To apply for this role, please click here.

• An excellent opportunity to help build a growing community
• 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!

To apply for this role, please click here.