Associate Planner

Associate Planner

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 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 Associate Planner.

• 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

The following list represents some of the core competencies for this position; see the job descriptions for 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.

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-Term 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.