Come Join Our Team!
THE CITY OF NOVATO IS RECRUITING
FOR
PLANNER I/II
*The offer of Planner I or Planner II will be based on the successful candidates training and experience*
Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Sunday May 11 2025
The City of Novato is seeking a motivated and detailoriented Planner I/II to join our Community Development team. This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging or experienced planning professional to contribute to the Citys growth and development while working on a variety of current and longrange planning projects.
We are looking for a proactive and analytical individual who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys problemsolving. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in land use planning zoning regulations and environmental review processes. They will also be skilled in conducting research analyzing development proposals and working with developers residents and community stakeholders to ensure projects align with the Citys vision and regulatory standards.
Novato is a dynamic and forwardthinking organization that values innovation teamwork and public service. Whether you are starting your planning career or looking to apply your expertise at a higher level this role offers an excellent opportunity to grow and make a meaningful impact in our community. We encourage you to apply!
Additional Benefits
- 9/80 work schedule every other Friday off
- Accrue vacation at a rate of 80 hours per year
- Provided with 40 hours of sick leave upon hire
- 14 paid holidays per year
- Monthly health premium paid by the City up to $2893.54 depending on enrollment
- Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Agency
- Free parking on site
- Office is within walking distance of terrific restaurants shopping and the downtown SMART station
THE CITY OF NOVATO
Novato residents enjoy a thriving and familyoriented community with abundant educational recreational retail and business opportunities. Residents are actively involved in important local quality of life decisions and the future direction of their City. The City Council encourages a high level of interaction between its citizenry and city government so that important issues are collaboratively explored and ideas are shared to develop the best possible outcomes. With a population of nearly 56000 the community continues to foster a smalltown atmosphere due to its low population density large open space areas and parks vibrant downtown and inclusive community. With an abundance of natural beauty a rich history comfortable neighborhoods a diversified economy a promising life sciences industry and passage of Measure M (sales tax) the City is wellpositioned to continue to thrive into the 21st century!
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITIONTo perform professional level work in the field of current and advanced planning; and to provide information and assistance to developers the business community and the public on planning housing and development related matters; and process development permit applications.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Planner IThis is the entry level class in the professional planning series. Work activities involve the responsibility for assignments in the fields of current or advance planning or environmental analysis which require the application of fundamental planning principles. Assignments are generally limited in scope and within the design and procedural framework established by higher level employees. However as experience is acquired the employee performs with increasing independence. The Planner I position is a training position. As assigned responsibilities and breadth of knowledge increase with experience incumbents are expected to be performing at a journey level and to be reassigned to the next higher class of Planner II upon meeting the distinguishing characteristics of this position.
Planner IIThis is the journey level class in the professional planning series. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Planner I or when filled from the outside require prior professional planning work experience. Work involves responsibility for the application of professional knowledge and skills to various municipal planning 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. Work in this class is distinguished from that of the Planner I class by the greater complexity of the assignments received and by the greater independence with which the incumbent is expected to operate.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Planner I
Receives general supervision and direction from the Senior Planner Principal Planner or Deputy Director.
May exercise functional and technical supervision over technical and clerical staff.
Receives direction from the Principal Planner or Deputy Director.
May exercise functional and technical supervision over technical and clerical staff.
QUALIFICATIONS
Planner I
Knowledge of:
Modern principles and practices of urban planning and development.
Site planning and architectural design including reading and interpreting design drawings.
Current literature information sources and research techniques in the field of urban planning.
Modern office methods practices procedures and computer equipment.
Professional writing principles and practices including proper grammar and format.
Ability to:
Learn laws underlying general plans zoning and land divisions.
Learn applicable environmental laws and regulations and methods of assessment.
Learn interpret and explain planning and zoning regulations and procedures to the general public.
Analyze and compile statistical and technical information including recommendations regarding the use of property.
Prepare a variety of planning reports.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Effectively interact and communicate with others.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Some directly related planning experience is desirable such as an internship with a planning agency or private firm engaged in planning or an agency/firm focused on land development (architecture civil engineering etc.)
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning regional planning or a related field.
Planner II
In addition to the qualifications for Planner I:
Knowledge of:
Laws underlying general plans zoning and land divisions.
Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Perform professional planning work with a minimum of supervision.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of professional planning experience.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning regional planning or a related field.
Working Conditions and Environmental Conditions:
Work in a typical office environment utilizing computers. Occasional attendance at night and weekend meetings and events is required. Duties require positions to on a continuous basis sit at a desk for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is important to complete all required application materials including the supplemental questionnaire and any required additional documents. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Qualified applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to continue in the selection process which may consist solely of an application screening or may include a written examination skills assessment oral appraisal interview assessment center or other activity selected by the Human Resources Department and the hiring department. As a result of the selection process an eligibility list of qualified candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies as long as the eligibility list remains active. Candidates who score the highest in the selection process will be required to pass a reference and background exam prior to receiving a conditional job offer. Candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment will be required to pass a preemployment medical and drug screen examination prior to receiving a final job offer.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Only online applications will be accepted. To be considered for this exciting opportunity candidates must complete an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. The supplemental questionnaire is part of the application; please provide sufficient detail to enable your answers to be rated.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59PM on Sunday May 11 2025
Accommodation:Applicants who may require special assistance in any step of the selection process should advise Human Resources by emailing upon submittal of application.
The City of Novato is an Equal Opportunity Employer