Salary : $105,165.60 - $131,598.48 Annually
Location : City Hall/PD - 525 Henrietta St Martinez, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME - Regular Status
Job Number: FY24/25-00029
Department: Community & Economic Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 06/18/2025
Closing Date: 7/15/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Ready to shape the future of Martinez with your planning expertise?

The City of Martinez is hiring an Associate Planner to conduct policy research and analysis, review land use applications for consistency with zoning and the General Plan, and assist the general public. This role requires strong written and oral presentation skills, as you'll be presenting findings and recommendations to the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, and City Council, while working independently and collaboratively on complex projects. Ideal candidates should have a degree in city planning, architecture, public policy, or a related field, with at least three years of experience in planning.

Join our team and help move the City forward!

Definition:

Under the direction of the Planning Manager or designee, performs advanced professional planning work requiring analytical skills, sound judgment, and a comprehensive understanding of land use, zoning, environmental review, and General Plan policies. The position is responsible for conducting complex research and analysis on a variety of planning issues, preparing detailed reports and recommendations, and coordinating development review processes. The Associate Planner presents findings to the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, City Council, and other boards as assigned, and may represent the Planning Division at public meetings, interagency forums, and community events. The Associate Planner often works closely with the public on a regular basis to provide customer service on planning issues. This position may also perform duties within the City's code enforcement program.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Associate Planner classification involves professional planning work requiring knowledge of urban and regional planning principles, as well as practical experience in analysis and the application of zoning, land use, and environmental regulations. This role involves independent responsibility for complex planning assignments, including project review, policy development, and public engagement. Associate Planners are expected to exercise independent judgment in performing technical analyses, coordinating with internal departments and divisions and outside agencies, and presenting findings and recommendations to commissions, community groups, and elected officials.

Representative Duties

This section contains a list of duties that are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Performs complex professional planning work involving both current and long-range projects, including land use, zoning, environmental review, and community development initiatives.
• Conducts detailed research and analysis related to urban design, land use policy, and development trends.
• Performs field investigations, site inspections, and impact assessments to support planning recommendations.
• Participates in the development, update, and implementation of the City's General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, specific and master plans, and related policy documents, ensuring consistency with community goals and regulatory frameworks.
• Prepares clear, well-organized reports, staff recommendations, and presentations for the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, City Council, and community stakeholders.
• Creates and interprets graphic materials, including maps, charts, tables, and visual simulations to communicate complex planning concepts in a clear and engaging manner.
• Reviews development proposals, permit applications, and site plans for compliance with City codes, design and development standards, and applicable local and state regulations.
• Serves as a liaison to the public, applicants, property owners, developers, and other agencies; provides technical guidance, responds to inquiries, and facilitates community engagement through public meetings and outreach efforts.
• Collaborates with other City departments and divisions and outside agencies to ensure coordinated review and implementation of planning-related projects and initiatives.
• Presents planning reports and policy updates to governmental bodies and community groups; communicates effectively in both written and oral formats.
• Prepares public notices or property owner verifications.
• Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, electronic and/or hard copy files, and records.
• Works independently to manage assigned projects, demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Builds and maintains positive, effective working relationships with City officials, colleagues, and members of the public, reflecting the City's commitment to transparency, customer service, and community responsiveness.
• Administers contracts with external consultants and oversees their work on large planning projects, ensuring that all work meets City standards, timelines, and budget requirements.
• Participates in regional and interagency planning efforts as assigned; coordinates with other jurisdictions and regional agencies on shared planning goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received and Exercised:
Employees in this classification report to the Planning Manager or designee. Provides direction to Planning Technicians and Assistant Planners.
Qualifications/Education/Experience

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Minimum Qualifications:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in city or regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, public policy, sociology, geography, or a closely related field; three years of experience in city planning. Possession of a master's degree in city or regional planning or a closely related field may substitute for one year of experience. American Institute of Certified Planners ("AICP") certification is strongly preferred. Possession of a valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record. Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of urban and regional planning, including current trends in land use, zoning, housing, environmental review, transportation, economic development, community development, and construction processes.
• Familiarity with the legal and regulatory framework governing municipal planning in California, such as the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), the Subdivision Map Act, and local General Plan elements.
• Local government structure, public administration principles, and interagency coordination.
• Understanding of zoning codes and ordinances, urban design and development standards, site planning, and architectural review processes.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying statistical data, Geographic Information System ("GIS") mapping, and drafting techniques, as well as the use of relevant planning tools and software to support analysis and presentation of planning information.

