County of San Diego

Job Summary

ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis. 

Calling all dynamic and passionate professionals! Are you passionate about urban and rural planning and looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team? Look no further than the County of San Diego Planning & Development Services! 

The County of San Diego is actively seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join their team as Associate Planners. The eligible list will be used to fill current vacancies in Planning & Development Services (PDS). This list may also be used to fill future vacancies in the Department of Public Works and in the Department of Parks and Recreation. This is an opportunity for professionals looking to contribute their expertise and make a meaningful impact in the field of planning and development within the unincorporated area of San Diego County. 

Associate Planners will have the incredible opportunity to engage in a wide array of exciting projects and leadership roles that involve conducting cutting-edge planning and environmental studies which require broad research and analysis to develop goals and policy recommendations for consideration by decision-making bodies. Under general direction, incumbents independently perform a wide scope of environmental and/or planning projects characterized by having moderate public controversy, and of moderate complexity. Projects may include major use permits, variances, and environmental impact reports. Associate Planners may also make recommendations for rezones or Countywide policy and ordinance changes, provide updates to the General Plan, as well as other special projects. 

Planning & Development Services

Planning & Development Services (PDS) proudly undertakes the vital role of supporting the long-term health and sustainability of 29 unincorporated communities, home to over 500,000 individuals, nestled within the expanse of San Diego County. The unincorporated area is geographically diverse and is considered one of the most biologically important areas in the U.S. with natural features including lakes, foothills, mountain ranges, and deserts.

PDS enhances the quality of communities and ensures the health and safety of residents by protecting natural resources and implementing the General Plan, Climate Action Plan, Multiple Species Conservation Plan and land development ordinances in the unincorporated region. PDS consists of eight divisions: Building Services, Code Compliance, Land Development, Long Range Planning, Project Planning, Support Services, Sustainability and the Policy, Outreach and Data division. Click here for additional information on PDS.

PDS Mission - Through operational excellence and attention to customer service, we strive to balance community, economic, and environmental interests to ensure the highest quality of life for the public of San Diego County.

Current vacancies for Associate Planners will be assigned to Project Planning or Long Range Planning but may be also assigned to other divisions within PDS as vacancies occur.

Project Planning:

The Project Planning division reviews privately initiated, discretionary projects, specifically the review for compliance and conformance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances and policies including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Community plans. The Project Planning Division is responsible for managing all aspects of new development projects in the County, including new affordable and market housing, renewable energy projects like solar and battery storage, and commercial and mixed-use projects. In processing projects, the Project Planning Division engages with the public, management, stakeholders, and consultants and gives presentations to appointed and elected officials, including the Board of Supervisors.

Long Range Planning:

The Long Range Planning (LRP) division plays a vital role in maintaining long range land use documents, developing programs, and formulating policies in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. As per the Board of Supervisors' directives, LRP is dedicated to modernizing regulations and removing barriers to development while fostering sustainable growth and development that not only respects the environment and ensures public safety, but also prioritizes the well-being and unique needs of the County’s 26 unincorporated communities. 

Central to LRP's mission are outreach and community engagement. The division actively strives for excellence in public engagement by championing principles of accessibility, inclusivity, integrity, and equity. LRP projects can be complex and controversial due to the broad impact to residents and other stakeholders. To ensure flexibility and seamless integration of planning efforts, the division is organized into five interdisciplinary sections that work collaboratively: Housing & Transportation, General Plan & Community Plans, Sustainable Land Use, Operations & Regulations, and Planning Services. Through this cohesive approach, the Long Range Planning division has emerged as a pioneer in employing innovative strategies driven by transparent and inclusive public engagement.

Long Range Planning has the following Planner vacancies:

Economic Development Planners

These planners will act as economic development liaisons within unincorporated communities, filling a crucial new role within PDS. Their primary focus will be on cultivating relationships with land developers countywide to prioritize County land development projects and foster public/private partnerships for community development and place-making.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Oversee various economic development, revitalization, and placemaking projects within unincorporated communities. 
• Seeking grant opportunities to support economic development initiatives. 
• Engaging property owners, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. 
• Providing expertise in affordable housing, project streamlining, infrastructure, and economic development. 
• Collaborating closely with the Department of Economic Development and other long-range planning teams.

