Senior Planner-Project Planning

SENIOR PLANNER – PROJECT PLANNING

Interviews and job offer will take place on an ongoing basis. Future Salary Increases: June 2026 – 3.80% increase to base pay (3.5% Across‑Board + 0.30% Market Adjustment) June 2027 – 3.30% increase to base pay (3.0% Across‑Board + 0.30% Market Adjustment) 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. The County of San Diego is seeking passionate and forward‑thinking professionals for the Senior Planner, Project Planning role. This is your chance to make a real impact on the future of our communities—managing complex discretionary projects, reviewing in‑depth planning and environmental studies, effectively engaging with stakeholders and shaping recommendations that guide the region’s development and conservation. Key Responsibilities Performs planning and environmental review of complex discretionary projects for compliance with the County General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and develops recommendations for adoption by decision‑making bodies. Independently reviews a wide scope of discretionary projects characterized by having substantial public controversy and the highest complexity such as general plan amendments, specific plans, major use permits, and tentative maps. Provides responsive, high‑quality service to County staff, partner agencies, developers, and the public. Ideal Candidate Profile Proven professional level experience as a land use or environmental planner, with experience managing complex discretionary projects involving several functional groups. A strong willingness to continually learn and grow professionally. A professional perspective and objective demeanor when positive or difficult situations occur. The ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form; strong presentation skills; and be a good listener. Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, including building relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to keep projects moving in a positive direction. Strong analytical skills and a solution‑oriented approach to land use and environmental planning issues. 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, archaeology, 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. Conditions of Employment As part of the County of San Diego’s pre‑employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre‑employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job‑related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process. Evaluation Process The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. 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. Blind Applicant Screening The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information. #J-18808-Ljbffr County of San Diego