JOB DESCRIPTION

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!

The City of Napa is seeking applicants for Assistant/Associate Planner in the Planning Division of our Community Development Department. The Community Development Department provides a full range of development-related services, including planning, building, economic development, parking and code enforcement. The Planning Division is responsible for guiding private development in accordance with State law and the City's adopted land use and physical development policies, regulations and guidelines.

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.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of gaining the requisite knowledge and abilities is:

Education: Possession of the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, economics, or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job class.

Experience:

Assistant Planner: Some prior experience performing urban planning is desirable.

Associate Planner: Two years of progressively responsible experience performing urban planning.

Special Requirements: Possession at time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license is required. Independent travel and attendance at meetings outside the normal working hours may be required.

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.

LEARN MORE & APPLY ONLINE: Assistant/Associate Planner | Job Details tab | Career Pages

BENEFITS

Benefits Summary for Assistant Planner 

Benefits Summary for Associate Planner