| Location | Lodi, CA |
| Salary | $76,535.04–$93,028.68 Per Year |
Assistant/Associate Planner
Salary
$84,188.51 - $102,331.64 Annually
Location
Lodi City Hall 221 West Pine Street Lodi, CA
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
1245.11.2026
Department
Community Development
Opening Date
11/06/2026
Closing Date
12/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PLANNER - ONE POSITION AVAILABLE
Assistant Planner Salary Range $76,535.04 - $93,028.68
Associate Planner Salary Range $84,188.51 - $102,331.64
Join the City of Lodis Community Development Department as an Assistant or Associate Planner and help shape the future of our growing community! As a smaller city, Lodi offers planners the opportunity to work on a diverse range of current and long-range planning projects, gain hands-on experience, and take meaningful ownership of their work. Responsibilities include development review, zoning administration, CEQA compliance, public engagement, and preparation of staff reports and presentations. The City recently adopted its Downtown Specific Plan and is embarking on a comprehensive General Plan Update, including planning for new neighborhoods, employment areas, and future annexations. This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging or experienced planner looking to expand their skills and make a tangible impact on a community.
Job descriptions are intended to present a broad and general range of duties which includes, purpose, responsibilities, and scope of work. Job descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Performs professional work in the field of planning, environmental analysis, and economic development. May also perform duties as a Junior/Assistant or Associate Transportation Planner. Performs project work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Junior Planner - This is the entry level class in the professional planning class series. This position works under close supervision and does not perform the full range of planning duties.
Assistant Planner - Resulting from their experience as a Junior Planner, incumbents perform a wider range of planning duties, often with limited supervision.
Associate Planner - This is the full journey level class in the planning series. Positions in this class have the knowledge and ability to perform a variety of professional planning duties for the City. Work is of a greater complexity, with the incumbent learning and performing tasks in a more independent nature.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED
Junior Planner - Receives direction from higher level personnel.
Assistant and Associate Planner - Receives direction from higher level personnel May exercise technical or functional supervision over lower-level planning class positions and other personnel.
Examples of Duties
Junior Planner
Performs professional work in the field of planning, environmental analysis, and economic development.
Working with the public and developers/contractors, investigate and process requests for variance, zoning changes, subdivision plans, and general plan amendments; prepare legal descriptions and zoning for proposed annexations; prepare initial studies and declarations involving environmental matters with supportive justification; prepare and illustrate map; processes annexations.
Serves as staff for various committees
Assist in the preparation and presentation of reports on economic and land use data;
Responds to questions from the public regarding zoning and land use, parking requirements, General Plan designation, growth management, downtown revitalization, flood zone parameters;
Performs other duties related to the operation of the department and the City including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community
When Assigned to Transportation
Performs assorted reporting and tracking projects and documents; assists with the review, coordination, and comments for project environmental documents; perform analysis of transportation needs, including modeling, and assist in the development of master plans and projects;
Prepares and overseas various programs, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program for Public Works streets and transit projects;
Responsible for tracking ADA eligible transit patrons and -recertification details;
Assist in the administration of the Citys transportation systems such as Fixed Route and Dial-A-Ride services; assists in the preparation and tracking of system monitoring data to include ridership, on-time performance data, customer comments and fare collection;
Assists with various funding mechanisms and processes, including transportation Funding; assist in the preparation of Transit procurements;
Provides public assistance regarding comments or complaints;
Assist in the preparation of Council Communications on assorted work tasks; serves as Alternate representative to a variety of committees and meetings;
Coordinates with higher level personnel on the review of assorted Contractors performing work for the Transit Division;
Other duties related to the operation of the department and the city, including additional duties that enable the department and City to meet the diverse needs of its community.
Assistant Planner
In addition to the requirements for the Junior Planner:
Researches and applies general plan and zoning ordinances. Researches materials,
opinions and trends regarding planning matters.
Compiles economic, population, transportation, environmental, development, zoning, and housing data as assigned. Analyzes statistical, written and oral reports and correspondence related to assigned planning and analytical tasks.
Under direct supervision, may review development plans, documents, technical studies and reports for compliance with General Plan, codes, ordinances and state law. Prepares and presents recommendations to Department personnel regarding development proposals.
Assist in grant application and administration.
Identifies and proposes revision to the Lodi Zoning ordinance;
Associate Planner
In addition to the requirements for the Assistant Planner:
Reviews development plans, documents, technical studies and reports for compliance with General Plan, regional plans, codes, ordinances and state law. Prepares and presents recommendations to city officials and Department personnel regarding development proposals.
Participates in developing housing, environmental, transportation, population, fiscal and economic planning models and develop related databases.
Coordinates plan and documents review by various City departments and County, State and Federal agencies.
Advises the public, in preparation and filing a variety of applications such as zoning changes, variances, tentative maps, master plans, general plan amendments, and other Department-provided services.
Contributes to the development of plans, city policies, ordinances, planning and zoning law, subdivision map act, CEQA, and municipal codes.
