Location
Description
The City of Sausalito Is Seeking a Forward-Thinking, Enthusiastic Planner!
Is it YOU?
ASSISTANT PLANNER or ASSOCIATE PLANNER
Pay Rate: $39.89 - $53.46 for Assistant Planner
$45.59 - $61.09 for Associate Planner
Onsite at City office
4/ 9 hour days Monday - Thursday/ 36 hour work week
Plus an excellent benefits package
First Review: Friday, February, 20, 2026, 11:59 PM
The Assistant or Associate Planner administers mid-level to complex current and advanced planning activities, including serving as project manager for complex development applications and special projects. The incumbent administers specified activities in such areas as zoning, advance planning, and environmental impact studies, protection, and compliance, as well as the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Associate Planner provides information and assistance to property owners, developers, contractors, and the public, in addition to providing complex professional assistance to the Community Development Director, City Council, Planning Commission, and others in areas of expertise.
The successful candidate will have a great attitude, be a self-starter, detail-oriented, collaborative, capable of managing multiple projects and bringing them to completion, and serve as a contributing member of the planning team.
One position is available -- either Assistant Planner OR Associate Planner depending on qualifications and department needs.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will bring all the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications listed below and will:
ASSOCIATE PLANNER: Possess three (3) or more years of experience as a municipal planner in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.
ASSISTANT PLANNER: Possess up to 3 years of experience as a municipal planner in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.
Possess an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (desired, not required)
Have experience with California planning and land use regulations, including local experience. (desired, not required)
Have excellent written and verbal skills and be able to produce and present accurate, factual, and compelling reports and presentations for boards and commissions.
Be bright and energetic, exude a positive attitude, and excel under pressure and challenge.
Work equally well with public, vendors, contractors, City officials, and City staff.
Effectively and patiently convey and explain complex rules and regulations in simple terms to a diverse variety of people.
QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: The equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities (for Associate Planner).
Licenses/Certifications: The ability to convey oneself to and from geographical locations frequently and timely, or possession of a valid CA driver’s license.
Desired Qualifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification (Desired)
Benefits
Benefits Overview:
The City offers a healthy cafeteria benefits program including choices among plan options for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, and PERS long-term care insurance.
Retirement: The City is a part of the CalPERS retirement plan and does not contribute to Social Security. Classic employees – 2% @55 formula, highest 3-year average compensation PEPRA employees – hired after 1/1/13 or Classic employees who have experienced a 6- month break in service are eligible for a 2% @ 62 formula, highest 3-year average compensation
Leave: Employees earn 120 hours of vacation and 96 hours of sick leave per year.
Holidays: 11 authorized holidays per year, plus 18 hours of floating holiday time.
Education and Wellness Reimbursement: Employees are eligible for up to $2,000 per year for qualifying education reimbursement; up to $1,000 of that total may be used for approved wellness costs.
Four-Day Work Week: Monday~Thursday, 36 hours with full-time benefits.
Deferred Compensation: The City offers two 457b plans and contributes 1% when an employee establishes and contributes to an active 457b account through payroll deduction.
Union Membership: This position is non-exempt and is part of the Service Employees’ International Union.
Special Instructions
SELECTION PROCESS:
It is important to complete all required application materials. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to interview.
Completion of the supplemental questions is a required part of the application and examination process. “See Resume” will not be acceptable as an answer to supplemental questions or the application process.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates should apply through CalOpps.org. Complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. All materials must be included to be considered as a candidate.
Open until filled; FIRST REVIEW of applications: Friday, February 20, 2026, 11:59 PM
Additional inquiries about the position may be directed to Human Resources, HumanResources@Sausalito.gov or (415) 289- 4130.
The City of Sausalito is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should advise Human Resources.
THE CITY OF SAUSALITO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER