Senior Planner

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. The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment. Future Salary Increases June 2027 – 3.30% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + .30% Market Adjustment) Referral Reward Program 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 application. About the County of San Diego Planning & Development Services 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 enhances the quality of communities and ensures the health and safety of residents 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. The Position PDS employs Senior Planners who possess extensive expertise and leadership capabilities in overseeing highly advanced, complex, delicate and challenging planning initiatives. Senior Planners may conduct research and prepare plans, reports, studies, and memos on land use, physical, social, and economic issues; synthesize and present information, report and other findings to internal and external stakeholders, advisory boards, and elected officials. As an integral part of the fast-paced work environment at PDS, you will be immersed in a diverse range of projects set against the backdrop of unique and charismatic locations, spanning from urban areas to rural landscapes. Project Planning The Project Planning division reviews privately initiated, discretionary projects, specifically the review for compliance and conformance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances and policies including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Community plans. The division manages all aspects of new development projects in the County, including affordable and market housing, renewable energy projects, and commercial and mixed-use projects. Senior Planners within the division may manage a varied, complex portfolio of privately initiated development projects through the entitlement process, such as General Plan Amendments, Rezones, Major Use Permits, and Tentative Maps. Primary responsibilities include reviewing projects for compliance, coordinating with other divisions, managing project schedules and budgets, preparing staff reports, outreach and communication with community groups, and presenting to decision-making bodies. Long Range Planning The Long Range Planning (LRP) division plays a vital role in maintaining long range land use documents, developing programs, and formulating policies. LRP is dedicated to modernizing regulations and removing barriers to development while fostering sustainable growth. Central to LRP’s mission are outreach and community engagement. The division has five interdisciplinary sections: Housing & Transportation, General Plan & Community Plans, Sustainable Land Use, Operations & Regulations, and Planning Services. Ideal Candidate Profile Strong written and verbal communications skills, including proven experience in presenting to elected decision-makers, management, community groups, interest groups, and individuals Experience in managing complex discretionary projects involving multiple functional groups, departments, consultant teams, or stakeholder groups Expertise in land use/environmental principles in growth management, zoning, land use regulation, environmental analysis, transportation, capital facilities, and urban design Experience in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other federal, state, county, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the environment Understand legal basis for planning, zoning, and land development activities Demonstrate strong analytical skills and a solution-oriented approach to land use or environmental planning Demonstrate proven professional level experience as a planner and project manager Demonstrate a strong work ethic, initiative, adaptability and willingness to learn Demonstrate a high degree of listening and observation skills, as well as emotional intelligence Demonstrate a strong willingness to continually learn and grow professionally Maintain a professional perspective, objective demeanor, and flexibility when positive or difficult situations occur Experience conducting outreach to a diverse group of stakeholders Work Location PDS is located within the recently constructed and LEED Certified County Operations Center, a modern 44-acre complex in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. The facility encompasses 18 structures and houses 19 departments, including an employee gym/workout center. Work Schedule The selected candidate(s) may be assigned a hybrid schedule consisting of teleworking and working at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa. Hiring Process and Timeline Job Offer and Background Process begins shortly after the interviews. 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: based upon successful completion of medical screening or another mutually agreed date. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in city and regional planning, urban planning, aviation management, landscape architecture, geography, archeology, biology with a concentration in wildlife and/or botany, geology, or any one of the following life and physical sciences, geography with a concentration in conservation of environmental quality, natural resources or physical geography, ecology, zoology, engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, environmental science or a related field, AND, three (3) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must be at the level equivalent to an Associate Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner II) within the County of San Diego; OR A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in one of the fields stated above, AND, two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level experience as described above; OR One (1) year of experience as an Associate Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner II) with the County of San Diego. Application Documents Please attach a copy of your college diploma, complete official or unofficial transcripts, letter of verification, or a foreign studies equivalency certification during Step 1 of the application. Compliance & Fair Hiring The County of San Diego’s pre-employment process includes a background check and pre-employment medical screening. Current County employees may be excluded from this process. Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job on a case-by-case basis. Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information. Military Skills Translator Use the Military Skills Translator to translate your military experience into civilian experience. 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. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan. Disaster Service Worker Under California Government Code Sections 3100 – 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. This includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Diversity & Inclusion The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion, as its diverse workforce is its greatest asset. #J-18808-Ljbffr