Search Jobs

It’s a great time to join the City of Belmont’s Community Development Department as an Assistant or Associate Planner!

The Community Development Department includes the Planning and Building divisions and works closely with the Housing and Economic Development team in the City Manager’s office. We are a dynamic staff of twelve, including several team members that have many years of service and bring deep institutional knowledge and experience working alongside newer team members who bring fresh perspective and ideas. Together, we are working on a wide range of projects and programs to provide great customer service, encourage housing development, diversify the City’s employment base, and plan for a resilient future for Belmont. We approach our work with a commitment to public service and belief that what we do helps shape the community and peoples’ lives.

This position is ideal for a planner that wants to apply their skills and experience to provide customer service, manage projects, help develop policy, and improve process in a collegial environment where humor is appreciated. The Assistant or Associate Planner will focus on current planning and will also have opportunities to work on advance planning and policy development. The Community Development leadership team is committed to providing training and growth opportunities for staff. This position will be filled at the Assistant Planner or Associate Planner level dependent on candidate qualifications.

Recruitment Timeline

First Review of Applications - January 12, 2026

First Round Interviews - Week of January 26, 2026

Department Interviews - Week of February 2, 2026

*Dates may be subject to change

Work for the City of Sunnyvale: The Heart of the Silicon Valley!

Visitors and residents enjoy Sunnyvale’s beautiful and clean setting with a mix of suburban and urban land uses, efficient, high-quality city services, low crime rate, quality schools and 18 prize-winning parks.

The City of Sunnyvale has an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Planner to join its Planning Division in the Community Development Department. Under direction of a Principal Planner or Planning Officer, the Assistant Planner performs professional work including review of staff-level and minor projects, assistance to the public at the One Stop counter; and performs related work as required. Teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of the Planning Division. A candidate with great interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging work environment is desired.

Working for the City of Sunnyvale as an Assistant Planner is an opportunity to develop and grow in a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking team environment.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package. A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The position opens Thursday, December 18, 2025and final filing date is Thursday, January 22, 2026 5:00 PM or after receiving 75 qualified applicants, whichever is first. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

Salary:

$45.70 - $58.32 Hourly

Work for the City of Sunnyvale: The Heart of the Silicon Valley!

Visitors and residents enjoy Sunnyvale’s beautiful and clean setting with a mix of suburban and urban land uses, efficient, high-quality city services, low crime rate, quality schools and 18 prize-winning parks.

We are looking for an Associate Planner with strong current and/or policy planning experience to join the Planning team in Sunnyvale. Under direction of a Principal Planner or Planning Officer, the Associate Planner performs professional work including project review, public assistance at the One Stop counter, environmental review, general plan updates, plan preparation and review, long-range and land use policy studies, and plan adoption; and performs related work as required. Teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of the Planning Division. A candidate with great interpersonal skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and challenging work environment is desired.

Working for the City of Sunnyvale as an Associate Planner is an opportunity to develop and grow in a collaborative, supportive and forward-thinking team environment.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package. A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The position opens Thursday, December 18, 2025and final filing date is Thursday, January 22, 2026 5:00 PM or after receiving 75 qualified applicants, whichever is first. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

Salary:

$54.98 - $70.17 Hourly

The City of Half Moon Bay is looking for a motivated, collaborative, and forward-thinking planning professional to join our Community Development Department as our next Assistant or Associate Planner (DOQ). If you’re excited about protecting coastal resources, supporting thoughtful development, working directly with the community, and helping guide the future of a small coastal town, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Development Department coordinates and manages the City’s development-related functions: including long-range planning, housing policy and programs, planning project review, zoning and building code updates, development and subdivision review, permit processing, building inspection services, and code compliance. The Department also serves as the environmental coordinator for the City, ensuring compliance with the California Coastal Act and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).     

The Department provides staff support to the City Council, Planning Commission, Architectural Advisory Committee, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.  The Department team includes a Director, two Senior Planners, an Associate Planner for Housing, part-time Planning Analyst, Administrative Assistant, Permit Technician, Community Preservation Specialist, and a Building Official.

DESCRIPTION

The Position

The City of Half Moon Bay invites qualified candidates to apply for Assistant Planner or Associate Planner (appointment dependent on qualifications). Both positions support the City’s current and long-range planning functions with a strong focus on the City’s Local Coastal Program.. The Assistant/Associate planner reports to the Senior Planner-Supervisor.

