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Assistant

County of San Diego

San Diego, CA

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$76,731.20–$94,244.80 Per Year
SKILLS
Acoustics, Analysis Skills, Archaeology, Background Investigation, Biology, Botany, Building Codes, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Computer Skills, Computer Software, Conservation, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Diversity, Ecology, Environmental Economics, Environmental Management, Environmental Research, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Work, Geography, Geology, Government, Graphical Presentations, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified, Land Development, Land Use, Leadership, Legal, LinkedIn, Military, Multitasking, Natural Resources, Physical Science, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project Planning, Publications, Regulations, Safety/Work Safety, Set Goals, Social Media, Strategic Planning, Sustainability, Team Player, Urban Planning, Writing Skills, Zoning, Zoology
LOCATION
San Diego, CA
POSTED
Today
Salary: $76,731.20 - $94,244.80 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 26350704
Department: Planning & Development Services
Division: Project Planning
Opening Date: 05/05/2026
Closing Date: 5/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Summary
Excellent Opportunity!

County of San Diego
ASSISTANT PLANNER
Interviews will take place the week of June 15, 2026. Job offers will be made the week of June 22, 2026.

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.
Future Salary Increases

** June 2026 - 5% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 1.50% Market Adjustment)

** June 2027 - 4.5% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the- Board + 1.50% Market Adjustment)
Are you passionate about urban and rural planning and looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team?
The County of San Diego is actively seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join their team as Assistant Planners. The eligible list will be used to fill current vacancies in the Sustainability and Project Planning divisions within Planning & Development Services. This list may also be used to fill future vacancies in other Divisions and Departments within Land Use Environment Group (LUEG).
Planning & Development Services (PDS)
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.

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.
Please visit for additional information on the department.
The Position
Assistant Planner, official job title Land Use/Environmental Planner I, is the first working level class in the professional Planner series. The Assistant Planner will be assigned to PDS and will focus on conducting comprehensive planning and environmental studies, research, and data analysis. This position will operate with the objective to develop strategic goals while providing project and policy recommendations for consideration by decision-making bodies. The Assistant Planner will also provide support across various projects, including leading projects generally with a low to moderate degree of public interest and community engagement. The role will require the ability to independently process tasks with relatively low complexity such as issuing administrative permits, reviewing minor use permits, variances, boundary adjustments or tentative parcel maps, develop and implement sustainability programs, and recommending policy and ordinance changes. Key responsibilities include collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to planning, zoning, environmental policies, sustainability program implementation and legislation. Proficiency in operating computer equipment and software applications pertinent to the assigned tasks is essential. A strong desire to grow and contribute while cultivating effective working relationships with co-workers and diverse stakeholders will promote success in this role.
Please read the (Official Job Class Title: Land Use/Environmental Planner I)job description for more information.

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.

Ideal Candidate Profile
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Good presentation skills
  • Strong analytical skills and solution-oriented approach
  • Active listener
  • Ability to work independently and as part of team
  • Ability to manage several priorities at a time
  • Demonstrate professional level experience as a planner
  • Demonstrate a high degree of motivation and willingness to learn
  • Maintain a professional perspective, objective demeanor, and flexibility
If you believe that you possess these qualities, then Planning & Development Services presents an excellent environment to showcase and grow your talents! Our organization fosters a vibrant culture that values collaboration and teamwork, providing the perfect career setting for you to thrive and make a significant impact.
Hiring Process and Timeline:

i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. 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, landscape architecture, architecture, geography, archeology, 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 one (1) year of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must have been at the level equivalent to a Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner within the County of San Diego; OR,
  2. A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in one of the fields stated above. No experience required; OR,
  3. One (1) year of experience as a Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner 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.

Blind Applicant ScreeningThe Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide 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 will help 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.
Conditions 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
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the 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. Please read the for additional information.

Military Skills Translator

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
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
Disaster Service Worker

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.
Diversity & Inclusion

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
01

Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough, complete and truthful manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score. If you are invited to a selection interview(s) by a department, your responses to the following questions below may be subject to verification.Please do NOT answer the supplemental questionnaire with the following responses: "See Resume," "See Answers Above," "I performed the duties above," or copy and paste your resume. These are not valid answers. Do you understand this information?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Please check the box that most accurately describes your level of education and/or experience (Select all that apply):NOTES:Your degree must be from an accredited U.S. college or university, or have a certified foreign studies equivalency in: city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, geography, archeology, 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.Your progressively responsible professional level experience in land use/environmental planning must be at the level equivalent to a Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner within the County of San Diego.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. In order for your education to be considered, please submit a copy of your degree(s), complete transcripts, and/or foreign studies equivalency report with your application. Your degree verification must be in an unalterable format.
  • I have an associate's degree as described above; AND have at least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning
  • I have a bachelor's degree as described above; AND have at least one (1) year of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning
  • I have a master's degree or above as described above
  • I have at least one (1) year of experience as a Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner with the County of San Diego
  • None of the above

03

If you selected at least one of the education and/or experience areas in the previous question, please ensure all educational documents are attached to your application and that the experience is referenced in the 'Work Experience' section of the application. Please also provide the following information regarding your experience for each position held: 1) Job Title(s) 2) Employer Name(s) 3) Employment Dates 4) A description of your duties. Note: If you selected "None of the above" in the previous question, then enter "NA."
04

Do you have paid work experience in any of the following programs? Please check the applicable box(es).
  • Land Use and Environmental Projects/Programs
  • Conservation Projects/Programs
  • Climate Action Plans
  • Sustainability Programs
  • Current or Regulatory Planning
  • None of the above

05

If you selected at least one of the boxes in Question 4 (excluding None of the Above), please describe the experience you possess and be sure to include the type of program and a description of the paid experience you gained. If you do not possess the experience and checked None of the Above in Question 4, please indicate "N/A".
06

Do you have paid work experience in any of the following experience areas within one or more of the programs selected in Question 4? Please check the applicable box(es).
  • Discretionary or Development Application Reviews
  • CEQA document preparation
  • Code, Regulations, and Policy Review
  • Public Input Facilitation
  • None of the above

07

If you selected at least one of the boxes in Question 6 (excluding None of the Above), please provide a detailed description of the paid experience area(s). If you do not possess the experience and checked None of the Above in Question 6, please indicate "N/A" below.
08

If you checked any of the boxes in Question 4 AND Question 6, excluding "None of the above", please indicate your level of involvement/expertise.
  • Assisted Others
  • Performed Independently
  • Expert in the Experience Area
  • None of the Above

09

Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?
  • San Diego County website
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • Veteran Outreach / FFSC
  • Mana de San Diego
  • Family, Neighbors, Friends
  • County Employee Resources Group
  • College/University Career Site
  • County Social Media
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • Voice and Viewpoint
  • Government Alliance on Race and Equity
  • Job Fair/Career Event
  • Planning or other related publication, resource, or website
  • Other

Required Question

About the Company

C

County of San Diego

We are committed to provide and retain a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce for County departments so they may deliver superior services to the residents and visitors of the County of San Diego.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Government and Military
WEBSITE
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hr/

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