Urban Planners

Firm: City of Lafayette
Location:
Lafayette CA

Payment: Paid
Category: Community Development
Contact: Tracy Robinson
TRobinson@ci.lafayette.ca.us
9252841968
Posted: Feb 22, 2022

The City of Lafayette is building a team of experienced professionals in urban planning. We are looking for urban planners who have a track record for providing high level analysis and excellent customer service. There is room on our team for all experience levels from entry level to senior. What is most important is that you have an interest in community development and a passion for working with residents to make their City vibrant, safe and attractive.

Located just 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco via BART, Lafayette prides itself on its charming downtown, beautiful tree-studded hillsides and great schools. Residents expect personalized service and the ability to deliver customized solutions to the community’s unique planning guidelines. This position will be part of the team that ensures that Lafayette can retains its semi-rural character while still accommodating smart growth strategies.

This is a challenging job in a great city! The new planners will be joining a staff of dedicated, energetic and fun professionals.

The Position

Depending on experience, planners will perform the following major duties:

Process permit applications and assist in plan checking of permit requests.
Confer with applicants to clarify information relative to zoning, general plan compliance, signage and other issues.
Review routine to complex development proposals, applications, permits and plans for completeness and compliance.
Prepare and review environmental impact reports, written initial studies, negative declarations, and staff reports.
Assist the public as well as advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers on matters relating to land use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues related to the City’s entitlement process.
There is currently room in the Department for all experience levels: Planning Technician, Assistant Planner, Associate Planner and Senior Planner.

The Ideal Candidate

The City seeks high energy professionals who are self-motivated, creative, tactful and detail-oriented. Exceptional analytical and communication skills and the ability to write well and persuasively are required. Candidates should have a four-year degree with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field. Candidates for each position should have the following professional experience in planning, zoning and related community development activities:

Planning Tech - internship experience in a related field is preferred
Assistant - 1+ years
Associate - 3+ years
Senior - 5+ years
Master’s degree for Associate and Senior level positions is highly desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range is $62,837- $120,570 depending on position, experience and qualifications. Lafayette also provides an attractive benefits package that includes:

A generous 401-A retirement plan with contributions up to 20% as well as City-paid social security contributions. Because the City does not participate in PERS, all vested retirement funds belong to the employee to manage as they see fit.
City subsidizes 95% of health and dental OR keep 15% of salary health allowance if you have alternate coverage.
Start with 11.5 days of vacation + 2 additional weeks paid executive leave for Associate/Senior. Vacation increases with tenure up to a maximum of 7 weeks paid time off per year.
Alternative work schedules (4/10 and 9/80) as well as partial remote work options available.
Challenging, interesting work; opportunities for innovation and creativity; family friendly policies; a flexible work environment; and casual dress.
Click here for a full list of benefits.

Application & Selection

The final filing date is March 17, 2022. To be considered, you must submit an online City of Lafayette Employment Application, plus relevant materials that amplify your qualifications at www.lovelafayette.org/jobs. Email TRobinson@lovelafayette.org for questions.

Following the filing date, resumes will be screened and candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to interviews in early April with an anticipated start date of mid-to late-April.