have experience navigating infill development, redevelopment, and community‑scale change.
You thrive in politically nuanced environments and bring sound judgment and professionalism to sensitive issues.
You enjoy mentoring staff and building strong, collaborative teams.
You value thoughtful, people‑centered planning and ethical public service.
You are motivated by meaningful work that has a lasting impact on a community’s future.
You want to be part of a supportive, high‑performing team that values learning, initiative, and shared success.
Department Perks
We budget for renewals for professional certifications (AICP, CNU‑A, etc.) for our staff.
We invest in your continued education and budget for conferences, educational courses and continuing professional certifications.
Where possible, we offer the flexibility of a hybrid schedule option so you can occasionally work from home.
Recruitment Schedule
Application Deadline: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Application Screening completed by: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
1st Panel Interview: Week of February 23, 2026
Tentative Department Interview: Week of March 2, 2026
Education and/or Experience Graduation from college with a Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a related field, is required. A Master’s degree in Planning, Public Policy, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field is highly desirable. Six or more years of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience, including employee supervision, project management, community participation, and related work. Professional certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners is highly desirable.
Examples of Acceptable Substitutions Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, public administration, or a related field, plus
six (6) years
of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience, including employee supervision, project management, community participation, and related work. In current or advanced planning. Substitution: A total of
ten (10) years
of increasingly responsible professional planning and zoning experience, including employee supervision, project management, community participation, and related work.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Knowledge of theories and principles of urban and environmental planning; organization and management of current planning, advanced planning, historic preservation, and zoning services; land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, and social/economic and statistical analysis techniques; State planning laws, Subdivision Map Act, California and National Environmental Quality Acts; principles of employee motivation and leadership; customer service practices; principles and practices of supervision, training, and evaluation; budgeting practices; contract administration practices; research and surveying methods; ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of professional and technical personnel; select, supervise, train and evaluate staff; identify and respond to Planning Commission, City Council, and staff issues, concerns and needs; analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques; formulate work plans; prepare clear and concise administrative reports and make effective presentations at community, management and official levels; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with staff, management, developers, consultants, and other parties on behalf of the City; operate computer hardware and use word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Licenses, Certificates; Special Requirements A valid Class C California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
Physical and Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is constantly required to sit and frequently stand, walk, talk, and hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands or fingers to handle, touch, or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally reaches items above or below desk level, and lifts and carries records and documents, typically weighing less than 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret complex data; thoroughly analyze and solve problems; exercise sound judgment in the absence of specific guidelines; use math and mathematical reasoning; establish priorities and work on multiple assignments and projects concurrently; meet intense and changing deadlines given continual interruptions; and interact appropriately with staff, management, City officials, Commissions, developers, consultants, and others encountered in the course of work.
Working Conditions The employee works in both office and field settings. The noise level is usually quiet to moderately quiet within the office and at public counter. There is limited exposure to dust, fumes, or odors, or similar hazards. Occasional driving is required to attend meetings at development sites, and City and County facilities. The employee may be required to work on weekends to attend various programs and events and during the evenings in order to attend City Council, Planning Commission and Design Review Committee meetings.
Application Process All applicants are required to apply online at www.cityofrc.us. This position will close on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 5:00 pm or until a sufficient number of applications have been received. Applications must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Resumes may be attached to completed application form as supplemental information and will not be accepted in lieu of an official application form. Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates who best match the needs of the City will be invited to compete further in the examination process. All candidates will be notified of their application status by email throughout the recruitment process. Candidates invited to compete in the examination process, who successfully pass the examination process, will be placed on an eligibility list. The candidate on the eligibility list who most closely meets the requirements of the City may be selected to receive a final offer. The City may conclude that none of the candidates, even those who meet the minimum qualifications, are appropriate for the position.
Successful Candidates Shall Be Required To
Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until a mutual interest has been established.
Provide proof of a valid California driver’s license and be insurable.
Degree verification.
Pass a pre‑employment medical exam.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In accordance, the City will provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E‑Verify, the Federal Government’s online employment eligibility verification system, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Disclaimers The City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In addition, the City of Rancho Cucamonga abides by a nepotism policy which may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City of Rancho Cucamonga makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis. Please make direct requests for accommodation to Human Resources. For information on Employee Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, please click here. There is a no smoking policy in effect in all City Offices and vehicles. Finally, please note that 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. Questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to Human Resources at Careers@CityofRC.us. Applicants may wish to visit the City’s official website at www.cityofrc.us for more information.
#J-18808-Ljbffr