UPCOMING SALARY INCREASES:

Additional 2% Salary Increase effective January 2026

Additional 2% Salary Increase effective July 2026

Do you want to be an integral part of the Napa development review team? Are you eager to produce great work in the areas of land development, zoning, environmental review, and supervision of staff? Are you passionate about growing your career in local government?

The City of Napa is seeking an incredible Senior Planner who leads by example, thrives in a dynamic environment, and enjoys developing those around them as much as they pride themselves in their planning work.

APPLY TODAY to join a hardworking team that strives to make our community and organization a better place!

***Application filing deadline is Sunday, July 27, 2025***

Appy here: Senior Planner | Job Details tab | Career Pages

The City of Napa is seeking applicants for one (1) Senior Planner opening in the Planning Division of our Community Development Department. The Community Development Department provides a full range of development-related services, including planning, building, economic development, parking and code enforcement.

The Planning Division is responsible for guiding private development in accordance with State law and the City's adopted land use and physical development policies, regulations and guidelines. Major tasks include implementation and administration of land use and development policies and regulations; assisting residents, developers and real estate professionals with land use questions and procedures; and conducting environmental review. Under direction, this position will be assigned to the team tasked with reviewing the most complex development proposals, which includes the interpretation and application of land use policies and or/regulations when reviewing and preparing and presenting applications for administrative, Planning Commission, or City Council review. This position will also include direct supervision of subordinate staff as well as reviewing the work of consultants to ensure the overall quality of professional planning work. This position may also work with the Senior Planner assigned to Long Range planning on implementing new codes and city policy.

We are searching for an experienced planner who is looking to apply their professional expertise in an active, vibrant, mid-sized community. The ideal candidate is an adaptable self-starter who demonstrates emotional intelligence and collaborates well with other departments and divisions. You will also be well versed in a wide variety of planning principles and have knowledge of the current trends in municipal planning. The Senior Planner will have an integral role in shepherding the approval of highly complex projects which are visible locally, nationally and internationally. The Senior Planner will have the opportunity to make an impact on the future of Napa by leading major City initiated planning efforts, including the implementation of the 2040 General Plan. As a Senior Planner, you will be responsible for supervising professional planning and administrative support staff, as well as providing direction to consultants. Our Senior Planner will also assist the department with launching a new land management platform, EnerGov.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of gaining the requisite knowledge and abilities is:

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in urban planning or closely related field. A Master's degree in urban planning or a related field is desired.

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible journey level professional experience performing local government land use planning, consultant/contract management and land use regulatory duties. Major program management responsibility and/or supervisory experience is also desirable.

Special Requirements: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required; independent travel will be required; attendance at evening meetings may be required.

Ideal candidates for the position of Senior Planner will have shown success in demonstrating the following competencies:

• Technical Knowledge and Skill - Knowledge of principles and practices of planning; keeping up with current developments and trends in planning.
• Collaborating - Working cooperatively with others to help a team or work group achieve its goals.
• Planning & Organizing - Establishing an action plan for self and others to complete work efficiently and on time by setting priorities, establishing timelines, and leveraging resources.
• Resolving Conflict - Helping others deal effectively with an antagonistic situation to minimize damage to the relationships and promote shared goals; using appropriate interpersonal methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people and facilitate agreement.
• Adaptability - Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment (e.g., people, processes, structure, or culture); adjusting effectively to change by exploring the benefits, trying new approaches, and collaborating with others to make the change successful.
• Decision Making - Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions; taking action that is consistent with available facts and constraints and optimizes probable consequences.
• Coaching & Developing Others - Providing feedback, instruction, and development guidance to help others excel in their current or future job responsibilities; planning and supporting the development of individual skills and abilities.

Please click here for a full, detailed job description for the classification of Senior Planner.

This recruitment and examination is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and may be used to fill future similar vacancies as they occur during the active status of the employment list. The active status of this employment list will be for six (6) months unless abolished sooner or extended beyond that date in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.