Assistant Planning Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $135,357.96 - $214,763.48 Annually
Location : Riverside
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 26-76410-01
Department: TLMA Planning
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Planning Department of Riverside County's Transportation and Land Management Agency (TLMA) has an opportunity for an Assistant Planning Director (TLMA Planning Manager). The Assistant Planning Director (TLMA Planning Manager) will be assigned to the Development Review division that is located in Riverside.
The Assistant Planning Director (TLMA Planning Manager) typically reports to the Planning Director, or an appropriate executive management level classification. The Assistant Planning Director (TLMA Planning Manager) is responsible for providing a high level of management support to the Planning Director in the operation of the Planning Department as a whole. This responsibility includes providing management direction for one or more functions performed by the Planning Department, including all activities within the Current and Advanced Planning divisions, environmental planning and CEQA review, administration of budget and contracts, as well as handling personnel and hiring matters.
The Assistant Planning Director (TLMA Planning Manager) is distinguished from the Planning Director, in that the latter has the overall responsibility and authority as the Department Head to direct the Planning Department, and all associated programs and services, including the implementation of a comprehensive land use and long-term General Plan for Riverside County. The position requires travel to various offsite locations as needed.
The Assistant Planning Director (TLMA Planning Manager) is distinguished from the Planning Director, in that the latter has the overall responsibility and authority as the Department Head to direct the Planning Department, and all associated programs and services, including the implementation of a comprehensive land use and long-term General Plan for Riverside County.
This class has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions provided under Article 6, Section 601E (8) of the County Management Resolution and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors.
This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311 of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives.
The initial review of applications was completed on August 4, 2026. This recruitment will remain posted on a continuous basis until the position has been filled.
Meet the Team!
The Planning Department is responsible for Riverside County's General Plan, a comprehensive long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of unincorporated areas within the County. This department formulates growth management plans and zoning for the County.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Assist the Planning Director with planning, organizing and directing department operations; manage, monitor, plan, and coordinate one or more functions within the department including all activities within the Current and Advanced planning divisions, environmental planning and CEQA review, administration of the budget contracts, as well as handling personnel and hiring matters.
• Review proposed or adopted legislation to determine impact on department operations.
• Interpret and administer state mandates and provisions of the County General Plan and related County ordinances; formulate, recommend, implement, and monitor operational goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; assist in the formulation and implementation of long-range goals; make recommendations to the Planning Director for improved operations.
• Select and assign subordinate personnel; review and authorize personnel actions; evaluate subordinate management and supervisory staff; evaluate staff training needs.
• Prepare and direct the preparation of correspondence and reports including Board agenda transmittals, general plan reports, grant/funding proposals, and other major project reports.
• Plan, develop and monitor a budget according to the goals and objectives of the Planning Department; direct the compilation of budget data and control of expenditures.
• Establish and maintain effective policies, practices and procedures; interpret applicable laws, rules and regulations pertaining to land use and planning activities; evaluate proposed or adopted legislation and recommend changes to policy and procedures to ensure compliance; determine the potential or actual impact on the community and the County's General Plan.
• Establish expectations and assist with the development of a culture that focuses on continuous quality improvement; plan, prioritize and manage the performance improvement process; ensure implementation of processes and measure, assess and improve performance in assigned planning and land use areas; utilize data to identify and pursue opportunities for improvement.
• Coordinate and provide management direction on areas within assigned purview; partner with departments within TLMA, as well as other County departments; serve as a liaison for members of the public, the development community and private agencies as needed.
• Review, develop and implement policies and procedures that guide and support the scope of services in assigned areas.
• Assist with managing Planning Department contracts related to Planning staff and special projects; ensure contract work is within budget expectations and deliverables are completed on time.
• Interact with members of the Board of Supervisors and their staff regarding community issues and/or constituent complaints; represent the Department at meetings, conferences, city council meetings, Municipal Advisory Council meetings, and seminars, and on County-wide planning matters; make presentations to County Board of Supervisors and conduct public hearings; foster effective working relationships with federal agencies, regional and local agencies, commissions, boards, cities and community organizations; collaborate with stakeholders to develop new programs to meet department needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a major in planning, environmental science, public administration, or a closely related field to the assignment. (Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of the required education.)
Experience: Five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, urban design, business/public administration or a related field, which included three years of supervisory or lead experience. Experience in a comparable jurisdiction performing planning-related activities is highly preferred.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of planning, land use and environmental compliance; pertinent state and federal standards, laws and regulations affecting land use and planning; environmental laws, rules and regulations pertaining to long range and community planning; principles and techniques of modern management, organization, budgeting, and personnel management; contract negotiation techniques; project/program coordination; collaboration and organizational skills; computers and computer applications relative to the position.
Ability to: Plan, organize, direct, evaluate, and coordinate the work of professional, technical and clerical staff; analyze complex, technical and administrative problems and adopt an effective course of action; supervise the conduct of comprehensive studies and preparation of reports including recommendations; make effective presentations to, and participate in a variety of meetings and conferences with, other governmental agencies and the public; negotiate service contracts and agreements; interpret and administer contracts, agreements, training programs, and operating policies; interpret and apply legislative mandates to assigned program(s)/project(s); establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicate effectively in verbal and written form with a wide variety of agencies, organizations and individuals.
Other Requirements
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
For questions regarding this recruitment
Contact Danilo Lozano at or 951-955-1605. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Work Location and Telework
In-person attendance is the standard work expectation for County of Riverside assignments. Certain assignments may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule; however, telework arrangements are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Employees who telework are expected to be able to report to their assigned worksite on short notice or as operational needs require. Unless otherwise specified for a particular position, employees are expected to reside in California following appointment. Limited exceptions may apply. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding work location expectations, telework eligibility, and residency requirements.
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the a