Assistant Planner

Interwest Consulting Group; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 61,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Interwest Consulting Group in Oakland, California, is seeking an Assistant Planner eager to learn and grow in a professional environment. This role involves supporting local governments with diverse planning projects, including zoning reviews and comprehensive plans, while gaining mentorship from seasoned planners.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 1–3 years of planning experience. The position offers a salary range of $30.00 - $45.00 per hour and excellent benefits including health insurance and 401K matching.

Qualifications

• Experience working in California public agency planning departments required.
• 1–3 years of experience in public or private sector planning.
• Proficiency in a second language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist city and county planning departments with current and long‑range planning tasks.
• Review site plans, zoning requests, and administrative applications.
• Provide public counter services and respond to community inquiries.

Skills

Urban planning

Strong written communication skills

Customer service

Project management

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Familiarity with GIS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, or a related field

Tools

Adobe Suite

Job description

Interwest is looking for an Assistant Planner who’s excited to learn, contribute, and grow alongside a team of experienced professionals shaping California communities every day.

At Interwest, you’ll gain hands‑on experience supporting local governments with a wide range of planning projects—from zoning and design review to comprehensive plan updates. You’ll be mentored by planners with decades of experience and supported by a company that believes your professional growth is key to our shared success. We are accepting applications for both full‑time and part‑time positions.

Assistant Planner duties and responsibilities

• Assist city and county planning departments with current and long‑range planning tasks
• Review site plans, zoning requests, and administrative applications
• Provide public counter services and respond to community inquiries
• Conduct research for comprehensive plan and code updates
• Prepare and present staff reports and recommendations to boards and commissions
• Build collaborative relationships with municipal staff and colleagues

We are looking for individuals who

For any position at Interwest, a positive outlook and commitment to great customer service are mandatory. Experience working in California public agency planning departments is required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, or a related field
• 1–3 years of experience in public or private sector planning (internships count)
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in community development
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite; familiarity with GIS or electronic permitting is a plus
• A team‑oriented mindset and commitment to excellent customer service
• Proficiency in a second language is a plus

Salary Range: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, paid holidays, paid time off, matching 401K Plans, wellness programs, and more. SAFEbuilt is committed to Career Progression through paid training and step increases for additional certifications and licenses.

SAFEbuilt is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor.

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [e-mail] or you may call us directly on 970-292-2200.