Planning Jobs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $95,272.00 - $119,089.00 Annually
Location : City of Pasadena, CA
Job Type: 2025 - REGULAR FULLTIME 40+ HRS A WK
Job Number: 26-175
Department: Planning & Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
The Planning and Community Development Department is excited to announce an opening for an Associate Planner. This position will be assigned to the Community Planning Section.
This recruitment is open continuous with first consideration given to those who apply by June 18, 2026. This recruitment may close at any time. Apply today!
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a customer-focused team player who possesses excellent written, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with knowledge and experience in community planning (i.e., advanced, long-range planning). The ideal candidate is also an effective problem-solver who combines technical experience with excellent communication skills.
The city offers outstanding benefits, including 9/80 schedules with alternative Fridays off as well as eligibility for the Hybrid Work Program after one year of employment.
Essential Functions
The following list represents some of the essential functions of the position. Assignments may vary. For more detailed information, please refer to the job description for

• Assigned work is made under immediate supervision, allowing for some latitude in the formulation of solutions and responsibility for accomplishing projects. Work review is not constant but checks and reviews are frequent enough to ensure compliance with instructions.
• Research, collect, analyze, comprehend, prepare, and interpret data related to land use matters, such as, but not limited to: zoning/land use regulations; environmental factors; population and social economic trends; transportation, housing, economic and development trends; and other related factors.
• Prepare summaries, technical assistance, and recommendations to their supervisor on data related to land use matters, in consideration of state legislation, local legislation and policies.
• Prepares and assists in the preparation of Zoning Code and General Plan amendments, implementation tracking, and annual reporting.
• Manage Master Plan land use applications for larger, phased development projects, such as institutions (e.g., private schools, medical uses). Includes conducting review and reporting of existing Master Plans as well as review of plan submittals for sites with a Master Plan.
• Evaluate proposed development projects for compliance with adopted requirements by conducting a detailed review of Zoning Code, Specific Plan, General Plan, and existing Conditions of Approval. Confer with applicants to identify problems and propose methods to resolve noncompliance issues.
• Perform field surveys to inform the review and research process, and upon completion of projects, to ensure conformance with applicable requirements; discuss recommendations and noncompliance with applicants.
• Prepare hearing notices, decision letters, and staff reports. Primarily makes presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council. On occasion, you may make presentations to the Hearing Officer or a Council committee. These meetings occur in the evenings.
• Provide customer service, on a limited basis, at the Zoning public counter and via email, advising residents and the development community regarding City development procedures, processes and Zoning Code regulations.
• May conduct and/or participate in presentations to residents and neighborhood groups outside of normal work hours (e.g. evenings).
• May assist in the supervision of interns and technicians.

Qualification Guidelines
CORE COMPETENCIES
The following list represents some of the core competencies for this position; see thefor more detailed information:

• Adaptability - Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires.
• Attention to Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Critical Thinking - Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
• Customer Focus - Attending to the needs and expectations of customers.
• Legal and Regulatory Navigation - Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
• Relationship Building - Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
• Self-Management - Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, geography, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Two years of recent paraprofessional planning experience in one or more of the following areas: zoning, historic preservation, design review, redevelopment, and/or planning research.
• Applicants with experience in community (i.e. advance, long-range) planning will be deemed most qualified.

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process will consist of any combination of application evaluation, written exam, oral panel interview, department interview and may be required to complete a brief soft-skills assessment during the selection process. The candidate assessment provides insight into core interpersonal skills, behavioral traits, and preferred work environment, helping us support your success in the role.
This position is part of the Pasadena Management Association bargaining unit. The probationary test period is one year.
VACANCIES
As a result of the selection process, an eligible list of candidates will be established which will be used to fill this vacancy and other similar vacancies that may occur in the future. There is currently one vacancy in the Community Planning section of the Planning and Community Development Department.
Special Requirements
Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record may be required for some assignments.
Retirement:
The City of Pasadena contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to offer a defined benefits program for eligible employees.
"New" CalPERS members are subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and receive the following benefit formula: 2% at 62
"Classic" members of CalPERS receive the following benefit formula: 2.5% at 55
Deferred Compensation:*
The City offers a 457(b) deferred compensation plan to help employees save for their retirement and supplement their CalPERS pension. Employees can defer salary with pre-tax or Roth after-tax deductions.
Health Insurance: *
The City contracts with CalPERS to offer several comprehensive health plans that include Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO).
Other Benefits include: *

• Dental Insurance (HMO and PPO plans offered)
• Paid leave (holidays, sick leave, vacation leave)
• City-paid Life and Short-Tem Disability insurance
• Voluntary vision, life, accident, and critical illness insurance
• Medical & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Professional Development Allowance
• Free Employee Assistance Program

*These benefits may vary for employees whose FTE is less than .75 or work less than 30 hours per week.
01
To further assist us with reviewing your qualifications, please answer the following questions. Please complete all sections of this form truthfully and completely. Your responses will be validated if you are considered one of the most qualified applicants. Although resumes will be accepted and evaluated, this form must be completed if the application is to be considered valid. Please select yes to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of experience do you have working on community/long-range planning tasks for a local jurisdiction?

• Less than 2 years
• Between 2 and 3 years
• Between 3 and 4 years
• More than 4 years

03
To what extent have you written staff reports for Commissions or City Council, or similar hearing bodies?

• I have no experience in this activity.
• I have assisted others in doing this.
• I have done this independently but not extensively.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have trained/coached others in performing this activity.

04
To what extent have you given presentations to Commissions or City Council, or similar hearing body?

• I have no experience in this activity.
• I have assisted others in doing this.
• I have done this independently but not extensively.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have trained/coached others in performing this activity.

05
To what extent have you conducted CEQA review and prepared related documents?

• I have no experience in this activity.
• I have managed a consultant to perform this activity.
• I have assisted others in doing this.
• I have done this independently but not extensively.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have trained/coached others in performing this activity.

06
To what extent have you provided service to customers at the counter or over the phone/email?

• I have no experience in this activity.
• I have assisted others in doing this.
• I have done this independently but not extensively.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have trained/coached others in performing this activity.

07
To what extent have you reviewed plans for conformance to the Zoning Code and/or General Plan?

• I have no experience in this activity.
• I have assisted others in doing this.
• I have done this independently but not extensively.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have trained/coached others in performing this activity.

08
Do you have a bachelor's or master's degree in planning, architecture, geography, public administration, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

Required Question