JAMES BERGANTINO
Dublin,CA
Summary
Results-driven planning professional equipped to optimize processes and enhance operational efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration, strategic planning, and problem-solving, ensuring adaptable and reliable performance in dynamic environments. Skilled in project management, data analysis, and stakeholder communication, consistently achieving impactful outcomes aligned with organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Planning Specialist
City of San Ramon
San Ramon, CA
10.2025 - Current
- Coordinated public outreach efforts to gather community input on planning initiatives.
- Conducted site visits to assess compliance with zoning regulations and development standards.
- Reviewed and updated planning documents to reflect current policies and best practices.
- Assisted in the preparation of environmental assessments for proposed development projects.
Contract Planner
Michael Baker International
Stockton, CA
07.2024 - 09.2025
- Collaborated with the planning team to evaluate complex land use and zoning proposals.
- Assisted in drafting comprehensive development plans aligned with community needs and goals.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all planning activities within the project management system.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align goals and ensure project success.
- Managed successful day-to-day operations of projects by maximizing productivity from available resources.
Assistant City Planner
City of Newark
Newark, CA
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Handled standard planning activities, including technical reviews of development and land use applications, and zoning matters.
- Cultivated positive relationships with municipalities, community stakeholders, state/local regulatory agencies and associations, commissions, local governments, contractors, property owners, colleagues, and public.
- Effectively represented City with governmental agencies, community groups, businesses, professional and regulatory bodies and with property owners, developers, and contractors.
- Offered professional advice and information on planning, community development, zoning, and environmental review; prepares staff reports for plan review and site development.
- Conducted technical review and monitored land use and development applications by tracking building permits, plan checks and listings fees.
- Prepared staff reports for customary land use and development plan permits including determination of overall content and format of reports.
- Readied and reviewed City Ordinances and performed related work as required.
- Reviewed and processed less complex development projects, including administrative use, sign, home occupation and related permits.
- Led and prepared statistical and research projects, compiled zoning and planned related data by assisting planners.
- Ensured compliance by maintaining department records and files in permit tracking system and preparing graphic and mapped data using computer-based mapping/GIS.
Planner I
Kern County/Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Supported developers, business owners and public on planning-related matters. Offered front counter assistance, researched, and prepared complete worksheets, and performed site reviews. Conducted public meetings to listen to and address community concerns.
- Performed standard planning activities, including technical reviews of development and land use applications, and zoning matters.
- Gathered data by soliciting public comments, determining issues and goals, preparing plans, and researching variety of records, files, and documents.
- Provided counter assistance to include planning information and documents and interpreting ordinances and general plans.
- Researched, analyzed, and prepared reports for land development requests and plan amendments, zone changes and conditional use permits.
- Authorized and reviewed variety of maps, licenses, permits and applications and prepared written responses.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Studies & Planning
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA2015
Associates of Arts (AA) -
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA2012
Internship -
California Preservation Foundation
San Francisco, CA2015
Skills
- Microsoft Word Excel PowerPoint Access Outlook
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Programs Geographic Information System (GIS) Applications
- Geographical Information Systems (ArcGIS) SPSS Statistics
- Hootsuite Social Media Management Photoshop Creative Suite
- Accela Government Software and TrackIT Workflow Management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Critical thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Professionalism
Timeline
Planning Specialist
City of San Ramon
10.2025 - Current
Contract Planner
Michael Baker International
07.2024 - 09.2025
Assistant City Planner
City of Newark
01.2019 - 01.2020
Planner I
Kern County/Bakersfield
01.2016 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Studies & Planning
San Francisco State University
Associates of Arts (AA) -
City College of San Francisco
Internship -
California Preservation Foundation
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, and Westin St. Francis.
- Guest Services, San Francisco, CA
- Delivered front desk operations; greeted and responded to guest inquiries, managed accommodation process, offered service recommendations, and resolved complaints. Provided customer-focused service using well-honed communication skills, patience, and problem-solving orientation.
- Evaluated intake information that cultivated a very safe and professional environment while respecting confidential nature of privacy and information.
- Offered proactive customer service practices to maintain positive client relationships and ensure guest satisfaction.