Entry Level Community Development Jobs in Irvine, CA

Salary : $88,047.02 - $116,672.39 Annually
Location : Fountain Valley, CA, CA
Job Type: Non-exempt FLSA
Job Number: 2026-29
Department: Community Development
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 7/29/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
MORE THAN A JOB - AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE, GROW, AND MAKE AN IMPACT!
CLICK HERE TO SEE WHAT MAKES FOUNTAIN VALLEY A NICE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK!
The Community Development department is currently looking to hire one (1) Assistant Planner or Associate Planner (depending on qualifications). Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.
Tentative Interview Date: Week of August 24, 2026.
THE CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY:
The City of Fountain Valley is nestled in the heart of Orange County. With approximately 57,000 residents, the City is only 7 miles from the beach with countless restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping centers, and Disneyland within a 15-mile radius of the City, providing many options for a rich work-life balance.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Are you passionate about shaping vibrant communities? The City is seeking an innovative planner to join our Community Development team. Whether you are an Assistant Planner launching your municipal career or an Associate Planner ready to independently manage complex development projects, this is your chance to make a tangible impact in our city's growth, housing, and economic future.

• Assistant Planner: This is the entry-level classification. Incumbents perform less complex professional planning duties, assist with public inquiries, and support departmental programs while working under direct supervision with work reviewed upon completion.
• Associate Planner: This is the journey-level classification. Incumbents work with greater independence, handle complex development proposals, manage routine projects, lead code enforcement investigations, and may provide technical direction to less experienced staff.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• 4/10 Schedule (Off Fridays)
• An incredible retirement / pension: CalPERS (2%@60 for Classic or 2%@62 for PEPRA)
• Flex dollars for CalPERS medical HMO/PPO plans
• Matching deferred compensation contribution (up to $225 per month)
• City-paid long-term disability insurance
• Generous leave accruals
• 11 paid holidays, including one floating holiday

Salary Range:

• Assistant Planner: $88,047.02 - $107,021.71 (ANNUALLY)
• Associate Planner: $95,986.65 - $116,672.39 (ANNUALLY)

Job Overview

• Public Counter & Consultation: Answers public inquiries at the counter, via phone, or email; advises architects, builders, contractors, and the public on zoning codes, General Plan compliance, signage, and permit processes.
• Development Review: Reviews commercial, industrial, and residential development proposals, site plans, and environmental documents for compliance with local and state regulations; processes permit applications and calculates fees.
• Economic & Housing Programs: Assists with the implementation of the Economic Development Plan, business attraction/retention events, housing programs, and the City's Neighborhood Preservation Program.
• Research & Reporting: Researches, compiles, and analyzes statistical, demographic, and land-use data; prepares comprehensive database records, staff reports, and visual presentations for the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Code Enforcement & Inspections: Conducts field inspections to ensure compliance with property maintenance, municipal codes, and zoning regulations; investigates public complaints, secures photographic evidence, and issues notices of violation or citations.
• Policy Development: Assists in drafting municipal ordinances and researching updates for the City's General Plan and development regulations.

Qualification Guidelines
EDUCATION:

• Assistant & Associate Planner: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, public administration, architecture, business, or a closely related field.
• Preferred for Associate Planner: A Master's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.

EXPERIENCE:

• Assistant Planner: At least one (1) year of full-time or part-time municipal experience in planning, housing, or community preservation programs.
• Associate Planner: At least three (3) years of increasingly responsible municipal experience in planning, zoning, and related community development activities.

LICENSE REQUIRED:
Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record are required to perform essential field inspections and off-site travel.
To access the full class specification, including a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required, please click on the following link: / .
Recruitment Information:
To be considered for this excellent opportunity, please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure that all required documents are attached to the application. After documents are scanned and saved as a file on your computer, click on the "Add Attachments" link in the Job Application step of the employment application in order to upload the files. Documents must be entirely legible. Faxes, postmarks and hand delivery will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaire. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete your application and consider having your profile created and/or updated before applying for the position. Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. If you require technical assistance, please review the Government Jobs or contact their toll-free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection, computer, or browser used to submit the application.
QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS RECRUITMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO .
SELECTION PROCESS:
The selection process may include one or more of the following: application review, written test, performance exam, and/or oral interview examination. The employment application and supplemental questions will be evaluated based on the employment standards and minimum qualifications listed above.
IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully completing all components of the pre-employment process which may include but is not limited to: reference checks, background investigation, credit check, California Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal history check (Live Scan fingerprinting), and pre-employment medical examination.
The City of Fountain Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Candidates with a disability who may need accommodations during the selection process must notify the Human Resources Department at least 72 hours in advance of the test date.
NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required.
This recruitment is open to fill an Assistant Planner or Associate Planner depending on qualifications. Compensation and benefits vary by bargaining unit.
Assistant Planner: Covered by the General Employee Association (GEA) -
Associate Planner: Covered by the Professional and Technical Unit (P&T) -
01
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 a related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Business, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field.
• None of the above.

02
This position requires driving a City vehicle for field inspections and off-site meetings. Do you possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

03
How many years 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) or more years of full-time experience.
• No experience

04
Please identify the specialized software (e.g., Bluebeam Revu, Adobe Acrobat Pro) 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.
05
I certify that all of the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I understand purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process. I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to: noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, leaving reason for leaving employment blank, leaving duties blank or noting "see resume", etc.

• Yes
• No

Required Question