Reviews consultants work. Prepares requests for proposals and participates in review and selection of proposed services.
Prepares grant application and manages grant programs.
Represents City at meetings with community groups, agencies, etc.
Typical Qualifications
Junior Planner
Knowledge of:
Principles of municipal planning; knowledge of the fiscal, social and economic implications that are involved in City planning, including the development of urban and suburban environmental and recreational needs
Fundamental legal guidelines for the municipal function;
Principles of basic research methods and statistical analysis;
Current literature and information resources;
Use and operation of personal computers, software and peripheral equipment.
Local and Regional Public Transit operations.
Ability to:
Performs professional work in the field of planning, environmental analysis, and economic development.
Learn laws underlying general plans, zoning ordinances, and land divisions;
Perform basic statistical analysis and prepare written reports;
Communicate clearly, orally and in writing;
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work.
Learn the Laws underlying Public Transit and transportation funding
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of experience and education that would likely produce the qualifying knowledge and ability. A typical combination is:
Education:
A Bachelors Degree in City or Regional Planning or a related field.
Experience:
No related working experience.
Assistant Planner
In addition to the requirements for the Junior Planner:
Knowledge of:
Research and mathematical/statistical methods to perform the more complex planning requirements.
Legal guidelines for planning, zoning, and subdivisions, including the City of Lodi zoning ordinance.
Ability to:
Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort, as well as assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information.
Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.
Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
Review building and architectural plans; interpret and analyze federal, state, and local laws related to planning;
Perform drafting and mapping.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that would likely produce the qualifying knowledge and ability. A typical combination is:
Education:
A Bachelors Degree in City or Regional Planning or a related field.
Experience:
One year experience in a position similar to that of a Junior Planner in the City of Lodi.
Associate Planner
In addition to the requirements for the Junior Planner:
Knowledge of:
Advanced reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Specific rules and regulations for City of Lodi Planning;
Grants and grant writing for Federal, State and other programs.
Ability to:
Organize and oversee the work of others.
Ability to evaluate data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives. Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.
Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
Ability to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information such as budgets, consultants reports, time sheets, a variety of plans, ordinances, environmental guidelines, personnel guidebook, maps, technical operating manuals, statutes, procedures, guidelines, non-routine correspondence, manuals and non-routine correspondence.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that would likely produce the qualifying knowledge and ability. A typical combination is:
Education:
A Bachelors Degree in City or Regional Planning or related field.
Experience:
Three years experience in a position similar to that of a Junior Planner or Assistant Planner in the City of Lodi.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid Drivers License (Class C) issued from the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Supplemental Information
Interested applicants must submit an online application at www.lodi.gov. No paper applications will be accepted. For technical difficulties with your online application, please call the Neogov helpline at 855-524-5627.
Telephone: 209-333-6704. Persons with hearing impairment, please call the California Relay Service 7-1-1.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - The City of Lodi is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of fair employment practices regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, age, mental or physical disability or perceived disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation or belief, or other unlawful discrimination.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT - In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the City of Lodi provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations must contact the Human Resources Division upon application submittal to confirm the request.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION - City of Lodi is authorized and required by the state of California to access Local, State, and/or Federal criminal history as part of the testing process. This process can be completed by initial fingerprinting and/or a full Background investigation pursuant to Penal Code §11105(b)(10), §11105.3, §13300(b)(10); Education Code §10911.5; Public Resources Code §5164) and in compliance with the City of Lodis Fingerprinting Policy and Procedure. As a future employee or volunteer, you are required to be fingerprinted and processed through the Department of Justice and cleared before you can start. All information obtained will be kept in strict confidentiality.
HIRING PROCEDURE - Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications by the final filing date. Eligible lists are established upon successful completion of the selection process. The candidates must be successful in each part of the testing. To fill each vacancy the hiring department will request names to be certified from the eligible list and will make a selection from this certification list.
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFERS - Conditional job offers are subject to successful completion of a medical drug screen and/or physical. Candidates should not quit or give notice to their current employer until final notification has been awarded by the Human Resources Division.
MEDICAL-DRUG SCREENING - All positions may be subject to a physical or drug screen issued by a qualified medical physician assigned by the Human Resources Division. Under the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Lodi has been designated as a drug-free workplace.
APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance and complete Form I-9 - Employment Eligibility Verification in compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act. United States citizenship is not required. All new appointees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of twelve months.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
SALARY - The starting salary is the first rate shown on the job announcement. Advancement to the higher steps of the salary range is based upon merit in accordance with the Salary Ordinance and Rules for Personnel Administration. Eligibility for the first merit increase is effective after 12 months and for additional merit increases after one year intervals until the employee has reached the maximum step.
HOLIDAY, VACATION, SICK, AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE - Holiday - An average of 13 paid holidays per year. Vacation - 2 weeks paid vacation annually, increasing with length of service depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Sick Leave - 10 days per year depending upon the appropriate labor agreement. Administrative Leave - Management/Mid-Management positions receive 80 hours per fiscal year, and specified professional/technical positions receive 40 hours per fiscal year (Pro-Rated).
