Job Details

Overview

Job Summary

Exceptional Professional Planning Career Opportunity - Be part of a Progressive and Recognized Land Use / Environmental Program. SENIOR PLANNER

Interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.

• 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.

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 (PDS)!

The County of San Diego is actively seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join their team as Senior 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.

PDS supports the long-term health and sustainability of 29 unincorporated communities, home to over 500,000 residents, within San Diego County. The unincorporated area is diverse and includes lakes, foothills, mountains, and deserts.

PDS enhances community quality of life 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.

PDS Mission - Through operational excellence and customer service, we balance community, economic, and environmental interests to ensure the highest quality of life for the public of San Diego County.

The Position

PDS employs Senior Planners who possess extensive expertise and leadership capabilities in overseeing highly advanced, complex planning initiatives. Senior Planners may conduct research and prepare plans, reports, studies, and memos on land use, physical, social, and economic issues; and synthesize and present information to internal and external stakeholders, advisory boards, and elected officials.

As part of a fast-paced work environment, you will work on a diverse range of projects from urban to rural locations. Current vacancies for Associate Planners will be assigned to Project Planning or Long Range Planning but may be assigned to other divisions within PDS as vacancies occur.

Project Planning

The Project Planning division reviews privately initiated, discretionary projects for compliance with Federal, State, and local ordinances and policies, including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, CEQA, and Community plans. It manages all aspects of new development projects in the County, including affordable and market housing, renewable energy projects, and commercial/mixed-use projects. The division engages with the public, management, stakeholders, and consultants and gives presentations to appointed and elected officials, including the Board of Supervisors.

Senior Planners in Project Planning may manage a varied portfolio of privately initiated development projects through the entitlement process (e.g., General Plan Amendments, Rezones, Major Use Permits, Tentative Maps). Primary responsibilities include reviewing projects for compliance, coordinating with divisions and agencies, managing schedules and budgets, preparing staff reports, outreach to community groups and stakeholders, and presenting to decision-making bodies. Senior Planners may also mentor planners at other levels.

Long Range Planning

The Long Range Planning (LRP) division maintains long-range land use documents, develops programs, and formulates policies in line with federal, state, and local regulations. LRP focuses on modernization of regulations and removal of development barriers while prioritizing sustainable growth that respects the environment and public safety for the County's unincorporated communities. Central to LRP is outreach and community engagement with a commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, integrity, and equity. LRP projects can be complex and controversial due to broad impacts. The division is organized into five interdisciplinary sections: Housing & Transportation, General Plan & Community Plans, Sustainable Land Use, Operations & Regulations, and Planning Services. Through this cohesive approach, LRP emphasizes transparent and inclusive public engagement.

Long Range Planning has the following Planner vacancies:

Economic Development Planners

These planners act as economic development liaisons within unincorporated communities, focusing on relationships with land developers countywide to prioritize County land development projects and foster public/private partnerships for community development and placemaking.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Oversee various economic development, revitalization, and placemaking projects within unincorporated communities.
• Seek grant opportunities to support economic development initiatives.
• Engage property owners, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.
• Provide expertise in affordable housing, project streamlining, infrastructure, and economic development.
• Collaborate with the Department of Economic Development and other long-range planning teams.

Housing Legislation Planners

Planners tasked with reviewing and interpreting pending and adopted housing legislation to inform stakeholders about potential impacts on their community.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide resources to understand how housing legislation affects planning and permitting in unincorporated areas.
• Inform stakeholders about potential implementation of pending and adopted legislation.
• Adapt County ordinances to align with state housing laws.
• Promote land development opportunities arising from new housing legislation.

Facilities Finance Planner

This Planner will manage the County's facilities financing initiatives, with a focus on establishing Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) to fund local public improvements.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Review CFD applications and related reports to evaluate merits.
• Collaborate with cross-divisional teams including Planning & Development Services, Auditor and Controller, Department of Public Works, Department of Parks and Recreation, County Fire Authority, and County Counsel.
• Coordinate with property owners throughout the CFD formation process.
• Facilitate communication among stakeholders to implement CFDs and related projects.
• Conduct analyses to inform CFD financing strategies and initiatives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong written and verbal communications skills, including experience presenting to elected decision-makers, management, community groups, and individuals.
• Experience managing complex discretionary projects involving multiple groups or consultants.
• Expertise in land use and environmental principles across growth management, zoning, environmental analysis, transportation, and urban design.
• Experience with CEQA and other environmental laws and ordinances.
• Understanding of the legal basis for planning, zoning, and land development.
• Analytical and solution-oriented approach to land use or environmental planning.
• Proven professional level experience as a planner and project manager.
• Strong work ethic, initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
• Good listening, observation skills, and emotional intelligence.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Ability to maintain a professional perspective, objectivity, and flexibility in varied situations.
• Experience conducting outreach to diverse stakeholders.

If you believe that you possess these qualities, then the County of San Diego's Planning & Development Services would be an ideal place for your talents. We have a great culture that values collaboration and teamwork.

Work Location

PDS is located within the LEED-certified County Operations Center in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. This facility includes 18 structures and houses 19 departments, with nearby amenities and easy freeway access.

Work Schedule

The selected candidate(s) may be assigned a hybrid schedule consisting of teleworking and work at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa.

Hiring Process and Timeline

• Job Offer and Background Process begins after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days after successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date based on successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have an opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university in city and regional planning, urban planning, or related field, and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional level experience related to land use/environmental planning; or equivalent.
2. A master's degree in a stated field and two (2) years of related experience.
3. One (1) year of experience as an Associate Planner (Land Use / Environmental Planner II) with the County of San Diego.

Please attach a copy of your college diploma, transcripts, verification, or foreign equivalency certification during Step 1 of the online application process.

For additional information on the Senior Planner classification, click here. The County uses Blind Applicant Screening to remove personally identifiable information during recruitments to promote a fair and inclusive process.

Additional Information

The most highly qualified candidates will be referred for an interview. Resume submission is not accepted in lieu of the application work history and supplemental questionnaire.

Condition of Employment

Prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Evaluation Process

Qualified applicants will be placed on a six-month employment list based on scores from the evaluation of the employment and supplemental applications. Applications will be reviewed with automated systems and then individually for qualification.

Veterans and Diversity

Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made for applicants with disabilities. The County supports veterans and promotes a diverse, inclusive workforce. Information about veteran hiring and resources is available from County links and policy descriptions.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion as a core asset and priority.