City of St Helena, CA
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 Closing Date:
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
$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 Closing Date:
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