Senior Planner

Lafayette; Lafayette (CA); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Commuter benefits

EAP

Vision & dental options

Job summary

The City of Lafayette is seeking an experienced Senior Planner to join the Planning Department and help shape Lafayette’s future. You will lead complex development reviews, advise on zoning and land use, and guide long-range planning while mentoring junior staff.

Posting notes: the position requires a four-year degree in urban planning or related field (master’s desirable) and some evening meetings. A hybrid work schedule may be possible.

Qualifications

• Six years of planning and environmental review experience.
• Degree in urban planning or related field; master’s preferred.
• Availability for some evening meetings with City Council and commissions.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex development proposals ensuring alignment with Lafayette’s vision.
• Conduct environmental impact reviews and guide sustainability efforts.
• Advise on zoning, land use, and development codes for architects and residents.
• Lead long-range planning initiatives to enhance city function and character.
• Supervise and mentor junior planners to ensure high quality work.
• Engage with community and government to drive innovative solutions.

Skills

Planning experience

Environmental review

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Public speaking

Communication

Leadership

Community engagement

Education

Urban planning degree

Public administration degree

Master's degree desirable

Job description

• Salary/Pay Rate: $112,177 - $156,824 annually DOE
• Posted Date: 10/16/2026 3:00 PM

We’re looking for thoughtful urban planners to join the Planning Department and help us shape Lafayette’s future!

Are you excited about shaping communities and making a lasting impact? The City of Lafayette (pop. 24,000) is looking for an experienced Senior Planner to play a key role in maintaining our city’s charm while supporting thoughtful growth and development.

Located just 20 minutes from San Francisco via BART, Lafayette offers a vibrant downtown, scenic hillsides, and top-rated schools. Our residents value a small-town atmosphere with personalized service, and we need a dynamic planner to help guide the city's future.

Please note: Cover Letter is required.

What You’ll Do

As Senior Planner, you will take on meaningful and impactful projects, including:

• Managing complex development proposals and ensuring projects align with Lafayette’s vision.
• Conducting environmental impact reviews and guiding sustainability efforts.
• Advising architects, builders, and residents on zoning, land use, and development codes.
• Leading long-range planning initiatives to enhance Lafayette’s function and character.
• Supervising and mentoring lower-level planners to support their professional growth and ensure high-quality work.
• Engaging with the community and local government to drive innovative solutions.

What You Bring

We are looking for a high-energy, self-motivated, and creative professional who is:

• Experienced in planning and environmental review – At least six years of relevant experience required.
• Detail-oriented and analytical – You will tackle complex zoning and land use issues with precision.
• An excellent communicator – Strong writing and public speaking skills are essential.
• A natural problem solver – You will provide innovative and customized solutions.
• Energy by community engagement – You enjoy working with residents to shape the future.
• A strong leader – You have experience supervising and mentoring junior staff.

A four-year degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is required. A master’s degree is highly desirable.

Must be available for some evening hours to attend City Council and Commission meetings.

Compensation & Schedule

• This is an exempt, salaried position with a hiring salary range of $112,177-$156,824 annually DOE and not eligible for overtime.
• This position may require working more than 8 hours and may have occasional evening/night work including availability for some evening hours to attend City Council and Commission meetings.
• Flexible work options are available: 4/10, 9/80, and partial hybrid work schedule may be possible during specific work seasons per supervisor’s approval.

Why Join Us?

We offer competitive salary and benefits, including:

• Retirement Security – Up to 15% City-paid contributions to a 401-A plan, including a 5% match for a total potential contribution amount of 20%. Ability to also enroll into additional voluntary 457 plan. We do not participate in CalPERS retirement.
• Health & Wellness – City covers 95% of health and dental insurance costs for employees and their eligible dependents or provides an allowance equal to 15% of salary towards deferred compensation plan if you have alternate medical coverage.
• Life Insurance – City provides a fully paid $50,000 life insurance policy.
• Ancillary Benefits – Optional Vision, FSA & Commuter plans, and supplemental Life Insurance available.
• Generous Time Off – 11.5 days of starting vacation accrual and an additional 2 weeks of paid time off annually for exempt positions, 12 days of sick leave accrual, and 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday.
• Commuter Reimbursement – Receive 50% reimbursement on BART fare commuting to and from work.
• Employee Assistance Program – Free and confidential support for personal and professional challenges including counseling, financial wellness coaching, legal consultation, and more for employees and their eligible dependents.