Job Details

Salary : $89,071.00 - $108,267.00 Annually
Location : St. Helena
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-01
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 08/15/2025
ClosingDate: 9/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SHEA

Annual Salary
Minimum

Maximum

Assistant Planner

$83,405
$101,380
Benefits

Providers

Cost

Health Insurance

Kaiser or Anthem

$40,236

Dental Insurance

Ameritas

$1,718

Vision Insurance

VSP

$218
Life InsuranceLife Insurance $58Deferred Compensation MatchCity Match$900

Total Cost of City Paid Benefits

$43,130
Annual Compensation Including City Paid Benefits
Minimum

Maximum

Assistant Planner

$126,535

$144,510
DEFINITION:

Under the direction of the Community Development Director, performs professional land use and urban planning work, including current and advanced planning, and implementation of the City's General Plan; reviews complex zoning and development applications; presents projects to the Planning Commission; coordinates special projects; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Assistant Planner

The Assistant Planner is the entry level classification in the professional Planning series that allows the incumbent to develop journey-level knowledge and abilities in the field of municipal planning. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents learn to perform a variety of fundamental support activities in the area of current and advanced planning. This class is distinguished from the Associate Planner in that the latter works with a higher degree of independence while analyzing more complex issues and performing the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is alternatively staffed with Associate Planner.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Receives supervision from the Community Development Director or designee. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.

• Provides factual and interpretive information to the public regarding land use plans, policies, zoning ordinance requirements, environmental review procedures, application filing procedures and the permit review process; responds to the public in a timely manner and consistent with Department direction.
• Reviews a variety of land use applications and other agency referrals for consistency with adopted plans and regulations; develops staff recommendations in coordination with other responsible agencies, conducts environmental reviews and writes comprehensive staff reports
• Researches, analyzes and writes routine planning reports, and resolutions for a variety of projects; completes work product within established deadlines.
• Conducts studies and research involving the planning aspects of economic, social and environmental conditions by tabulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical and factual data to develop basis for conclusion; Develops methods for tracking data as necessary.
• Researches, collects and records factual property and resource information from a variety of sources including electronic databases, GIS, etc.); maintains information in the County's computer database; operates various office equipment including a personal computer and microfiche.
• Performs field inspections to determine compliance with permit approval conditions and to verify the accuracy of information submitted as part of the application process.
• Prepares and submits grant applications, ensures compliance with funding requirements, and completes timely reporting to granting agencies under the direction of the Administrative Services Department.
• Assists with Building Permit reviews for zoning code compliance.
• Assists with the maintenance of department data file management.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, city management, staff and the public.

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for an Assistant Planner. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, regional planning or a related field. Some professional or para- professional experience in urban or regional planning is desirable.
License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Possession of an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)
Knowledge of:
Modern principles, practices and techniques of current planning; land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning; statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies; methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including the City Municipal Code, CEQA and California laws relating to subdivisions, , zoning and land use methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as GIS, agenda management, permit tracking, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Apply policies, procedures and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process; interpret maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs and statistical data; attend evening meetings as required; interpret, explain and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; review planning applications and develop and implement appropriate responses; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; exercise organization and balance a multi-project work load; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Skill to:
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; operate graphic and presentation programs; demonstrate writing, public speaking and problem-solving.
Retirement:

• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement: 2% at 55 formula for Classic members hired prior to January 1, 2012. 2% at 60 formula for Classic members hired on or after January 1, 2012. 2% at 62 for new (PEPRA) members hired on or after January 1, 2013.
  • Employee (EE) is responsible for payment of the EE share of the pension cost.
• City employees also participate in the Social Security system.
• Deferred Compensation Plan with a City match of $75/month.

Insurance:

• City-paid health, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Life Insurance-$25,000 - City Paid
• Dependent Care Program
• Medical Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program

Leaves:

• Vacation accrues at varying rates for full-time employees. The beginning accrual rate is generally ten working days per year, increasing with tenure.
• Twelve holidays annually.
• Two personal convenience days per year (increases to five days after five years).
• Sick leave (twelve days per year).
• Bereavement Pay - 5 days for death of immediate family.

Additional Pays:

• Longevity Pay - Available after 5 years of continuous service.
• Bilingual Pay - 2.5% written, 2.5% verbal