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We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Senior Planner to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development.

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Cover Letter is required.

The Department of Planning and Development is currently recruiting for one Senior Planner vacancy:

This Senior Planner will play a crucial role in reviewing complex professional-level tasks related to land use and planning laws, zoning, housing, discretionary entitlements with associated report writing for consideration by the County Zoning Administrator and/or Planning Commission, and the review of building permits and environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Senior Planner will also serve as the lead on assigned projects, which may include overseeing a number of programs (examples include: County General Plan & Housing Element, Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, Santa Clara Valley Ag Plan, and Habitat Plan) and works independently, assuming responsibility for more complex projects (such as Stanford master planning), and must be resourceful and responsive to specialized assignments from Executive Management or the Board of Supervisors. The Senior Planner may also be responsible for reviewing development and parcel maps/subdivision proposals, as well as building plans, and permits. The County will be embarking upon a comprehensive General Plan Update, and other various vision plans and may be expected to oversee and manage these efforts. The County also processes large and complex private development applications for large private institutional uses, new quarries, places of worship and agricultural processing campuses. A Senior Planner with areas of expertise related to long-range/comprehensive planning and/or major project development processing experience, coupled with strong CEQA experience is desired. 

In addition to meeting the employment standards for a Senior Planner, candidates must possess in-depth knowledge and working experience in two (2) or more of the following areas:

• Preparing advanced California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents (e.g., Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports).
• Experience in complex medium- to large-scale development entitlement projects such as campus planning, industrial, commercial, housing, agricultural housing or processing developments, or similar projects requiring advanced CEQA processing, staff report writing, data management and analysis, public outreach and public hearings.
• Experience in the management of CEQA and technical consultants, including meeting coordination, reviewing work products, and contracting/billing. Experience in managing consultants to ensure the project is completed within the approved timeline and budget with the proper deliverable is required.
• General requirements of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), preparation of annual surface mining inspection reports, and review and approval of Financial Assurance Cost Estimate (FACE), Reclamation Plans, and Mining Plans (desired, not required).
• Analytical understanding of State laws and regulations impacting land use and local government, with directly related work products that include major ordinance revisions and creation and processing of new programs. This would include preparation of professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions and recommendations.
• Have conducted as a lead project manager or co-project manager long-range, comprehensive planning projects; e.g., general plan updates, major zoning ordinance amendments, specific plans, vision plans, etc., with working knowledge of the principals and practices of such working documents.

Filing Period and Application Procedure

Final Filing Date: Open until filled. The recruitment may be extended or closed as early as 10 days after the issue date.  You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and to monitor this site for updated closing information.

The first review of applications is tentatively scheduled for the week of August 04, 2025.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS POSITION, PLEASE CLICK THE JOB ANNOUCEMENT URL OR JOB PDF BELOW.

The City of Redwood City Invites Applications for:

Senior Planner 

We offer a wide range of meaningful career opportunities with potential for growth, training and development, competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, paid time off, and robust benefits. The Redwood City team is guided by the core values of excellence, integrity, service, collaboration, inclusion, and innovation. Inherent in these values is a great organizational culture based on trust, strong and supportive leadership, respect, risk-taking, empowerment, and effective communication. The community is known for its inclusivity, strong engaged neighborhoods, and civic pride. The City works diligently to maintain positive and productive relationships with community partners, together providing outstanding services, programs and opportunities for residents and businesses. This mix of tradition and progress, community and diversity, makes Redwood City an extraordinary place to work and call home. If you’re looking to grow your career as a part of a hard-working and fun Planning team that fosters innovation, creativity and collaboration, we hope you’ll apply.

The City of Redwood City invites you to apply for the position of Senior Long Range Planner within the Community Development Department’s Planning Division. This position, which will be focused primarily on long range planning activities, is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to lead or participate in numerous long-range efforts underway including:

• Greater Downtown Area Plan, an update of the City’s vision for Downtown Redwood City and adjacent neighborhoods
• Update to the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance
• Development of objective design standards
• Implementation of the City’s Housing Element and related policy initiatives
• Research, tracking, and implementation of new State laws
• Development of policies and standards to address climate resilience in coordination with Engineering and Public Works Departments
• Regular maintenance and updates to City’s zoning code and General Plan

In addition to long range planning activities, this position will be assigned a limited number of current planning projects depending on Planning Division needs. The position allows for a hybrid work schedule (3 days in office and 2 days working remotely).

Join Our Planning Team!

Small City impact • Meaningful projects • Collaborative environment

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Saratoga has an exciting opportunity to join our Community Development Department, Planning Division.

This front-line team member in the City's Planning Division will provide a high level of customer service by effectively assisting the public and City staff. The position will report to the Development Manager and work collaboratively with the Associate and Senior Planner team.

This position provides professional planning services for property owners, developers, contractors, and the general public; performs professional, technical, statistical, and analytical duties involving land use or planning studies for a variety of public or private development projects; reviews development and land use applications, and zoning and site plans; assists the public in person, via phone and other communication methods, answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, land use, development standards, approved development proposals; completes technical assessments; and related work.

View the job description.

IMPORTANT: Only applicants with prior city government planning experience will be considered for this position. Qualifying experience includes working for a city government or working for a consulting firm performing municipal planning work for a city government.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Under the direction of the Town Manager, the Community Development
Director plans, organizes, directs, and manages all activities and operations of the Community Development Department, including planning, building, code enforcement, economic development, and related functions.
This executive-level management position is responsible for the overall administration and strategic direction
of the department and requires broad knowledge of community development principles, urban planning,
land use law, and local government operations, as well as strong leadership, communication, and
interpersonal skills. In a small town like Loomis, the Director is expected to be both a strategic leader and an active, hands-on manager who engages directly with community members, staff, and elected officials. 

This is a full-time, exempt position.  The Town of Loomis offers an attractive compensation and benefits program.  The Salary range $155,905—$189,504 annually; placement within this range is dependent on qualifications and experience.  

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS 

• Opportunities to expand your skills and grow within our organization. 

• Collaborate with a variety of agencies and professional disciplines. 

• Enjoy a newly remodeled, modern office space designed for collaboration and productivity. Position equipped with a City-issued laptop, sit/stand desk, and other modern workplace tools.  

• Opportunity for hybrid flexibility: potential for one day per week telework after six months of employment.  

DESCRIPTION 

The City of Thousand Oaks Community Development Department is excited to announce a rewarding career opportunity for a motivated Associate Planner to join our dynamic team! If you are results-oriented, bring a positive attitude, thrive on creativity, and are passionate about making a difference through public service, this is the place for you.  .  

As an Associate Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the community’s future by managing a variety of current and long-range planning projects.  Working under general supervision, you will:   

• Conduct professional Planning work involving land use, zoning, and community development.  

• Review, analyze, and process development applications of moderate to complex scope.  

• Prepare and present staff reports, plans, and recommendations to decision-making bodies. 

• Collaborate with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to promote thoughtful growth. 

• Contribute to long-range plans and projects that align with the City’s General Plan and vision.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage and process applications for development projects, including residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and institutional proposals.  

• Facilitate in-person and virtual permit submittals.  

• Respond to phone and email inquiries. 

• Consult and advise property owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and the public regarding applications, City policies, codes, and other plans.   

• Prepare clear and concise technical documents, reports, correspondence and other written materials.  

• Exercise sound independent judgement.  

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those encountered in the course of work.   

• Attend and present information to City Council, Planning Commission, Administrative Hearing Officer, and community meetings as assigned.  

• Plans, organizes and conducts research studies and prepares recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing and environmental needs, updates and analyzes demographic and other data required for the planning function, participates in the review, development or revision of the various of the General Plan, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinance and other policies and procedures.  

• Independently performs responsible and varied professional planning duties.  

• Provide sound recommendations based on detailed analysis and project evaluation.   

We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an entry-level professional in urban planning -- our next Planning Technician. This role will be expected to provide clear analysis and excellent customer service. The Planning Technician will have the opportunity to work in the field of current planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plan and environmental review.

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Cover Letter is required.

We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Assistant Planning Director to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development. The ideal candidate is an experienced professional in urban planning who has a proven track record for providing high level analysis, excellent customer service skills, and exceptional leadership. They will be able to demonstrate an interest in community development and a passion for working with residents and staff to make the City vital, safe and attractive. 

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

This is a challenging job in a great city! Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.

Please note: Cover Letter is preferred, but not required.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUCEMENT URL BELOW.

"TO REVIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION OF THIS EXECUTIVE OPPORTUNITY PLEASE CLICK THIS BROCHURE. TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION HERE."

