City of Rancho Cucamonga
Deputy Director of Planning
City of Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Cucamonga, California, United States, 91739
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
We are seeking a planning leader who combines strategic vision with practical execution – someone who can guide day‑to‑day operations while keeping a clear focus on long‑term community outcomes. The ideal candidate brings proven experience shaping and implementing land use policies that create meaningful, livable places, along with the skill to clearly frame complex planning issues for policymakers and the public. This role calls for experience navigating the challenges of infill development, redevelopment, and community‑scale change with professionalism and creativity. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership presence, the ability to step confidently into a director‑level role when needed, sound judgment in politically nuanced environments, and a deep commitment to public service and ethical planning practice.
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, is required. 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. 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 Physical 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. Applicants will be notified of their application status by email throughout the recruitment process.
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.
Provide degree verification.
Pass a pre‑employment medical exam.
Complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify employment eligibility in the United States and furnish proof of legal authorization to work.
E‑Verify and Disclaimers The City of Rancho Cucamonga participates in E‑Verify. The City will submit required information to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, to other federal agencies to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E‑Verify, visit www.uscis.gov.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City abides by a nepotism policy which may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City 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. 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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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
We are seeking a planning leader who combines strategic vision with practical execution – someone who can guide day‑to‑day operations while keeping a clear focus on long‑term community outcomes. The ideal candidate brings proven experience shaping and implementing land use policies that create meaningful, livable places, along with the skill to clearly frame complex planning issues for policymakers and the public. This role calls for experience navigating the challenges of infill development, redevelopment, and community‑scale change with professionalism and creativity. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership presence, the ability to step confidently into a director‑level role when needed, sound judgment in politically nuanced environments, and a deep commitment to public service and ethical planning practice.
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, is required. 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. 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 Physical 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. Applicants will be notified of their application status by email throughout the recruitment process.
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.
Provide degree verification.
Pass a pre‑employment medical exam.
Complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify employment eligibility in the United States and furnish proof of legal authorization to work.
E‑Verify and Disclaimers The City of Rancho Cucamonga participates in E‑Verify. The City will submit required information to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, to other federal agencies to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E‑Verify, visit www.uscis.gov.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City abides by a nepotism policy which may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City 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. 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