Salary : $90,324.00 - $125,738.08 Annually
Location : 333 Civic Center Plaza, Tracy, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Community and Economic Development
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/10/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: TEAM

DEFINITION
Under direct and general supervision, performs professional field and office planning work related to current and advance planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and environmental documents; provides project management and administration; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, permits, and environmental review; provides complex professional staff assistance to the Senior Planner, other departments, and the public in areas of expertise; performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related duties, as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct (Assistant Planner) and general (Associate Planner) supervision from supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Assistant Planner: This is the first working level class in the professional Planner series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic planning experience perform professional and technical planning work in current, advance, and/or environmental planning activities. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Planner level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Associate Planner: This is the full journey-level class in the professional Planner series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of professional and technical planning work in current, advance, and/or environmental planning and daily departmental operations, in addition to providing project management and administration of assigned projects. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions 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.

Positions in the Planner class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Associate level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.
Essential and Marginal Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Reviews routine to complex commercial, industrial, and residential development proposals, plans, and applications for issuance of zoning clearance and for compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, standards, laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Reviews permit applications and building plans for completeness and compliance with current City codes and regulations; provides interpretations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, and local environmental guidelines; identifies corrective actions to be taken by owners; recommends improvement and rehabilitation programs.
• Coordinates with Building, Engineering and Code Compliance to receive, record and resolve zoning and code compliance complaints.
• Prepares or assists in preparing and reviewing environmental impact reports; prepares written initial studies, negative declarations, and staff reports related to development projects or City projects.
• Answers questions and provides information to applicants regarding zoning, land use, development standards, approved development proposals, and the City's entitlement process.
• Serves as project manager on planning and development projects, which includes application and plan review, coordination with project applicants and other City departments, preparation and posting of legal notices, background research, environmental review, preparation of staff reports, scheduling meetings and hearings, and monitoring of project implementation to verify substantial conformance with approved plans, conditions, and mitigation measures; suggests revisions to site plans and architecture; inspects project development sites.
• Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; research and reviews previous entitlements and City records; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters and the City's General Plan; participates in the implementation and administration of the City's General Plan and development regulations.
• Researches, collects, records, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes statistical and demographic information; prepares spreadsheets and establishes and maintains a comprehensive database.
• Prepares staff reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, and various other committees and advisory boards as directed; prepares research, reports, and maps and conducts briefings and meetings.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to land use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.
• Researches and assists in preparing ordinances for review.
• Participates in coordinating City planning and development related activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.
• Refers to and applies numerous documents including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, State Planning laws, Municipal Code, Specific Plans, Redevelopment Guidelines, emergency operations manual, County tax assessor's maps and records, building and architecture plans, etc.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Provide technical direction and training to consultants, other planning and technical staff, as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Some knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed by positions at the first working level (Assistant) in a learning capacity:
Knowledge of:

• Modern principles and practices of technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and environmental planning and program management.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning and development processes.
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive environmental planning program.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
• Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Interpret planning and zoning program procedure to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact related to various City programs and services.
• Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
• Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
• Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
• Direct the work of contract consultants.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, visual presentations, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general procedur