Planning Division Manager

City of Fairfield; Fairfield (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(a) Deferred Compensation

457 Deferred Compensation

Personal Leave

Vacation 10–20 days

CalPERS pension

Life insurance

Health, vision and dental plans

Tuition Reimbursement

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

The City of Fairfield invites your interest in the Planning Division Manager role, a key leadership position shaping Fairfield during growth, housing production, and major development activity. You will guide a planning team, mentor staff, and collaborate on entitlement projects and infrastructure coordination.

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to influence long-range planning strategies for Fairfield.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or related field.
• 7+ years of urban planning experience with 3+ years in supervisory/management roles.
• AICP certification desired but not required.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor planning staff and functions.
• Oversee complex entitlement projects, development agreements, and infrastructure coordination.
• Guide General Plan implementation and major development activity.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

The City of Fairfield invites your interest for the position of Planning Division Manager!

The City of Fairfield is seeking an innovative professional planner with strong technical skills and a proven track record for leading and mentoring teams. This position offers the opportunity to help shape Fairfield during a period of growth, General Plan implementation, housing production, and major development activity.

IMPORTANT DATES

Filing Deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Preliminary Screening: October 5-16, 2026

Recommendation of Candidates: October 21, 2026

First Interviews: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Finalist Interview(s) with Hiring Manager: Thursday, November 12, 2026

ABOUT FAIRFIELD

Fairfield, the heart of Solano County, is a diverse and growing community located halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento in the North Bay Area. With 24 parks, numerous bike trails and two championship golf courses, Fairfield is a great family community with just under 123,000 residents. It is a thriving business hub with notable international companies such as Jelly Belly, Clorox, Ball Metal, and Meyer Corporation. Fairfield offers a regional shopping center, a large auto mall, and is home to Travis Air Force Base, the County’s largest employer. Bordered by farms and vineyards, the City’s well-developed infrastructure and business-friendly attitude provide the foundation for strong growth and an enhanced quality of life.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major work in planning, landscape architecture, public administration, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree in planning or related field is highly desired.

Experience:

7 or more years of professional experience in urban planning, including a minimum of 3 years of supervisory or management experience over planning staff and functions. Significant experience with complex entitlement projects, development agreements, infrastructure phasing coordination, or master planned communities is highly desirable.

License or Certificates:

• Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License is required. Possession of a valid equivalent is acceptable during the application process.
• AICP Certification or similar certification is desired but not required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Estimated Total Compensation: $199,277 - $235,675

Base Salary: $147,090 - $178,789

The estimated total compensation includes base salary and the annualized value of employer-paid benefits and contributions, such as deferred compensation, medical/dental/vision insurance, retiree health contributions, and other applicable benefits. Actual compensation and benefit values may vary based on individual benefit elections, coverage levels, and length of service.

The City offers a robust benefits package featuring generous leave accruals and retirement contributions. Key benefits include:

• 401(a) Deferred Compensation: City contributes 10% of salary; employee contributes a minimum of 4%
• 457 Deferred Compensation: Optional employee-funded plan with pre-tax and/or Roth contribution options
• Personal Leave: 100 hours annually (accrues at 3.85 hours/pay period)
• Vacation: 10–20 days annually based on years of City service
• CalPERS pension eligibility
• City-paid life insurance and generous contributions to retirement health savings
• Generous contributions to Health, vision and dental plans
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $4,000 annually
• A 9/80 work schedule

The City of Fairfield is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism.