Associate Planner ($95,560 to $129,006/yr)

Company: City of Millbrae
Location: San Francisco
Posted on: April 3, 2025

Job Description:

An excellent opportunity to help build a growing community

If you would like to know a bit more about this opportunity, or are considering applying, then please read the following job information.
Enjoy an annual salary of $95,560 to $129,006, along with a host of benefits
Join a supportive team environment

About the City of Millbrae

Located in the heart of San Mateo County, California, the City of Millbrae is a vibrant community with a rich history and an exciting future. With its breathtaking natural beauty, thriving economy, and world-class amenities, Millbrae is a gem of the Bay Area. Boasting top-rated schools, a bustling downtown area, and a host of recreational opportunities, there is something for everyone here. Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors, indulge in some retail therapy, or savor delicious cuisine from around the world, Millbrae has it all. And with its close proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, this city is truly a hub of innovation and opportunity.

Embark on high-profile and cutting-edge development projects in Millbrae, focusing on sustainable planning, economic vitality, and enhanced community living. Contribute to innovative planning policies, vibrant economic strategies, and the beautification of open spaces, paving the way for a dynamic and flourishing future.

To learn more about us, please visit our website by ci.millbrae.ca.us

About the Opportunity

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a full-time Associate Planner based in Millbrae, California.

Reporting to the Planning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the City's planning initiatives through the management of current and long-range development projects within a collaborative, small team environment.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for conducting professional planning work across a variety of land use and development projects, while helping the City adapt to evolving state laws and planning best practices.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Conducting planning projects involving land use, housing, transportation, environmental topics, and related subjects
Researching and conferring with applicants, stakeholders, and agencies to identify problems and opportunities
Processing use permits, business licenses, rezoning, and subdivision variances
Preparing studies, reports, and plans for mid-range and long-range planning initiatives
Participating in updates to the General Plan, Parks Master Plan, and planning-related laws, ordinances, and regulations
Drafting and implementing design guidelines, checklists, applicant guides, and planning procedures
Analyzing data to ensure compliance with local and state laws, and resolving project conflicts
Preparing and presenting staff reports, findings, and recommendations to commissions, Council, and the public
Reviewing and coordinating planning applications with City departments and outside agencies
Ensuring development proposals are properly noticed and reviewed under CEQA and State Law
Occasional evening and weekend work will be required
Other duties as assigned

More About You

Education: Graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in city or regional planning, urban planning, public policy, or a closely related field. Master's degree in a related field is highly desirable.

Experience: 5 years of increasingly professional work experience in municipal planning. 2 years of experience can be substituted by a Master's degree.

Licenses: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record

Special Requirements: Speak clearly and understandably; operate standard computer programs. Ability to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Millbrae to meet program needs and fulfill the job responsibilities. When driving on City business, maintenance of a California driver's license and satisfactory driver's record is required. Must be able to actively participate in evening meetings.

The following knowledge and abilities will also be essential:

Knowledge of municipal planning principles, CEQA, State planning law, and the Subdivision Map Act
Familiarity with zoning, land use, housing, and transportation planning
Experience with site planning, environmental review, and project design
Ability to interpret and apply local and state regulations to planning projects
Proficiency in GIS, Microsoft Office, and other planning-related software
Skill in preparing detailed staff reports, maps, charts, and planning graphics
Confidence in presenting to City Council, Planning Commission, and the public
Aptitude for managing complex planning caseloads independently
Ability to read and interpret architectural and construction plans
Willingness to mentor and provide day-to-day support to junior planning staff

As our ideal candidate, you will possess excellent analytical and communication skills, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small, fast-paced team. You are confident taking ownership of a significant caseload, navigating planning complexities with minimal supervision, and offering guidance to junior staff when needed. Your adaptability, problem-solving mindset, and attention to detail will make you an effective contributor to the City's planning efforts.

This is a dynamic and meaningful opportunity for a planning professional to help shape the future of Millbrae. We are looking for someone who is motivated, responsive to change, and ready to lead by example - someone who thrives in a supportive team while confidently managing projects and mentoring others.

If you are an Assistant Planner that is ready to advance in your career, we encourage you to apply.

About the Benefits

As a valued member of our team, you will be rewarded with a competitive annual salary of $95,560 to $129,006, depending on your skills and experience, along with the following benefits:

1) Leave accruals

11 days (88 hours) national holidays observed per year
40 hours Floating holiday leave per calendar year with cash out option
40 hours Management leave per fiscal year with cash out option
14 hours General leave per month (21 days/year); General leave accrual goes up with years of service
Maximum accumulation of General Leave accrual is 1,040 hours (6 months)

2) Health Coverage

$2,654.19/mo medical allowance towards CalPERS health plans in 2025
$572/mo cash stipend for opting out of health coverage (proof of health coverage is required)
Up to $300/mo cash stipend for selecting employee-only or employee+1 coverage
You are still eligible for Dental and Vision coverage even if you opt out of Health coverage


3) Dental coverage

City Paid Ameritas PPO plan through The Standard for employee, spouse, and dependent children up to age 26
$2,000 annual maximum for each covered member
Max Builder benefit


4) Vision coverage

City Paid VSP Choice plan for employee, spouse, and dependent children up to age 26


5) CalPERS

CalPERS retirement formula of 2.7% @ 55 for classic members or 2% @ 62 for PEPRA members


6) Other Benefits

City paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance
City paid Life insurance plan; coverage is 2.5 times the annual salary amount up to $400,000
City paid AD&D insurance; coverage is 2.5 times the annual salary amount up to $400,000
Deferred Compensation 457 and Roth Plans through CalPERS and/or MissionSquare
Flexible spending accounts for medical, dependent care, transit, and parking
Employee Assistance Program
Additional group rate insurance plans available

If you are a self-motivated individual eager to contribute to a growing community, then we would love to hear from you - apply today!

Keywords: City of Millbrae, San Francisco , Associate Planner ($95,560 to $129,006/yr), Other , San Francisco, California