Assistant Planner

Assistant Planner - Oakland, CA

Interwest is looking for an Assistant Planner who’s excited to learn, contribute, and grow alongside a team of experienced professionals shaping California communities every day.

At Interwest, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting local governments with a wide range of planning projects—from zoning and design review to comprehensive plan updates. You’ll be mentored by planners with decades of experience and supported by a company that believes your professional growth is key to our shared success. We are accepting applications for both full-time and part-time positions.

Assistant Planner duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Assist city and county planning departments with current and long-range planning tasks
• Review site plans, zoning requests, and administrative applications
• Provide public counter services and respond to community inquiries
• Conduct research for comprehensive plan and code updates
• Prepare and present staff reports and recommendations to boards and commissions
• Build collaborative relationships with municipal staff and colleagues

We are looking for individuals who:

For any position at Interwest, a positive outlook and commitment to great customer service are mandatory. Experience working in California public agency planning departments is required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, geography, or a related field
• 1–3 years of experience in public or private sector planning (internships count)
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Curiosity, initiative, and a genuine interest in community development
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite; familiarity with GIS or electronic permitting is a plus
• A team-oriented mindset and commitment to excellent customer service
• Proficiency in a second language is a plus

Salary Range: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, paid holidays, paid time off, matching 401K Plans, wellness programs and more.  SAFEbuilt is committed to Career Progression through paid training and step increases for additional certifications and licenses.  

More about Interwest: https://interwestgrp.com/  

Interwest Consulting Group is a municipal consulting firm focused on providing thoughtful, tailored solutions that build thriving communities. Founded in 2002, Interwest provides City Engineering, Building Code Compliance, City Planning, Traffic Engineering, Capital Project Delivery and Real Estate Acquisition throughout CA and NV. Interwest joined the SAFEbuilt family in 2020.  

More About SAFEbuilt: http://safebuilt.com/ 

SAFEbuilt has the technical expertise to provide Community Development services, but the reason for our success is our people. Over 1600 experts make up our team from across the country, with experience in a full range of services and skills.  Each Team member values integrity, improvement, service, teamwork, and respect. These Core Values are the foundation of positive relationships among coworkers, our clients, residents, and anyone invested in the continued success of their community.  

Our employees are our greatest asset, with exceptionally certified individuals in all departments, including Planning & Zoning, Code Enforcement, Fire Prevention, and Engineering, as well as full-service and supplemental Building Department services.  SAFEbuilt invests in developing our employees, exploring innovative technology, and giving back to our communities.  

In partnership with over 1200 communities, our talented experts make a difference in the cities and towns where we live and work. Through quality people and consistent service, SAFEbuilt plays an important role in continually improving lives by developing safe, thriving communities. 

SAFEbuilt is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor.