Assistant / Associate Planner

City of Tracy; Tracy (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tracy's Community & Economic Development Department is seeking an enthusiastic Assistant/Associate Planner to manage planning projects, review land use and development applications, and provide responsive customer service to applicants and the public.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work across departments to support the City's growth and regulatory processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field required.
• 1 year of planning-related experience for the Assistant level; 3 years for the Associate level.

Responsibilities

• Review development and land use proposals for CEQA compliance and zoning consistency.
• Coordinate with City departments and outside agencies; prepare staff reports and findings.
• Provide guidance to applicants, developers, and the public; interpret planning policies and codes.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field

Job description

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: September 10, 2026 @ 4:00 PM

Virtual Panel Oral Board Interviews (Tentative): September 23, 2026

Selection Interview: TBD

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Tracy’s Community & Economic Development Department is looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative planning professional to join our team as an Assistant/Associate Planner.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in municipal planning and community development, with experience or knowledge in areas such as development review, land use, zoning, environmental review, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). We are looking for someone who can effectively manage multiple projects and priorities, conduct research and analysis, prepare clear and concise staff reports, and provide responsive and professional assistance to applicants, developers, City staff, and members of the public.

The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and problem solver who demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellent customer service. They will enjoy working collaboratively across departments and building positive relationships with community members, outside agencies, and other stakeholders.

WHY CHOOSE CITY OF TRACY

The City of Tracy offers excellent pay, including4% COLA increasesin July 2027, and 2028. Employees approved to work a compressed work schedule also enjoy strong work–life balancethrough a9/80 schedule, providing a three-day weekend every other week.

Our competitive benefits packageincludes fully covered HMO Medical, Dental and Vision for employee + family, generous vacation and sick leave, life insurance, optional 457(b) deferred compensation with a City match, and longevity pay. We proudly participate in CalPERS, with employees enrolled in either the 2% @ 55or 2% @ 62formula based on eligibility, with retirement calculated using a three-year final compensation average.

For a full overview of everything we offer, check out our Benefits sectionto learn more about the programs and support available to City of Tracy employees. Together, these benefits reflect our commitment to employee well-being, long-term stability, and rewarding career growth.

DEFINITION

Under direct and general supervision, performs professional field and office planning work related to current and advance planning, including review of development and land use applications, zoning, site plans, and environmental documents; provides project management and administration; completes technical assessments and prepares written project analyses; provides professional advice and assistance to the public on planning, community development, zoning, permits, and environmental review; provides complex professional staff assistance to the Senior Planner, other departments, and the public in areas of expertise; performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct (Assistant Planner) and general (Associate Planner) supervision from supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Assistant Planner: This is the first working level class in the professional Planner series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic planning experience perform professional and technical planning work in current, advance, and/or environmental planning activities. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Associate Planner level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Associate Planner: This is the full journey-level class in the professional Planner series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of professional and technical planning work in current, advance, and/or environmental planning and daily departmental operations, in addition to providing project management and administration of assigned projects. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Planner level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Planner class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Associate level are normally filled by advancement from the Assistant level after gaining the knowledge, skill, and experience which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Reviews routine to complex commercial, industrial, and residential development proposals, plans, and applications for issuance of zoning clearance and for compliance with appropriate codes, ordinances, standards, laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
• Reviews permit applications and building plans for completeness and compliance with current City codes and regulations; provides interpretations of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, and local environmental guidelines; identifies corrective actions to be taken by owners; recommends improvement and rehabilitation programs.
• Coordinates with Building, Engineering and Code Compliance to receive, record and resolve zoning and code compliance complaints.
• Prepares or assists in preparing and reviewing environmental impact reports; prepares written initial studies, negative declarations, and staff reports related to development projects or City projects.
• Answers questions and provides information to applicants regarding zoning, land use, development standards, approved development proposals, and the City’s entitlement process.
• Serves as project manager on planning and development projects, which includes application and plan review, coordination with project applicants and other City departments, preparation and posting of legal notices, background research, environmental review, preparation of staff reports, scheduling meetings and hearings, and monitoring of project implementation to verify substantial conformance with approved plans, conditions, and mitigation measures; suggests revisions to site plans and architecture; inspects project development sites.
• Compiles information for a variety of studies and reports; researches, analyzes, and interprets social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; research and reviews previous entitlements and City records; develops recommendations and prepares written reports on various planning matters and the City’s General Plan; participates in the implementation and administration of the City’s General Plan and development regulations.
• Researches, collects, records, analyzes, interprets, and summarizes statistical and demographic information; prepares spreadsheets and establishes and maintains a comprehensive database.
• Prepares staff reports for the City Council, Planning Commission, and various other committees and advisory boards as directed; prepares research, reports, and maps and conducts briefings and meetings.
• Confers with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; provides and clarifies information relative to land use, zoning, code interpretation, general plan compliance, signage, and other issues.
• Researches and assists in preparing ordinances for review.
• Participates in coordinating City planning and development related activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.
• Refers to and applies numerous documents including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, State Planning laws, Municipal Code, Specific Plans, Redevelopment Guidelines, emergency operations manual, County tax assessor’s maps and records, building and architecture plans, etc.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning and other types of public services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Provide technical direction and training to consultants, other planning and technical staff, as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Some knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed by positions at the first working level (Assistant) in a learning capacity:

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Modern principles and practices of technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and environmental planning and program management.
• Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning.
• Comprehensive plans and current planning and development processes.
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive environmental planning program.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
• Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
• Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
• Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

ABILITY TO

• Interpret planning and zoning program procedure to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
• Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact related to various City programs and services.
• Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
• Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
• Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
• Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
• Direct the work of contract consultants.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, visual presentations, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Assistant and Associate Planner: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, or a related field.

Assistant Planner: One (1) year of professional experience in planning, zoning and related community development activities.

Associate Planner: Three (3) years of professional experience in planning, zoning and related community development activities, or two (2) years of experience equivalent to an Assistant Planner at the City of Tracy.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When conducting field inspections, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 10 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminant. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Tracy employees are, by State and Federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a “Local Emergency” is declared during the employee’s shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a “Local Emergency” is declared outside of the employee’s shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.