Ability to:

• Independently conduct complex planning research, analyze and interpret data, and make sound recommendations on land use and development matters.
• Independently initiate, organize, and manage complex planning projects and programs with minimal supervision, while effectively balancing technical accuracy, community priorities, and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and present clear, well-organized reports, graphics, and presentations to commissions, governing bodies, and the public.
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, ordinances, and policies to planning projects and development proposals.
• Mentor Planning Technicians and Assistant Planners.
• Work effectively with elected officials, community groups, developers, and other City departments and divisions in a collaborative and solutions-oriented manner. Manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, exercise sound judgment, and represent the City in a professional and approachable manner.

Supplemental Information

SELECTION PROCESS:APPLICATION SCREENING:Applications, resumes, supplemental questionnaire and/ or other required documentation will be evaluated on a comparative basis. Those individuals whose materials best indicate possession of the stated requirements, may be invited to continue to the next step in the selection process.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE:All applicants are required to complete the questionnaire and include requested information. This questionnaire will be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: A select number of the most experienced and best qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an oral board interview weighted at 100%.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Closing of recruitment: Tuesday, July 15
• Application review: Ongoing
• Tentative Oral Board Interviews (in-person): Wednesday, July 23, 2025
• Tentative Management Interviews: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

CURRENT BENEFITS - MISCELLANEOUS MEMBERS

Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and Social Security.

• Classic Members - Retirement formula of 2% at age 60 with a 3 year final compensation period. Classic Members contribute 7% toward retirement.
• New Members - Under the new pension reform law, Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13 those defined as New Members of PERS are eligible for the 2% at age 62 retirement formula with a 3 year final compensation period. New Members are required to contribute towards pension. Effective 07/01/2023, the contribution rate is 7.75%.

Deferred Comp: City contribution of 1.6% gross monthly earnings into a 457 deferred compensation retirement plan (ICMA).

Vacation: Fifteen days vacation for the first four years of service. Maximum 25 days annually after 20 years of service.

Holidays: Fourteen and one-half days per year and seven days of floating holiday time.

Sick Leave: Accrued indefinitely at the rate of eight (8) hours per month. PERS service credit for unused sick upon service retirement.

Longevity Pay: 2% at fifteen (15) years of service.

Bilingual Pay: $100 per month for one or more languages.

Health Insurance: The City contracts with the Public Employees' Retirement System for health benefits for this group. Effective 1/1/25, the City contributes $1,001.61 for employee, $2,003.22 for employee +1, and $2,604.19 for family coverage with the employee contributing a portion of the monthly premium. MCP available online at www.cityofmartinez.org.

Dental Insurance: The City pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for the employee and dependents. Dental plan includes orthodontic coverage.

Vision Insurance: The City pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for the employee and dependents.

Life/Disability: The City pays the premium for life up to $200,000 and disability insurance for the employee only. Voluntary, supplemental plan available for additional life insurance.

Health Club Reimbursement: The City pays up to $50 a month for health club membership.

Training/Education Reimbursement: The City pays up to $1000 per fiscal year. See MCP for details.
01

The purpose of this supplemental questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their qualifications and to assist in assessing applicant's individual qualifications. Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate your relevant experience and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Although you may submit your resume or other additional information, such items may not be submitted in lieu of the questionnaire. DO NOT answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached resume." Also, please be concise limiting your responses to the information that is relevant to each question.

• I Understand

02

Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree in city or regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, public policy, sociology, geography, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered YES to the previous question, please indicate your major. If you answered NO, please write N/A.
04

Do you possess at least three (3) years of experience in City or Regional Planning? (Masters degree may replace one year of experience)

• Yes
• No

05

Select all areas in which you have direct planning experience:

• Sustainability
• Historic Preservation
• Hillside Development
• Waterfront Planning
• Economic Development
• Transportation Planning
• Affordable Housing
• Policy Development and Implementation
• General Plan Updates
• Architecture and Landscape Design

06

Considering all the areas of experience listed in item #5 above, which of the areas is of particular interest to you and why?
07

The Associate Planner position performs complex planning work in the land use decision making process. Please provide a summary (in 500 words or less) of your education, training, and work experience related to current and long-range planning, the California Environmental Quality Act, the Subdivision Map Act, and California Planning and Zoning laws.
08

Summarize your experience making presentations to a stakeholder group, design review body, planning commission, city council, or other elected or appointed bodies. Optional: Please attach a sample of a presentation you prepared to your application.
09

I have included a copy of a sample presentation to my application.

• Yes
• No

10

Indicate what software you use on a day to day basis to help perform your planning duties.

• Accela
• ESRI GIS
• Adobe CS
• MUNIS
• Granicus
• Canva
• SharePoint

11

Do you possess an American Institute of Certified Planners ("AICP") certification?

• Yes
• No

12

Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

13

I have reviewed my application for this recruitment and confirm that my professional experience and employment history are current and accurate.

• Yes
• No

Required Question