HEALTH INSURANCE - Medical, Dental and Vision plans are available for employee and dependents. A portion of the premiums may be the employees responsibility.
LIFE INSURANCE AND LONG TERM DISABILITY - The City pays the full premium for employee and dependent life insurance, and offers a long-term disability plan that provides up to approximately 2/3 of an employees salary.
RETIREMENT AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION - The City of Lodi is a member of the Public Employees Retirement System (P.E.R.S.). Lodi is not a member of the Social Security System except for the required medical contribution. Employees may participate in a 457 Deferred Compensation program.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT - Employees may participate in a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This bulletin does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions or job duties contained in this bulletin may include modifications pending labor agreements and/or council approval.
BARGAINING UNIT: Lodi City Mid-Management Association
NOTE: Employee Benefits stated herein are subject to change through the collective bargaining process and are not guaranteed.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE:
10 Days/year
VACATION:
0-5 years = 10 days/year.
6 years & over = 15 Days/year
SICK LEAVE:
12 days/year
HOLIDAYS:
10 ½ holidays per year.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
All employees are offered medical insurance for themselves and dependent(s) through CalPERS Medical Plans. City pays a portion of the medical premium monthly, based on enrollment tier.
If an employee elects not to be covered by medical insurance through the City of Lodi, an additional:
$692.81 per month for family
$532.92 per month for employee + 1 dependent
$305.22 per month for single
will be added to either the employees deferred compensation account or cash. In order to qualify for this provision, proof of group insurance must be provided to the City.
The City shall pay the full cost for the employee and their dependents dental premium for the term of this agreement. The City agrees to provide a vision care plan, equivalent to the VSP Plan B, with a $25.00 deductible for the employee and dependents; the entire premium to be paid by City.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION:
A deferred compensation plan is available at the employees option. The City matches up to 3% of the employees base salary, subject to Federal Tax laws.
EDUCATION ALLOWANCE:
Tuition Reimbursement up to $3000 per fiscal year as per City policy.
LIFE INSURANCE:
Employees are provided with term life insurance. In general, the benefits will be effective as soon as administratively possible to 2 times the annual salary to a maximum of $250,000.
LONG TERM DISABILITY:
After a 60-day waiting period, coverage is 66 2/3% of salary, employer covers 100% of premium.
RETIREMENT:
New employees into the CalPERS retirement system are enrolled in the 2%@62, three-year average retirement formula. Employees hired after January 1, 2013, with less than a six-month break in CalPERS (or reciprocal agencies) are enrolled in the 2%@55, three-year retirement formula.
Employees contribute seven percent (7%) towards the employee portion of their CalPERS retirement costs. If additional information is needed regarding CalPERS retirement plans/costs, please contact Human Resources.
01
I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete all of the application (education, experience, etc.) along with the following Supplemental Questions and provide concise but detailed answers. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. When answering narrative descriptions of my experience, I understand that I must include the name of the employer, dates of employment, and the name and phone number of my supervisor.
Do not refer to a resume or other documentation in lieu of completing the employment history section or responding to the supplemental questions; they will not be reviewed or considered.
I certify that all the information provided on my application and this Supplemental Questionnaire is true to the best of my knowledge.
02
The examination process will consist of a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on a review of the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire; therefore, it is to your advantage to provide as much detailed and relevant work experience as possible, as a resume will not be accepted or reviewed in lieu of the application materials. The supplemental questions were designed to elicit your experience as it relates to the current recruitment in order to identify the best qualified candidates for this position. By selecting yes below, you certify you understand that all applicants who meet minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to move forward in the process. Do you understand the above statement?
03
Please indicate your highest level of education
04
How many years of experience do you have performing professional, technical, or administrative work related to municipal planning, community development, zoning or development review?
05
The Assistant/Associate Planner position may occasionally be expected to attend evening meetings of the Site Plan and Architectural Committee, Planning Commission, or City Council (typically held on Wednesday evenings) as well as community engagement events related to specific planning projects as they arise. Do you understand and agree to this requirement?
06
What position are you applying for?
07
Which statement best describes your experience preparing, reviewing, editing, or coordinating staff reports, resolutions, public hearing notices, meeting agendas, or other planning-related documents?
08
Which statement best describes your experience processing planning or development applications?
09
Which statement best describes your experience with public hearings, Planning Commission or City Council meetings, or community engagement activities?
10
Which statement best describes your experience researching, interpreting, or applying zoning regulations, General Plans, CEQA, or other planning-related requirements?
11
Which statement best describes your experience coordinating projects, managing deadlines, reviewing documents, or working with multiple departments?
Required Question
Employer City of Lodi
Address City Hall
221 West Pine Street, 2nd Floor
Lodi, California, 95240
Phone (209) 333-6704
Website http://www.lodi.gov