Description
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.
Ideal Candidate
As Senior Planner, you will take on meaningful and impactful projects, including:
- Managing complex development proposals and ensuring projects align with Lafayette’s vision.
- Conducting environmental impact reviews and guiding sustainability efforts.
- Advising architects, builders, and residents on zoning, land use, and development codes.
- Leading long-range planning initiatives to enhance Lafayette’s function and character.
- Supervising and mentoring lower-level planners to support their professional growth and ensure high-quality work.
- Engaging with the community and local government to drive innovative solutions.
We are looking for a high-energy, self-motivated, and creative professional who is:
- Experienced in planning and environmental review – At least six years of relevant experience required.
- Detail-oriented and analytical – You will tackle complex zoning and land use issues with precision.
- An excellent communicator – Strong writing and public speaking skills are essential.
- A natural problem solver – You will provide innovative and customized solutions.
- Energy by community engagement – You enjoy working with residents to shape the future.
- A strong leader – You have experience supervising and mentoring junior staff.
A four-year degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is highly desirable.
Must be available for some evening hours to attend City Council and Commission meetings.
Benefits
- Retirement Security – Up to 15% City-paid contributions to a 401-A plan, including a 5% match for a total potential contribution amount of 20%. Ability to also enroll into additional voluntary 457 plan. We do not participate in CalPERS retirement.
- Health & Wellness – City covers 95% of health and dental insurance costs for employees and their eligible dependents or provides an allowance equal to 15% of salary towards deferred compensation plan if you have alternate medical coverage.
- Life Insurance – City provides a fully paid $50,000 life insurance policy.
- Ancillary Benefits – Optional Vision, FSA & Commuter plans, and supplemental Life Insurance available.
- Generous Time Off – 11.5 days of starting vacation accrual, 12 days of sick leave accrual, and 13 paid holidays.
- Commuter Reimbursement – Receive 50% reimbursement on BART fare commuting to and from work.
- Employee Assistance Program – Free and confidential support for personal and professional challenges including counseling, financial wellness coaching, legal consultation, and more for employees and their eligible dependents.
Special Instructions
This is your chance to be part of a team that’s not just planning for tomorrow — but actively building it today. If you're ready to join our Planning team as our next Senior Planner, apply today!