Design Associate Jobs in Indio, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Cathedral City, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE
Job Number: 26-23
Department: Community and Economic Development
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
FLSA: Determined by Position
Bargaining Unit: NON-REP
Description
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE

• Flexible work schedules - 4/10 or 9/80 options available
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid health, dental, and vision
• CalPERS retirement system
• Deferred compensation match
• Paid holiday, sick, and vacation time
• Educational reimbursement
• Wellness reimbursement
• Meaningful work shaping housing, business, and public spaces

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Review and process applications for rezoning, general/specific plan amendments, use permits, variances, subdivisions, and environmental review
• Guide developers, property owners, and the public through planning laws, policies, and application requirements
• Research and prepare reports on land use, zoning, urban design, housing, and community needs
• Analyze data and prepare graphics, presentations, and materials for commissions and community groups
• Associate Planner: may provide project direction to others and serve as staff liaison to a board or commission

TO VIEW A COPY OF THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, CLICK HERE.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor's degree in urban/regional planning, urban design, architecture, environmental studies, or a closely related field
• Assistant Planner: 1-2 years of professional municipal or regional planning experience
• Associate Planner: 2+ years of progressively responsible municipal planning experience at the Assistant Planner level or above
• Valid California driver's license

ABOUT CATHEDRAL CITY

• Second-largest city in the Coachella Valley, home to roughly 53,000 residents
• Nestled between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, framed by the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains
• A growing, diverse desert community with year-round sunshine, golf courses, arts, and family-friendly festivals

CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCESS
Application Review: A complete City of Cathedral City employment application is required. Resumes may be attached but are not accepted in lieu of application. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification. Application review will begin immediately and will be screened on basis of relevant education, training, and experience.
Examination Phase: Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. Candidates must be successful in each of the test components.
Establishment of Eligibility List: Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list pending further review by the department head and other qualifying procedures. This eligibility list may be used for future vacancies in other departments.
Notifications will be sent via email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the online application process) to the email address listed on your on-line application.
All employment offers made the City are contingent upon establishing proof of prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (live scan fingerprint check), and post-offer medical evaluation with a drug screen.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
The City of Cathedral City is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodations needed, in writing, at the time when the employment application is submitted.
Planning Division, Community Development Department • Reports to the Planning Manager
The City does not participate in the Social Security system except for a mandatory Medicare
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
The City provides an outstanding benefits plan that includes:
- Bilingual pay
- CalPERS Health Insurance plus other Benefits
- CalPERS Retirement
- Certification and Education Incentives
- Deferred Compensation
- Educational Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Holidays
- Life Insurance | Long Term Disability
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Accrual
- Wellness
Benefit description per bargaining unit are available for review on the City's website
- General Unit
- Cathedral City Professional Firefighters Association
- Cathedral City Fire Management Association
- Cathedral City Police Officer Association
- Cathedral City Police Management Association
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information, and reference to resume or application may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• YES
• NO

02
Which of the following best describes your highest level of completed education from an accredited four-year college or university?

• Master's Degree (or higher) in Planning, Business, Public Administration, Architecture, or related field.
• Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in Planning, Business, Public Administration, Architecture, or related field.
• None of the above

03
Please identify the specialized software (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Acrobat) you have used to review architectural site plans, insert corrections, or complete digital plan checks. If you do not have experience please type "N/A".
04
How many years of experience of municipal experience do you possess in planning, zoning, housing, or community development activities?

• Six (6) months to one (1) year
• One (1) year, but less than three (3) years
• Three (3) years or more of full-time experience
• No experience

05
Describe your experience preparing staff reports and making presentations to elected boards and commissions. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write "N/A".
Required Question