Assistant/Associate Planner bei City of Napa, CA
City of Napa, CA · Napa, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Onsite
- Professional
- Optionales Büro in Napa
About the Department
ASSISTANT PLANNER:
$93,783.27 - $113,304.05 Annual Salary
Additional 1.5% Salary Increase effective January 2026
ASSOCIATE PLANNER:
$105,786.41 - $127,796.74 Annual Salary
Additional 2% Salary Increase effective January 2026
Additional 2% Salary Increase effective July 2026
WANTED: A Planner who is passionate about shaping communities through thoughtful planning, enjoys working in a collaborative team environment, and is eager to contribute and grow, whether starting out or bringing years of experience, to the City of Napa's dynamic Planning Division.
Are you interested in producing excellent work in the areas of planning? Do you excel at assisting the public with planning applications, providing information in a timely manner, and implementing your project management skills? Are you someone who thrives in an innovative, fast-paced work environment?
Then APPLY today to join a hardworking team that strives to make our community and organization a better place!
As an Assistant/Associate Planner, you will be responsible for performing professional and technical level work in the field of current and advanced planning, and providing information and assistance to developers, the business community and the public on planning, zoning, resource management, historical preservation and development related matters. Our Assistant/Associate Planners play an integral role in processing application for rezoning, specific plan amendments, subdivision maps, annexations, use permits, variances and other related items. Under direction from our Senior Planner, you will be tasked with preparing materials and making presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council, as well as community groups. Our Assistant/Associate Planner will also assist the department with launching a new land management platform, EnerGov. We are searching for an individual with planning experience who is looking to apply their professional expertise in an active, vibrant, mid-sized community. The ideal candidate is an adaptable self-starter who demonstrates emotional intelligence and collaborates well with other departments and divisions within our organization.
The Assistant Planner is the entry level class in the professional planning series. This class is distinguished from the Associate Planner by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including the responsibility for assignments in the fields of current or advanced planning which require the application of fundamental planning principles. Assistant Planners receive greater day-to-day supervision and guidance as they develop a range of experience. The Assistant Planner role is designed to support early-career professionals who are building foundational experience in municipal planning. Candidates with transferable skills from related fields such as environmental studies, architecture, housing, or public policy are encouraged to apply. While direct planning experience is preferred, the Assistant position offers opportunities for mentorship, training, and professional growth.
The Associate Planner is the full journey level class within the professional planning series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Assistant Planner by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including responsibility for the application of professional knowledge and skills to various municipal planning, zoning and development problems and projects. Responsibilities include the preparation of specific reports and plans with opportunity for independent judgment in planning work details and making technical determinations. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. The Associate Planner role requires demonstrated experience in professional planning and the ability to work independently on complex assignments.
Assistant Planner: Some prior experience performing urban planning is desirable.
Associate Planner: Two years of progressively responsible experience performing urban planning.
- Technical Knowledge and Skill - Knowledge of principles and practices of planning; keeping up with current developments and trends in planning.
- Customer Focus - Dedication to public service to provide an experience that satisfies both internal and external customers.
- Collaborating - Working collaboratively to help a team or work group achieve its goals.
- Planning & Organizing - Establishing an action plan for self and others to complete work efficiently and on time by setting priorities, establishing timelines, and using resources.
- Resolving Conflict - Helping others deal effectively with an antagonistic situation to minimize damage to the relationships and promote shared goals; using appropriate interpersonal methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people and facilitate agreement.
- Adaptability - Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment (e.g., people, processes, structure, or culture); adjusting effectively to change by exploring the benefits, trying new approaches, and collaborating with others to make the change successful.
- Decision Making - Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions; taking action that is consistent with available facts and constraints and optimizes probable consequences.
Positions in these classifications are flexibly staffed. This position may be appointed at the Assistant Planner or Associate Planner level depending upon qualifications and experience.
Please click here for a full, detailed job description for the classification of Assistant Planner. You may also view the Benefits Summary for Assistant Planner by clicking here.
Please click here for a full, detailed job description for the classification of Associate Planner. You may also view the Benefits Summary for Associate Planner by clicking here.
Other Qualifications
MISSION STATEMENT for the City of Napa
Rooted in public service, our mission is to grow a vibrant, sustainable community for all who live in, work in, and visit the City of Napa, through thoughtful leadership and dedication to excellence.
CORE VALUES for the City of Napa
Integrity - Consistently demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct with accountability and pride.
Service - Engaging in meaningful work to care for our community through resourceful dedication and humble actions.
Inclusion - Creating a sense of ease and belonging through respect, acceptance, and mindfulness of our collective diversity.
Collaboration - Working together with a shared purpose while respectfully considering all voices to achieve common goals, solutions, and greater outcomes.
***NOTE: CITY OF NAPA EMPLOYEES SHOULD USE A PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS***
Candidates who have participated in a testing process for a recruitment are not eligible to re-take the same test within six (6) months.
- We will review your application and all supplemental materials to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the selection process. Application appraisal includes a review of qualifications, education, training, and experience related to the job, as well as supplemental questions if applicable.
- Applicants moving forward in the selection process may be asked to participate in any combination of the following (at any phase of the selection process): online assessment, written examination, job-related exercise, phone interview, and panel interview. These testing steps may be conducted on a pass/fail basis, and/or percentage-based scoring methodology.
- Based on the City Charter, the final phase of the selection process is the Probationary Period, which in most cases is six (6) months but may be twelve (12) months depending on the classification.
- When three or fewer candidates are available, the testing procedures outlined in the Job Announcement may be waived by the Human Resources Department.
- If you need assistance with the recruitment and selection process in Spanish, contact us at 707-257-9505. These request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Si necesita ayuda con el proceso de reclutamiento y selección en español, contáctenos al 707-257-9505. Estas solicitudes se evaluarán caso por caso.