 

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

About the Department

The City of San Jose’s Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement serves to ensure the orderly and safe development of private properties, compliance with all applicable building, zoning, and quality of life ordinances and regulations, and to promote healthy and safe community standards.  This is accomplished by departmental staff in service to customers by: 

• Assisting and guiding land use and development to promote long-term goals and objectives that render safe, beneficial, and more sustainable communities 

• Providing orderly administration and compliance of building codes, as mandated by the various levels of government, to ensure the construction of buildings, homes, and structures meet intended life safety and structural requirements 

• Investigating and resolving citizen complaints of municipal code violations on private property in order to promote, maintain, and improve quality of life issues that better allow for safe and harmonious conditions in all neighborhoods 

The Department is seeking a Deputy Director of Planning who is committed to understanding, executing, and improving the Department’s vision of a well run, professional organization that achieves the above goals and objectives.  This includes providing excellent service and guidance to residents, property and business owners, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the planning processes. Strong management, communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the department values building positive relationships and fostering collaboration with other departments, agencies, and the community.  

The Department has a staff of approximately 300 employees and includes four divisions: 

• The Planning Division administers current development projects, processes development applications in conformance with City policies and objectives and conducts long-range planning such implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. The Division provides support to the Planning Commission and the Historic Landmarks Commission. The Deputy Director (Planning Official) manages this Division. 

• The Building Division conducts plan review and field inspection of construction projects to ensure conformance with health and safety requirements. The Division operates the City’s Permit Center. The Building Official manages this Division.  

• The Code Enforcement Division utilizes education and enforcement tools to facilitate compliance with Municipal Codes designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy, and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy. The Code Enforcement Official manages this Division. 

• The Administrative Division manages the Department’s administrative activities, including budget, fiscal and human resources. The Administrative Officer manages this Division. 

To provide consistency throughout the planning and entitlement processes, key elements of the Planning and Building Divisions operate on the interdepartmental “Development Services Team” with Public Works Development Review and the Fire Marshal. These functions are co-located in City Hall. More detailed information on the Department and Divisions can be found on the City’s website. 

Position Duties

To review the full job description please click here

The Deputy Director for Planning is a direct report to the Director of PBCE and provides leadership of all Planning functions within the Department. The position also contributes to the overall management of the Department through overseeing various interdivisional project teams. 
  

The Deputy Director for Planning is responsible for the stewardship and implementation of the City's General Plan and zoning policies, the review of applications for planning permits for consistency with the City’s ordinances and polices including California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and for engagement with customers, stakeholders and the community on proposed developments.  

The position is supported by three Division Managers and four Principal Planners who take responsibility for day-to-day operations and decision-making and are split between Development Review, CEQA, and Citywide Planning (longer term policy and plan development). The position manages an interdisciplinary team of planners and provides executive direction for specialized professional planning functions, including development review, land use, zoning, urban design, environmental review, historic preservation, housing, transportation, economic development, and data analytics. The position develops and oversees the organizational structure, the annual work program, and the budget and staffing of the Planning Division and assists in the preparation of the Department’s work program and budget.  
 

The Deputy Director of Planning frequently represents the Department and the Director at City Council, officiates public hearings on the Director’s behalf, and represents the Department and the Director at meetings with the public, elected officials, other departments/agencies and various stakeholders. The position includes attendance at evening meetings.  

Essential areas of responsibility include: 

• Oversee the department's planning budgets, ensuring proper allocation of resources, cost recovery, as well as the development and oversight of the divisions fees and charges  

• Ensure all planning activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations. 

• Develop and implement long-term city planning initiatives. 

• Facilitate public meetings and community outreach to gather input and inform the public about planning projects. 

• Provide leadership and guidance for critical housing related issues/proposals ranging from zoning, permitting, infrastructure improvements, community engagement and sustainability 

• Oversee the review of development proposals, zoning changes, and other land use applications for compliance with city codes and policies.  

• Manage complex planning projects and initiatives, including comprehensive plan updates, area plans, and zoning code revisions.  

• Collaborate with the internal development-services partners, elected officials, developers, community groups, and the general public on planning matters.  

• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council  

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Division. 

• Advise the Director about important and/or sensitive issues; take appropriate action to address them. 

• Represent the Department and City before other government agencies, community groups, citizens, businesses and professional organizations. 

• Provide positive and constructive leadership and management; mentor and motivate staff. 

• Lead organizational review and strategic planning efforts. 

• Continue to stay on the forefront of nationwide trends and initiative. Introduce and implement creative ideas and processes to help the city achieve 
   its economic development, quality of life, and other goals. 

• Continue implementation of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan. 

With the scale of growth and development anticipated throughout the City, anchored by major transit investment plans, it is critical that the City’s General Plan for current citywide planning policy priorities should include: 

• Housing Crisis Action Plan 

• Transportation/Transit Efforts, including BART Phase 2 

• Urban Village Planning and Implementation 

• Downtown and North San Jose Planning 

• Zoning Code and Ordinance Updates 

• Urban Design and Public Life Initiative 

• Historic Preservation 

• Regional Policy