Search Jobs

Principal Planner | Senior Planner | Associate Planner

One (1) vacancy. Application deadline: Apply by Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., for first consideration. 

• Principal Planner: $134,700 - $163,728 annually
• Senior Planner: $116,448 - $141,552 annually
• Associate Planner: $102,912 - $125,088 annually

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture. San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment. San Rafael, with a population of approximately 60,000, is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-2026 annual budget of approximately $192 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

THE DEPARTMENT

In recent years, the City of San Rafael has seen an unprecedented interest in development and growth, and our department has responded with collaborative focus on creating a thriving, sustainable community that meets the needs of our diverse population. 

The Community & Economic Development Department is comprised of five divisions with a total fiscal year 2025-2026 budget of over $7 million and 24 full-time employees. 

The Community & Economic Development Department is comprised of five divisions: 

• Planning, Building, Housing & Code Enforcement Divisions: Support the City’s land use entitlement, construction and inspection permitting, housing policy, and community code compliance programs.
• Economic Development Division: Creates and maintains a thriving economic environment for businesses and residents by providing resources, primarily through the one-stop-shop “San Rafael Go” Program.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Community & Economic Development Department (C&ED) has 1 vacancy to be filled at either the Principal Planner, Senior Planner, or Associate Planner classification. The Planning Division plays a critical role in shaping the future of San Rafael and establishing a positive initial impression for members of the public engaging with the Community and Economic Development Department.

The ideal candidate for the Principal Planner is an experienced planning professional with deep knowledge of California land use and environmental laws, including extensive experience with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Tribal Consultation.  This individual provides strong technical leadership over the review of development applications and is confident exercising independent authority.  The successful candidate is an effective manager who values consistency, customer service, and can clearly communicate technical requirements to staff, professionals, and the public.

The ideal candidate for the Senior Planner is a seasoned planning professional with strong technical expertise and proven project management experience.  This individual brings comprehensive knowledge of California planning and environmental laws and is skilled in overseeing the review of complex development applications including managing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review and Tribal Consultation. The successful candidate is an effective project manager experienced with high conflict and litigious projects, writing and managing proposals, managing consultants, and working collaboratively with various departments. They are comfortable managing large project teams and serving as the primary point of contact for applicants, design professionals, and the public, resolving disputes and complaints with professionalism and sound judgment.  The ideal candidate communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with other City departments and outside agencies, and provides reliable advice and support to the Principal Planner and Planning Manager to ensure the efficient, compliant, and customer-focused operation of the Planning Division. 

The ideal candidate for the Associate Planner is capable of independently processing development applications, including experience with Sign Permits, Design Review, Use Permit, Lot Line Adjustment/Merger, and Variance application types. This individual can prepare and analyze professional planning studies respond to public inquiries regarding the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and Subdivision Ordinance, and has experience presenting development projects before public boards and commissions. This candidate has excellent customer service skills and can navigate high conflict situations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Principal Planner - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Plans, organizes, and directs the overall work activities of the long-range planning, current
  planning, and/or permit service programs.
• Reviews and evaluates the job performance of subordinate personnel, identifies professional
  development needs, and provides training as needed.
• Oversees the review and analysis of development proposals or planning studies, including
  participation in more complex and major projects.
• Interprets, implements, and enforces the General Plan, zoning codes, and other codes related
  to the maintenance of community standards.
• Make presentations on planning background recommendations before the Design Review
  Board, Planning Commission, City Council, community groups and organizations.
• Works with other City departments and governmental jurisdictions in coordinating the division's
  programs and projects.
• Conducts research and analysis of land use and related issues. Prepares environmental review
  documents. Prepares written reports.
• Supervises a professional and clerical planning staff.
• Produces and/or Coordinates public events, committee meetings, and community workshops.
• Assists the Director with budget preparation and manages the section’s budget.

Senior Planner - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Supervises professional and/or technical staff engaged in City planning activities.
  Establishes priorities and defining processing requirements.
• Responds to questions and issues raised by the City staff, developers, contractors, architects,
  engineers, and the general public; interpret the General Plan, zoning code and related ordinances
  or City regulations.
• Conducts research and special studies.
• Coordinates projects and activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Manages consulting contracts for planning projects.
• Makes presentations before community groups, Boards, Commissions and/or the City Council.

Associate Planner - This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive. CLICK HERE for the full job spec.

• Responds to inquiries from the public by providing information regarding the General Plan, the
  Zoning and Subdivisions Ordinances and statistical data.
• Receives and reviews land use permits, design review applications, zoning and General Plan
  amendments for conformance with the General Plan, Zoning, and Subdivision Ordinances and
  other requirements; and prepares staff reports recommending appropriate action.
• Conducts environmental review including preparation of initial studies and negative declarations,
  technical and administrative support on the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports and staff reports on all phases of environmental review.
• Performs detailed planning studies, research and analysis to support development of long-range
  policies and plans, as well as implementation ordinances for the City’s growth and development.
• Prepares and analyzes various professional planning studies including, but not limited to,
  demographics, traffic and historic resources.
• Prepares General Plan elements such as the Housing Element by drafting and finalizing plan
  documents; researching materials and making presentations to committees, the Planning
  Commission and the City Council.
• Prepares reports and studies and represents the department before the public, other agencies,
  and developer representatives.
• Attends and participates in meetings of the Design Review Board, Planning Commission, City Council, special committees and neighborhood groups.

CORE COMPETENCIES 

Principal Planner

• Highly familiar with California Planning Law, Environmental Quality Act and Subdivision Map Act.
• Capable of leading the long-range planning or current planning programs.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Supervise professional, technical and/or office support staff.
• Manage professional services budget.

Senior Planner

• Familiar with California Planning Law, Environmental Quality Act and Subdivision Map Act.
• Responds to questions and issues raised by the City staff, developers, contractors, architects.
• Manage consultant contracts.
• Coordinate the review of complex development applications.

Associate Planner

• Independently apply the City’s zoning code, subdivision ordinance and general plan.
• Respond to inquiries from the public regarding the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and Subdivision Ordinance.
• Capable of presenting to Planning Commission and City Council.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Principal Planner

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite

knowledges, skill and abilities.

A typical way to obtain these would be:

• AICP Certification or Masters in planning; and
• Five years municipal planning experience including two years in a lead or supervisory position.

Senior Planner

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field and five years of increasingly responsible professional planning experience.
• A Master’s degree in Planning may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Public agency experience desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Associate Planner

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, urban studies, geography or related field and three (3) years of full-time work experience at the Assistant Planner level in municipal or regional planning.
• Any combination of education, experience, and training which demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge and abilities may substitute for the education (degree) on a year-for-year basis.
• A Master’s degree in planning or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required work experience.

All Levels

• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.

THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL IS SEEKING A PLANNING PROFESSIONAL!

IS IT YOU?

Now accepting applications for the position of

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Salary: $7,836 - $9,525 Monthly

$45.21 - $54.95 Hourly

Plus a great benefits package

4/10 Work Schedule Monday- Thursday

This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Sebastopol is seeking a skilled, enthusiastic, and adaptable candidate to fill the Associate Planner position. The Associate Planner performs various complex, professional-level office and field planning work related to current and advanced municipal planning, including the review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and environmental documents. The successful candidate will provide professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, zoning, permits, and environmental review. In addition, the Associate Planner provides complex professional staff assistance to the Planning Director, other departments, and the public. This position requires the ability to exercise sound judgment in the interpretation, application, and explanation of a wide variety of City policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as applicable local, State, and Federal laws.

The Associate Planner will reflect a demonstrative cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities.

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.