Associate Planner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $91,936.00 - $112,923.20 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 25350809
Department: Planning & Development Services
Division: Project Planning
Opening Date: 09/17/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
The County of San Diego Invites Your Interest in an Excellent Career Opportunity!
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.
The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.
Future Salary Increases
** June 2027 - 3.87% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + .87% Market Adjustment)
***This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided. ***
Calling all dynamic and passionate professionals! Are you passionate about urban and rural planning and looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team? Look no further than the County of San Diego Planning & Development Services!
The County of San Diego is actively seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join their team as Associate Planners. The eligible list will be used to fill current vacancies in Planning & Development Services (PDS). This list may also be used to fill future vacancies in the Department of Public Works and in the Department of Parks and Recreation. This is an opportunity for professionals looking to contribute their expertise and make a meaningful impact in the field of planning and development within the unincorporated area of San Diego County.
Associate Planners will have the incredible opportunity to engage in a wide array of exciting projects and leadership roles that involve conducting cutting-edge planning and environmental studies which require broad research and analysis to develop goals and policy recommendations for consideration by decision-making bodies. Under general direction, incumbents independently perform a wide scope of environmental and/or planning projects characterized by having moderate public controversy, and of moderate complexity. Projects may include major use permits, variances, and environmental impact reports. Associate Planners may also make recommendations for rezones or Countywide policy and ordinance changes, provide updates to the General Plan, as well as other special projects.
Planning & Development Services
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. Click for additional information on PDS.
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.
Current vacancies for Associate Planners will be assigned to Project Planning or Long Range Planning but may be also assigned to other divisions within PDS as vacancies occur.
Project Planning
The Project Planning division reviews privately initiated, discretionary projects, specifically the review for compliance and conformance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances and policies including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Community plans. The Project Planning Division is responsible for managing all aspects of new development projects in the County, including new affordable and market housing, renewable energy projects like solar and battery storage, and commercial and mixed-use projects. In processing projects, the Project Planning Division engages with the public, management, stakeholders, and consultants and gives presentations to appointed and elected officials, including the Board of Supervisors.
Long Range Planning
The Long Range Planning (LRP) division plays a vital role in maintaining long range land use documents, developing programs, and formulating policies in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. As per the Board of Supervisors' directives, LRP is dedicated to modernizing regulations and removing barriers to development while fostering sustainable growth and development that not only respects the environment and ensures public safety, but also prioritizes the well-being and unique needs of the County's 26 unincorporated communities.
Central to LRP's mission are outreach and community engagement. The division actively strives for excellence in public engagement by championing principles of accessibility, inclusivity, integrity, and equity. LRP projects can be complex and controversial due to the broad impact to residents and other stakeholders. To ensure flexibility and seamless integration of planning efforts, the division is organized into five interdisciplinary sections that work collaboratively: Housing & Transportation, General Plan & Community Plans, Sustainable Land Use, Operations & Regulations, and Planning Services. Through this cohesive approach, the Long Range Planning division has emerged as a pioneer in employing innovative strategies driven by transparent and inclusive public engagement.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate for Associate Planner will possess the following experience, attributes, and traits:

• Demonstrate proven professional level experience as a land use or environmental planner including updating General Plans and Community Plans, updating ordinances or regulations, implementing Climate Action Plans, preparing and implementing agency-wide conservation plans, preparing and reviewing environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and managing special long-range planning projects
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills and a solution-oriented approach to land use and environmental planning issues. Demonstrate experience and competency in facilitating and gaining consensus in groups and in public engagement meetings
• Demonstrate experience and competency in preparing graphic displays and other public outreach materials Demonstrate a strong willingness to continually learn and grow professionally
• Maintain a professional perspective, objective demeanor and flexibility when positive or difficult situations occur Review and effectively manage complex projects involving several multi-disciplinary team
• Communicate effectively in verbal and written form; strong presentation skills and an active listener
• Demonstrate good interpersonal and teamwork skills, including building relationships and collaborating with others in order to keep projects moving in a positive direction
• Learn and understand the perspectives of others, and embrace diversity and inclusiveness

If you believe that you possess these qualities, then PDS would be a first-class opportunity for your talent and career growth. PDS has a great culture that values collaboration and teamwork. Your chance to shape the future is here - seize it now!
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.
Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

1. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews.
   Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
2. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
3. 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, aviation management, landscape architecture, geography, archaeology, 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 two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must be at the level equivalent to an Assistant Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner I) within the County of San Diego; OR,
2. A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign equivalency, in one of the fields stated above, AND one (1) year of progressively responsible professional level experience as described above; OR,
3. One (1) year of experience as an Assistant Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner I) 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.
Please click to view the complete job description for the class.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides 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 helps 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.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
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 Process
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications.
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
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