Assistant Planner – Essential Job Functions

• Perform routine and moderately complex administrative, technical, and professional work in current planning.
• Conduct technical review of development and land use applications.
• Prepare staff reports for routine land use permits and present recommendations.
• Serve as first point of contact at the public counter; provide customer service to residents, applicants, architects, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Explain municipal codes, ordinances, the General Plan, and the certified Local Coastal Program.
• Coordinate project review with departments and agencies.
• Research and compile data needed for ordinance drafting and permit review.
• Support long-range planning tasks and community engagement.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Associate Planner – Essential Job Functions

• Apply Local Coastal Program policies and conduct thorough analysis for compliance.
• Prepare detailed staff reports; present to Planning Commission and City Council.
• Evaluate environmental impacts and prepare CEQA documents (NOEs, Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, NODs).
• Coordinate CEQA work with Senior Planners and consultants.
• Conduct technical and policy studies on zoning, land use, coastal access, housing, transportation, and related topics.
• Assist with zoning code amendments and long-range planning initiatives.
• Coordinate consultant contracts.
• Provide technical and professional advice to applicants, residents, staff, and agencies.
• Review architectural drawings, elevations, landscaping, and site plans for compliance.
• Prepare maps, graphics, charts, and databases using GIS.
• Participate in community engagement efforts, workshops, and hearings.
• Support design review and long-range planning documents.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

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.

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 City of Redwood City Invites Applications for: Assistant Planner 

WHY JOIN THE REDWOOD CITY TEAM?

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 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 Community Development Department team that fosters innovation, creativity and collaboration, we hope you’ll apply.  

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Redwood City invites you to apply for the position of Assistant Planner. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to lead or participate in several exciting development projects in Redwood City and may participate in long range planning efforts underway. The position allows for a hybrid work schedule (3 days in office and 2 days working remotely).

The City of Redwood City Invites Applications for: Associate Planner - Long Range 

WHY JOIN THE REDWOOD CITY TEAM?

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 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 Community Development Department team that fosters innovation, creativity and collaboration, we hope you’ll apply.  

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Redwood City invites you to apply for the position of Associate 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 and adjacent neighborhoods
• Update to the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance
• Development of objective design standards
• Implementation of the City’s Housing Element
• Research, tracking, and implementation of new State laws
• Development of policies and standards to address climate change risks 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).

Under general direction from the Assistant Community Development Director, the Associate Long Range Planner performs a variety of complex technical planning activities and completes work related to assigned areas of responsibility.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supports development of City policy related to land use, urban design, housing, transportation, and related topics to support long range planning initiatives;
• Conducts research and analysis supporting planning studies and assists in preparation of planning reports and documents;
• Analyzes and prepares amendments to the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance;
• Provides technical assistance to other City staff and to the public in planning and development matters;
• Evaluates and analyzes small- and medium-sized development projects and proposals for compliance with City goals, policies, and ordinances and, as needed, facilitates environmental analysis;
• Facilitates applications for planning permits and environmental review, project manages their review by City staff, and prepares associated staff reports and presentations for the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, City Council, and other boards, commissions, and committees;
• Meets with applicants, professionals, citizens, organizations, etc. related to their projects and/or long range policy;
• Attends meetings of and makes presentations before community groups, the Planning Commission, City Council, boards, commissions, and committees, and other governmental bodies in coordination with supervisory staff, as required;
• Staffs the planning counter as needed;
• May be designated as liaison for the Architectural Advisory Committee or Historic Resources Advisory Committee at the direction of the Planning Manager or Community Development Director;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

The City of Brisbane is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Associate Planner to join our dynamic and collaborative Community Development team. This is an excellent opportunity for a fast learner who is passionate about public service and thrives on delivering outstanding customer service. A full classification description is available online at www.brisbaneca.org. 

Example of Duties: (Illustrative Only)

• Responds to inquiries from the public by providing information regarding the General Plan, the Zoning and Subdivisions Ordinances, and statistical data.
• Provides content for Department website.
• Reviews building permit applications for compliance with applicable planning regulations.
• 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 Planning Commission, City Council, special committees, and neighborhood groups.

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.