Assistant Planner (PROMOTIONAL

This is an internal promotional recruitment, only open to City of Napa full-time classified employees.

WANTED:
An Assistant Planner who is passionate about shaping communities through thoughtful planning, enjoys working in a collaborative team environment, and is eager to contribute to the City of Napa's dynamic Planning Division.

Are you interested in producing excellent work in the areas of planning? Do you excel at assisting the public with planning applications, providing information in a timely manner, and implementing your project management skills? Are you someone who thrives in an innovative, fast-paced work environment?

The City of Napa is seeking applicants for an Assistant Planner in the Planning Division of our Community Resources and Development Department. The Community Resources and Development Department provides a full range of development-related services, including planning, building, economic development, parking and code enforcement. The Planning Division is responsible for guiding private development in accordance with State law and the City’s adopted land use and physical development policies, regulations and guidelines.

As an Assistant Planner, you will be responsible for performing professional and technical level work in the field of current and advanced planning, and providing information and assistance to developers, the business community and the public on planning, zoning, resource management, historical preservation and development related matters. Our Assistant Planners play an integral role in processing application for rezoning, specific plan amendments, subdivision maps, annexations, use permits, variances and other related items.

Under direction from our Planning Manager or Senior Planners, you will be tasked with preparing materials and making presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council, as well as community groups. Our Assistant Planner will also assist the department with launching a new land management platform, Ener Gov.

We are searching for an individual with planning experience who is looking to apply their professional expertise in an active, vibrant, mid-size community. The ideal candidate is an adaptable self-starter who demonstrates emotional intelligence and collaborates well with other departments and divisions within our organization.

The Assistant Planner is the entry level class in the professional planning series. This class is distinguished from the Associate Planner by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series including the responsibility for assignments in the fields of current or advanced planning which require the application of fundamental planning principles. Assistant Planners receive greater day-to-day supervision and guidance as they develop a range of experience.

The Assistant Planner role is designed to support early-career professionals who are building foundational experience in municipal planning. Candidates with transferable skills from related fields such as environmental studies, architecture, housing, or public policy are encouraged to apply. While direct planning experience is preferred, the Assistant position offers opportunities for mentorship, training, and professional growth.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of gaining the requisite knowledge and abilities is:

Education: Possession of the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, economics, or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job class.

Experience: Some prior experience performing urban planning is desirable.

Ideal candidates for the position of Assistant Planner will have shown success in demonstrating the following competencies:

• Technical Knowledge and Skill - Knowledge of principles and practices of planning; keeping up with current developments and trends in planning.
• Customer Focus - Dedication to public service to provide an experience that satisfies both internal and external customers.
• Collaborating - Working collaboratively to help a team or work group achieve its goals.
• Planning & Organizing - Establishing an action plan for self and others to complete work efficiently and on time by setting priorities, establishing timelines, and using resources.
• Resolving Conflict - Helping others deal effectively with an antagonistic situation to minimize damage to the relationships and promote shared goals; using appropriate interpersonal methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people and facilitate agreement.
• Adaptability - Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment (e.g., people, processes, structure, or culture); adjusting effectively to change by exploring the benefits, trying new approaches, and collaborating with others to make the change…