Housing Legislation Planners

These planners will be tasked with thoroughly reviewing and interpreting pending and adopted housing legislation to inform stakeholders about its potential impact on their community.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Providing the necessary resources to comprehensively understand how housing legislation affects the planning and permitting process in unincorporated areas.
• Informing stakeholders about the potential implementation of pending and adopted legislation within their community.
• Adapting current processes, procedures, and County ordinances to align with state housing laws.
• Promoting land development opportunities arising from new housing legislation.

Facilities Finance Planner

This Facilities Financing Planner will play a pivotal role in managing the County's facilities financing initiatives, with a primary focus on overseeing the establishment of Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) to gather funding for local public improvements.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing CFD applications comprehensively, including any accompanying reports, information, or studies required to evaluate the application's merits.
• Collaborating with a cross-divisional and departmental team, including representatives from Planning & Development Services, Auditor and Controller, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks and Recreation, County Fire Authority, and County Counsel.
• Coordinating closely with and providing support to property owners throughout the CFD formation process.
• Facilitating communication and coordination among various stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of CFDs and related projects.
• Conducting thorough assessments and analyses to inform decision-making regarding facilities financing strategies and initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for Associate Planner will possess the following experience, attributes, and traits:

• Demonstrate proven professional level experience as a land use or environmental planner including updating General Plans and Community Plans, updating ordinances or regulations, implementing Climate Action Plans, preparing and implementing agency-wide conservation plans, preparing and reviewing environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and managing special long-range planning projects
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and a solution-oriented approach to land use and environmental planning issues. Demonstrate experience and competency in facilitating and gaining consensus in groups and in public engagement meetings
• Demonstrate experience and competency in preparing graphic displays and other public outreach materials Demonstrate a strong willingness to continually learn and grow professionally
• Maintain a professional perspective, objective demeanor and flexibility when positive or difficult situations occur Review and effectively manage complex projects involving several multi-disciplinary team
• Communicate effectively in verbal and written form; strong presentation skills and an active listener
• Demonstrate good interpersonal and teamwork skills, including building relationships and collaborating with others in order to keep projects moving in a positive direction
• Learn and understand the perspectives of others, and embrace diversity and inclusiveness

If you believe that you possess these qualities, then PDS would be a first-class opportunity for your talent and career growth. PDS has a great culture that values collaboration and teamwork. Your chance to shape the future is here – seize it now!

Work Location 

PDS is located within the recently constructed and LEED Certified County Operations Center, a modern 44-acre complex in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses 18 structures and houses 19 departments, including an employee gym/workout center. Kearny Mesa is a located centrally with easy access from the 163 and 805 freeways, along a vibrant corridor with a variety of commercial services in walking distance.

Work Schedule 

The selected candidate(s) for PDS may be assigned a hybrid schedule consisting of teleworking and working at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa.

Hiring Process and Timeline:

• Job Offer and Background Process begins after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results. 
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies. 

Minimum Qualifications

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in city and regional planning, urban planning, aviation management, landscape architecture, geography, archaeology, biology with a concentration in wildlife and/or botany; geology; or any one of the following life and physical sciences, geography with a concentration in conservation of environmental quality, natural resources or physical geography, ecology; zoology; engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, environmental science or a related field, AND two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must be at the level equivalent to an Assistant Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner I) within the County of San Diego; OR,
2. A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign equivalency, in one of the fields stated above, AND one (1) year of progressively responsible professional level experience as described above; OR,
3. One (1) year of experience as an Assistant Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner I) with the County of San Diego

Note: Professional level land use/environmental planning experience in a public or private agency may substitute for education on a year for year basis, for up to two (2) years of the education requirement. Degree must be from a U.S. accredited college or university, or certified equivalency for foreign studies must be provided. 

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire. 

Condition of Employment

As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation

Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications.

Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.

Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all. 

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.

Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary (Download PDF reader)

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