PLN - Principal Planner

MNS Engineers, Inc. (MNS) is a fast growing, profitable multi-service infrastructure consulting firm offering construction management, civil engineering, and surveying services throughout California. MNS is jointly owned by the management team and Long Point Capital who will work together to accelerate the growth of the Company both organically and through acquisition. With nine (9) offices throughout California, the Company has provided services to the transportation, water resources, government services, and federal markets for nearly 60 years, and with the influx of capital via their sponsor, are well positioned to build on and exceed their previous growth trajectory in the future.

MNS is hiring a Principal Planner in any of the following technical disciplines: Community Planning, Environmental Compliance (CEQA/NEPA), Agency Staffing, and Housing. The Principal Planner will coach, mentor, and develop members of their team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates complex planning projects and/or multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional planning efforts.
• Participates in the development and maintenance of a jurisdiction’s General Plan and other specialized plans and ensures planning programs/projects are consistent with city planning principles/criteria, applicable regulations, and other relevant factors.
• Plans and coordinates planning studies/projects and develops scope of work and work plans including preparing a planning assessment, environmental research and assessment, historical preservation factors, zoning policy and regulations, the public involvement process, data analysis functions, timelines, and budget.
• Preparation of CEQA/NEPA compliance documents, peer review of CEQA/documents and supporting technical studies.
• Preparation of Housing compliance related documents, including General Plan Housing Elements, Consolidated Plans in compliance with HUD regulations, and other housing compliance documents.
• Serves as a technical consultant and advisor to elected officials, citizen groups, and other stakeholders related to planning policies/standards, issues, processes, procedures, zoning/rezoning issues, ordinance changes, and environmental regulations.
• Facilitates meetings and/or presentations to bring together interested stakeholders to discuss proposed planning initiatives, assess obstacles, evaluate opposing views and interests, and determine areas of support.
• Designs and conducts research to collect and assemble original data from land use maps, plans, reports, and surveys and uses data to define issues, assess trends, make recommendations, and identify relationships among disparate data, issues, and positions.
• Serves as a project manager on planning engagements.
• By position, coordinates the work of consultants/contractors and other employees who are assigned to specific projects.
• In conjunction with the Chief Business Development Officer, Planning Business Unit Lead, and other firm leadership, establish contacts and build relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Drive thought leadership and MNS name recognition by presenting at conferences, publishing white papers, and serving in a leadership role in professional organizations.
• Supervises a team. Ability to coach, mentor, and develop staff.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is highly desirable or ability to take the AICP exam within a year of starting the job.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in progressive leadership roles with oversight of planning professionals.
• Must have proven ability and experience supervising staff.
• An articulate and persuasive communicator, both one-on-one and in front of large groups.
• A high energy, passionate, results-oriented, team player, and resourceful leader
• Collaborative and highly skillful at building and maintaining effective working relationships throughout the organization.
• Ability to handle critical conversations with internal staff, managers and leaders
• Anticipative and forward thinking.
• Ability to effectively management teams and communicate with clients.
• Valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driver’s record are required

MNS Engineers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our team members. Depending on your employment status, MNS Engineers’ benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D and disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absence and retirement benefits. MNS Engineers is an EEO/AA M/F/V/D employer.