JOB DESCRIPTION

Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," about 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. Residents enjoy rolling hills and wide ocean views in a nearly perfect Mediterranean climate, with an average annual temperature of 74.2 degrees.

The Ventura County Resource Management Agency (RMA)/Planning Division is seeking a Planning Manager. The position serves under the direction of the Planning Director and/or Assistant Planning Direct, depending on which section is assigned as manager: policy programs (4 sections) or permitting programs (4 sections). The current position is to manage the Residential Permit Section, but all planning managers can serve in any section based upon the annual operational needs of the Division as determined by the Planning Director. The Planning Manager assists in the planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating of various activities within the Planning Divisions of the RMA; and performs related duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual with expertise in planning principles and practice, exceptional communication skills, and proven success managing, mentoring, and motivating professional staff. Additionally, the successful candidate will have demonstrated ability implementing Zoning Ordinance regulations, General Plan policies, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Individuals who are certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and hold a Master's degree in Urban Planning, or a related field from an accredited university are highly desired.

A GIS Story map with more information about Planning Division for potential candidates can be viewed here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/37db0d2d1cce4b65bcd09b88443b5d43.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, & EXPERIENCE

Manager- RMA Services I-Planning: Extensive experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities may be obtained by completion of a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible land-use planning experience which includes some training, education or direct experience in the areas of supervisory and management practices.

Substitution: Additional experience in land-use planning may be substituted for the education.

Manager- RMA Services II-Planning: Extensive experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities may be obtained by completion of a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or a related field and five (5) or more years of progressively responsible land-use planning experience which includes one (1) or more years of supervisory or management experience leading a team of professional planning staff.

An example of progressively responsible land-use planning experience includes permitting or related regulatory activity in housing and resource planning in agricultural areas, environmentally sensitive habitat areas, and compliance with Local Coastal Plans and the California Coastal Act.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Independent travel is required.
• Possession of a valid California driver license is required.
• Experience working with elected and appointed public officials and bodies, public agencies, and community groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

To view more information about this open position, click here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ventura/jobs/5167323/planning-manager-i-ii?keywords=&page=7&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by the County of Ventura Human Resources no later than 5:00P.M. Friday, February 13, 2026.

To apply on-line, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs.If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call(805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Note to Applicants: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application; however, it/they may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

BENEFITS

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• General Salary Increase – 3.5 % effective Dec. 21, 2025, Dec. 20, 2026, and Dec. 19, 2027.

To learn more about Benefits as a County of Ventura Employee Management visit: https://hr.venturacounty.gov/benefits

BENEFITS

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• General Salary Increase – 3.5 % effective Dec. 21, 2025, Dec. 20, 2026, and Dec. 19, 2027.

To learn more about Benefits as a County of Ventura Employee Management visit: https://hr.venturacounty.gov/benefits