Assistant

Assistant Planner

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 usedto 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) 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 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 Planning & Development Services 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.

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.