Associate Planner

Salary : $95,272.00 - $119,089.00 Annually
Location : City of Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full -Time
Job Number: 26-081
Department: Planning & Community Development
Opening Date: 12/18/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

The Planning and Community Development Department is excited to announce an immediate opening for an Associate Planner. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing planning work in the Current Planning (zoning) section.


THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a customer-focused team player who possesses excellent written, organization, and interpersonal skills, with knowledge and experience in current planning. The ideal candidate is also an effective problem-solver who combines technical experience with excellent communication skills.
Please note: this recruitment is open continuous and may close at any time. Apply today! First review of applications will be on January 12, 2026.

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

• Evaluates development projects by conducting a detailed review of plans for Zoning Code compliance; completes a variety of current planning projects (e.g., zoning permits and verification letters, plan checks, and land use entitlements); confers with applicants to identify problems; proposes methods to resolve conflicting issues and comply with Zoning Code requirements.
• Performs field surveys to inform the review process and upon completion of projects to ensure conformance with applicable requirements; discuss recommendations and noncompliance with applicants.
• Assists the public in land use related matters and responds to inquiries, both orally and in writing, and thoroughly explains regulations and procedures of the Zoning Code and policies of the department. Staffs the public counter and assist with Planner of the Day duties.
• Research, collect, and analyze data related to land use permits and zoning; prepares summaries of research and presents organized recommendations and/or questions to the Zoning Administrator.
• Prepares legal notices, decision letters and staff reports for various decision makers and hearing bodies. Primarily makes presentations to the Hearing Officer and Board of Zoning Appeals. On occasion, may make presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Prepares requests for proposal, is involved in the selection process and monitoring of environmental consultants, and reviews technical documents; monitors work performed by consulting arborists and land surveyors.

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

• Self-Management - Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability.
• Attention to Detail - Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing.
• Customer Focus - Attending to the needs and expectation of customers.
• Relationship Building - Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
• Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Legal and Regulatory Navigation - Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

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 zoning/current planning will be deemed most qualified.

SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process may consist of a training and experience evaluation, written test, interview panel, and departmental interview.


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 Current Planning (zoning) 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.
The City of Pasadena contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) to manage our defined benefits program for eligible employees. CalPERS manages the pension and health benefits to more than 1.6 million public employees, retirees, and their families and more than 3,000 employers.
Effective January 1, 2013, new members to CalPERS will be subject to the provisions of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and will receive the 2% @ 62 benefit formula (if a miscellaneous employee) and 2.7% at 57 benefit formula (if a safety employee).
Employees who are deemed "Classic" members of CalPERS or a reciprocal system such as the Los Angeles County Employees' Retirement System (LACERA) or Los Angeles City Employees Retirement System (LACERS) will receive the 2.5% @ 55 benefit formula (if a miscellaneous employee) or 3% at 55 benefit formula (if a safety employee). A CalPERS "Classic" member is a member who previously worked for a California public agency and meets the following criteria:

1. First established CalPERS membership or membership in a CalPERS reciprocal agency prior to January 1, 2013,
2. And is hired by the City of Pasadena after a break in service of less than six months
3. And did not have concurrent (overlapping) service with the other agency.

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 in zoning/current planning for a local jurisdiction?

• Less than 2 years
• 2-3 years
• 4-5 years
• More than 5 years

03


To what extent have you given presentations to Commissions or City Council?

• 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 prepared an environmental initial study?

• 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 provided service to customers at the counter or over the phone?

• 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.

06


To what extent have you reviewed plans for conformance to the Zoning Code?

• 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 written staff reports for Commissions or City Council?

• 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