We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!
Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Senior Planner to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development.
Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.
Join a team of dedicated, energetic, and talented professionals in a city that truly values its employees. If you have a passion for urban planning, exceptional analytical skills, and a commitment to community development, we want to hear from you.
Please note: Cover Letter is required.
What You’ll Do
As Senior Planner, you will take on meaningful and impactful projects, including:
- Managing complex development proposals and ensuring projects align with Lafayette’s vision.
- Conducting environmental impact reviews and guiding sustainability efforts.
- Advising architects, builders, and residents on zoning, land use, and development codes.
- Leading long-range planning initiatives to enhance Lafayette’s function and character.
- Supervising and mentoring lower-level planners to support their professional growth and ensure high-quality work.
- Engaging with the community and local government to drive innovative solutions.
What You Bring
We are looking for a high-energy, self-motivated, and creative professional who is:
- Experienced in planning and environmental review – At least six years of relevant experience required.
- Detail-oriented and analytical – You will tackle complex zoning and land use issues with precision.
- An excellent communicator – Strong writing and public speaking skills are essential.
- A natural problem solver – You will provide innovative and customized solutions.
- Energy by community engagement – You enjoy working with residents to shape the future.
- A strong leader – You have experience supervising and mentoring junior staff.
A four-year degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is highly desirable.
Must be available for some evening hours to attend City Council and Commission meetings.
Compensation & Schedule
- This is an exempt, salaried position with a hiring salary range of $109,441-$152,999 annually DOE and not eligible for overtime.
- This position may require working more than 8 hours and may have occasional evening/night work including availability for some evening hours to attend City Council and Commission meetings.
- Flexible work options are available: 4/10, 9/80, and partial hybrid work schedule may be possible during specific work seasons per supervisor’s approval.
Why Join Us?
We offer competitive salary and benefits, including:
- Retirement Security – Up to 15% City-paid contributions to a 401-A plan, including a 5% match for a total potential contribution amount of 20%. Ability to also enroll into additional voluntary 457 plan. We do not participate in CalPERS retirement.
- Health & Wellness – City covers 95% of health and dental insurance costs for employees and their eligible dependents or provides an allowance equal to 15% of salary towards deferred compensation plan if you have alternate medical coverage.
- Life Insurance – City provides a fully paid $50,000 life insurance policy.
- Ancillary Benefits – Optional Vision, FSA & Commuter plans, and supplemental Life Insurance available.
- Generous Time Off – 11.5 days of starting vacation accrual and an additional 2 weeks of paid time off annually for exempt positions, 12 days of sick leave accrual, and 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
- Commuter Reimbursement – Receive 50% reimbursement on BART fare commuting to and from work.
- Employee Assistance Program – Free and confidential support for personal and professional challenges including counseling, financial wellness coaching, legal consultation, and more for employees and their eligible dependents.
To see a complete listing of our benefits, please find them here.
Join Our Team!
This is your chance to be part of a team that’s not just planning for tomorrow — but actively building it today. If you're ready to join our Planning team as our next Senior Planner, apply today! This position is open until filled.
