Assistant

Assistant Planner

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) 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 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.

Please read the Assistant Planner (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.

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.

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.

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.