Planning Technician

Planning Technician

Salary

$63,234.00 - $81,082.00 Annually

Location

City Hall - 300 E. Chapman Avenue Orange, CA

Job Type

Full Time Miscellaneous

Job Number

01734

Department

Community Development Department

Division

Planning Division

Opening Date

10/02/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Max Number of Applicants

100

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Join the City of Orange Community Development Department as our next Planning Technician!

We are accepting the first 100 applications for this exciting role,

and will close the recruitment no later than October 18th.

Are you looking for an opportunity to work in dynamic and interesting community development environment, as part of a strong, team-oriented department? Come work for the City of Orange! We are home to a diverse land use mix, four historic districts, varied environmental conditions, and engaged community members. Our City is rich with tradition and character, and has been designated "A Great Place in America" by the American Planning Association!

Orange is looking for an up-and-coming planning professional who is interested in developing skills and experience that will serve as building blocks for a planning career in local government. The ideal candidate is passionate about the field of planning, wants to be immersed in a work setting that will provide exposure to a wide variety of planning and historic preservation issues, enjoys working as part of a team, and is customer-service oriented. The Planning Technician reports to the Principal Planner and will work closely with Planning staff and Building Permit Technicians to provide zoning information and facilitate development application submittals.

DEFINITION OF THE POSITION:

Under direct supervision, a Planning Technician serves as the primary Planning Division contact at the Citys public counter, working closely with building permit technicians and Planning Division staff. This position performs professional work in the field of current and advance planning; provides information and assistance to the public and developers on zoning and land use applications, and planning related matters at the public planning counter; reviews minor planning applications; provides land use database support; and performs related work as required.

WHY WORK FOR ORANGE?

• Employees enjoy the perks of working within Old Towne Orange where our Metrolink, parks, shops, and restaurants are all just a short walk away!
• This role offers a 5/40, 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule!
• Your retirement will include a pension through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). All Classic CalPERS members joining Orange will enjoy the 2.7% @ age 55 formula!
• We provide a generous amount towards the purchase of healthcare insurance plans, but if you do not need insurance through the City, you will be eligible for a portion of that money as income.
• We offer Tuition Reimbursement benefits, and we are a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Our Wellness Program offers reimbursement for various wellness expenses including gym memberships, weights, and exercise equipment, providing employees with resources, social support, and strategies to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Examples of Duties

Please click here to review the full job description for this exciting position!

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Basic principles and practices of urban and regional planning and zoning.

Site planning and architectural design principles.

Basic concepts of architecture, landscaping, traffic and transportation engineering as they relate to the process of urban planning.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer services by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, and other elements related to city planning.

Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and requirements and related reports.

Researching and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.

Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.

Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including related computer hardware and software.

Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.

Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.

English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

Ability to:

Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public.

Read plans and specifications and make site visits.

Conduct routine research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.

Read, interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and complex Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures.

Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.

Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.

Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.

Make sound decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.

Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.

Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.

Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience:

• At least 6 months of internship-level (or higher) governmental planning or private consulting firm planning work experience is highly desirable.

• Work experience involving the delivery of in-person customer service is highly desirable.

• California-based education and/or work experience in the fields of urban planning, community development, business or public administration, geography, political science, or a related field is highly desirable.

Education:

• Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, geography, political science, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Drivers License with satisfactory driving record (and proof of acceptable automobile insurance, if required) at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands:

Requires the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area of the office to another; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as data entry, operation of a motor vehicle and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment or supplies; must be able to perceive forms and colors.

Working Conditions:

This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee's physical presence at the workplace.

Environmental Elements:

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions; but may occasionally work in the field and be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Disaster Service Worker:

All employees of the City of Orange are designated by both State law and City ordinance to be "Disaster Service Workers." In the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees' normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.

City Mission, Vision, and Values:

Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the Citys Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The Citys values include Teamwork, Accountability, and Excellence.

BENEFITS FOR ORANGE MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION

The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours.

The following is a partial list of benefits:

Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.

Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), including the Citys contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivors Benefit.

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are "New" CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% at age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA). New Members shall contribute half of normal cost of retirement as determined by CalPERS from their pensionable compensation, on a pre-tax basis, as set forth in California Government Code Section 7522.30.

An employee who is a "Classic" Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired by the City of Orange on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ age 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. Employees contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.

Social Security & Medicare. Employees do not pay into Social Security, however, do contribute 1.45% of salary towards Medicare.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays up to $2,170 per month (Family) which can be applied towards CalPERS medical, dental, vision, health care reimbursement, and/or dependent care reimbursement. Under certain criteria, employees may elect to opt out of the Citys medical plan altogether and receive $400 per month.

Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $50,000.

Vacation. Employees earn 80 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual up to 200 hours per year after 24 years of service. The City also provides an annual unused vacation payout plan.

Holidays. The City observes 11 paid holidays and provides 9 hours of floating holiday annually.

Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. A partial payment (up to 50%) for accumulated unused sick leave is available to City employees who retire from the City.

Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Long Term Disability, an Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500/fiscal year), Trip Reduction Program incentives, optional Deferred Compensation programs and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.

All benefited employees shall be subject to a twelve (12) month probationary period as a condition of employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.

For more information, please click here for the Orange Municipal Employees Association Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Note: an updated MOU is in the process of being uploaded, so the current document may include outdated information. Please contact HR staff at hrinfo@cityoforange.org if you have any questions regarding contents of the MOU.

The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

01

This position requires the possession and maintenance of a valid California Drivers License with satisfactory driving record (and proof of acceptable automobile insurance, if required) at the time of hire and through employment in the position. Can you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate the highest level of formal education you have completed:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Bachelors Degree with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, geography, political science, or a related field
• Masters Degree or higher with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, geography, political science, or a related field
• None of the above

03

What is the field of study for your bachelor's degree (or higher degree, if applicable)? If you do not hold a bachelor's degree or higher, type N/A below.

04

How much internship-level (or higher) governmental planning or private consulting firm planning work experience do you have?

• No governmental planning or private consulting firm planning work experience.
• Some, but less than 1 year, of governmental planning or private consulting firm planning work experience.
• 1 - 3 years of governmental planning or private consulting firm planning work experience.
• 3 or more years of governmental planning or private consulting firm planning work experience.

05

Please briefly describe any governmental planning or private consulting firm planning experience that you have. If no experience, type N/A below.

06

Do you have internship or work experience involving the delivery of general in-person front counter customer service?

• Yes
• No

07

Briefly describe any internship or work experience you have providing front-counter assistance specifically to the public in a Planning Division, Community Development Department, or other related area of a public agency. If no such experience, type N/A below.

08

Do you have governmental or private sector land use or environmental work or internship experience that involved direct coordination or communication with local government agencies and members of the public? If yes, briefly describe the experience, including whether it involved use of local zoning and/or general plan documents. If no experience, type N/A below.

09

Do you have California-based education and/or work experience in the field of urban planning, community development, business or public administration, geography, political science, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Orange

Address 300 E. Chapman Avenue

Orange, California, 92866

Phone (714) 744-7255

Website http://www.cityoforange.org/jobs