THE POSITION
Make a Difference in Sacramento’s Sustainable Future
Are you passionate about climate action and sustainability? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your work directly impacts community well-being and environmental resilience? The County of Sacramento seeks a dynamic and experienced Senior Planner to lead and support critical initiatives that advance our Climate Action Plan and sustainability goals.
About the Role
As a Senior Planner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing climate strategies across the County. You’ll lead cross-divisional and departmental efforts, manage sustainability projects, and track progress toward ambitious environmental targets. This high-impact position is ideal for a strategic thinker with a strong background in environmental planning and a passion for public service.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of climate action projects, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and waste reduction.
- Evaluate and refine the County’s Climate Action Plan targets for the Department of General Services, setting measurable goals and roadmaps for success.
- Collaborate with internal divisions and external departments to build consensus and drive participation.
- Monitor and report on emissions reductions, project milestones, and sustainability metrics.
- Support the creation and implementation of climate-related policies and public awareness campaigns.
- Administer consultant contracts, RFPs, and grants related to environmental initiatives.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Core Competencies
- Proven ability to facilitate key initiatives with professional and technical staff, including cross-division or departmental collaboration.
- Expertise in urban and environmental planning, including CEQA/NEPA compliance, zoning, land use, and general plan development.
- Skilled in budget development, grant administration, and contract management.
- Strong understanding of state and federal environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act,
- Endangered Species Acts, and SMARA.
- Ability to analyze complex data, prepare detailed reports, and present findings to diverse audiences, including the
- Board of Supervisors, public agencies, and community groups.
- Demonstrated success in managing complex and sensitive projects, including Specific Plans, environmental impact reports, and mitigation monitoring.
- Effective communicator who can influence, negotiate, and build stakeholder consensus.
- Technologically proficient in office software and planning tools; capable of using data systems to track performance and compliance.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and service delivery improvement.
- Committed to environmental stewardship and public service.
- Comfortable working in dynamic environments, including construction zones and critical infrastructure sites.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum qualifications for the Senior Planner position are met in one of three ways:
1. One year of full-time paid experience in the class of Associate Planner employed by the County of Sacramento.
2. Two years of full-time paid professional experience in environmental, urban and/or regional planning which must have included performing analytical duties in one of the following kinds of planning activities associated with a planning agency: comprehensive, regional, area, or community planning; public infrastructure environmental analysis; plan/proposal review; general plan amendments; CEQA/NEPA document preparation; zoning; land division; housing administration; information services; urban renewal; or planning administration; of which one year must have been in a supervisory capacity; and a Bachelor's Degree or higher from an accredited college or university in public administration, ecological studies, environmental planning and management, environmental studies, geography, natural resources, urban or regional planning or other field closely related to the intent of the class.
3. Six years of full-time paid professional experience in environmental, urban and/or regional planning which must have included performing analytical duties in one of the following kinds of planning activities associated with a planning agency: comprehensive, regional, area, or community planning; public infrastructure environmental analysis; plan/proposal review; general plan amendments; CEQA/NEPA document preparation; zoning; land division; housing administration; information services; urban renewal; or planning administration; of which one year must have been in a supervisory capacity.
ABOUT SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Sacramento County spans 984 square miles and includes the state capital, seven incorporated cities, and a population of 1.5 million, with about 564,000 residing in unincorporated areas. It offers abundant recreation, dining, and cultural amenities, including over 15,000 acres of parks and the American River Parkway. The County is an affordable and thriving economic hub, with strengths in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences. Governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors and a County Executive, Sacramento County operates a $8.9 billion budget across 30+ departments, delivering essential services to residents.
General Services Department
The Department of General Services (DGS) manages Sacramento County’s assets across 984 square miles with a team of 480 employees. The Department manages 5.8 million square feet of County-owned facilities, 2 million square feet of leased space, and a fleet of over 2,400 vehicles.
COMPENSATION
The County of Sacramento offers an excellent compensation and benefits program. The salary range is $123,651.36 – $136,325.52 annually, plus an additional 3.35% management incentive for a combined total of $127,793.68 - $140,892.42.
