Entry Level Environmental Geography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services Invites Your Interest for This Exciting Career Opportunity. JUNIOR LAND USE/ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER Interviews will take place the week of July 20, 2026. This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $64,958.40 annually

County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5. Future Salary Increases June 2026 - 5.87% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 2.37% Market Adjustment) June 2027 - 5.37% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 2.37% Market Adjustment) The Position This recruitment will be used to fill current vacant positions within the Project Planning division of Planning & Development Services (PDS); however, the list may be used by other PDS divisions. This is the entry level professional class in the Land Use/Environmental Planner class series responsible for performing professional environmental and land use planning studies/projects, research, and data analysis to develop goals and policy recommendations for adoption by decision-making bodies

Read all about the Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner classification including essential functions and minimum qualifications. The Department The County of San Diego is committed to helping communities thrive while protecting the region's unique and diverse natural resources. Through operational excellence and attention to customer service, Planning & Development Services (PDS) strives to balance community, economic and environmental interests to ensure the highest quality of life for the public of San Diego County.

PDS is responsible for current land use planning, including the review of privately initiated discretionary projects, including those for affordable housing, renewable energy and other residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial uses. PDS also reviews ministerial building permits for consistency with the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan, and other State and local land use policies. The department evaluates land use projects for regulatory compliance and conducts environmental reviews in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

PDS then advises the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on land items, including privately initiated discretionary projects, in the unincorporated county. PDS has seven major divisions: Sustainability, Long Range Planning, Building Services, Code Compliance, Land Development, Project Planning, and Support Services. Read more about Planning & Development Services.

Hiring Process and Timeline: The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.

Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S

college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, with at least 30 semester units in the following fields of study: life science, physical science, city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, geography, archaeology, biology, wildlife and/or botany; geology, conservation of environmental quality, natural resources, physical geography, ecology, zoology, or engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, public administration or a closely-related field. Notes 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. Applicants must submit or attach copies of their complete official or unofficial transcripts, diplomas, and/or proof of completion letters, or other documentation originated by a United States accredited college or university; or a certified foreign studies equivalency for colleges or universities outside of the United States.

Any one or more of these documents must be submitted or attached to the online application in a timely manner, preferably at the time of application submittal. 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.Additionaltypes 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 The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. 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 the essential functions of a 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 with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information. Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience.

This tool can help. Please see the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. Strategic Plan The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce.

Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all. Disaster Service Worker Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district

Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law. Diversity & Inclusion The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.