Planning Technician

Planning TechnicianLaunch your career and build a strong foundation in municipal planning with the City of Tustin. We are seeking an enthusiastic, customer-focused Planning Technician to serve as a vital first point of contact for the Community Development Department. This entry-level opportunity offers aspiring urban planning professionals hands-on experience in development review, zoning, and land-use research. The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service, strong communication skills, attention to detail, can-do initiative, and an eagerness to learn from an experienced and collaborative team.The ideal candidate:Foundational Background: A bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, public administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education, internship, or entry-level administrative experience) is desirable.Baseline Understanding: Basic familiarity with urban planning principles, local government functions, zoning concepts, or reading simple maps and site plans.Tech-Savviness: Comfort using digital permitting software, GIS tools, and standard office software to track applications and manage public records.Essential Skills:Clear Communication: Ability to break down administrative procedures, zoning forms, and basic city codes into clear, easy-to-understand written and verbal explanations for the public.Detail-Oriented Review: Care and precision in screening planning applications, intake forms, and site plans for missing items before routing them to technical staff.Organization & Adaptability: Capability to multitask effectively at a busy public service counter, keeping inquiries organized while learning municipal policies on the job.Key Qualities:Welcoming: Serves as a warm, positive first point of contact for the Planning division, ensuring residents, business owners, and applicants feel valued and supported from their very first interaction.Diplomatic: Handles sensitive questions, community concerns, or frustrated visitors with patience, neutrality, and professional grace.Genuine: Brings authenticity, reliability, and care to public service, building trust with the community and department staff through honest and helpful assistance.Approachable: Maintains an open, friendly, and patient demeanor that puts first-time applicants and seasoned property owners at ease as they navigate the planning process.Open-Minded: Embraces diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and constructive feedback; readily adapts as City programs, technologies, and public needs evolve.Initiative: Actively looks for ways to contribute to the City team, enjoys looking for ways to improve workplace processes and adopt new technologies.Enjoys a Positive Workplace Culture: Knows how to have fun while working, bringing energy, good humor, and a collaborative spirit to the team while maintaining high professional standards.The Department:The Community Development Department is comprised of the Planning, Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Historic Preservation, Housing, and Economic Development divisions. Community Development manages and promotes the overall well-being of a community by overseeing initiatives that encourage economic growth, improve quality of life, and facilitate responsible development through planning, housing programs, business recruitment, code enforcement, and building permits, all while considering the needs of residents and businesses within the area.Selection Process:The first step in the selection process is a training and experience evaluation of each candidate based on the application materials submitted. Candidates whose qualifications are determined to best meet the needs of the position will be invited to complete a one-way video interview (week of 10/5). Based on video interviews, the best qualified candidates will subsequently be invited to participate in a structured panel interview (week of 11/2). Finalists will participate in follow-up interviews (week of 11/9). Dates are tentative and may change if necessary.All candidates who pass the panel interview will earn placement on the eligible list, which is valid for one (1) year and may be used for current and future vacancies in the job classification.The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.