Assistant Planner

Salary : $74,318.40 - $100,193.60 Annually
Location : Orange County
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2108GE-1026-080 (O)
Department: OC Public Works
Opening Date: 10/26/2026
Closing Date: 11/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific


CAREER DESCRIPTION
ASSISTANT PLANNER

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and futureAssistant Planner positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Monday, November 9, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. (PT)
OC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
OC Development Services is a service area within OC Public Works (OCPW) that oversees the planning and development entitlement requirements for private and public projects within the County's unincorporated areas. This includes permit processing, inspection services, and management of zoning, building, and code regulations - all to ensure safe and responsible property development and community standards.
Click here for more information on OC Development Services.


Click here for more information on OCPW.


Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Development Services is seeking an Assistant Planner to perform a range of routine professional land use planning assignments in Current Planning and acts as a project planner with responsibilities for less complex planning projects involving minor permit review and processing assignments.

Depending on the job assignment, responsibilities and duties for this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Providing information to members of the public, County employees from other divisions or departments, and representatives of outside agencies regarding County procedures and regulations, discretionary and ministerial land use applications, the general plan, and the zoning code ordinance
• Accepting, reviewing, and processing ministerial & discretionary applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with department policies and procedures, and land use regulations
• Preparation of staff reports and providing recommendations for Director-level approval

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge and abilities in the core competencies

Technical knowledge | Skills

• Knowledge of State laws, County ordinances, and elements of planning and zoning related to governing land use
• Knowledge of methods and techniques pertaining to reviewing plans related to land use applications, permits, and ministerial permits
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of regional, county, and city planning principles and techniques of the planning profession
• Knowledge of permit tracking programs

Communication | Oral & Written

• Ability to present information in a clear, logical, and concise manner both orally and in writing
• Communicate effectively in writing when documenting actions, maintaining records, and preparing reports as required
• Handle conflict in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Successfully interact with various governmental organizations and review boards

Customer Service

• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Effectively maintain collaborative and positive working relationships

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click here for details on the Assistant Planner classification, including the physical, mental, environmental, and working conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)
The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions, which will be rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.


Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.


NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "oc.gov" If your email address should change, please update your profile at


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click for additional Frequently Asked Questions.


For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Rose Nguyen at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io

EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Please note that Extra Help employees are not eligible for the benefits listed.
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
01


The information you provide will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing these questions. NOTE: Responses of "See Work Experience", "See Resume," or copying and pasting work experience are not qualifying responses and will not be evaluated or rated. If you have no experience, write "N/A" for the appropriate question.By selecting yes below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this application requirement.

• Yes, I have read and understand
• No

02


Please select the option that best describes your education and experience. * If substituting a degree or education for years of experience, please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts*NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services N.A.C.E.S

• (A) Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in urban planning or a related field ANDone (1) or more years of progressively responsible planning experience
• (B) Two (2) or more years of progressively responsible planning experience ANDCollege courses, training seminars, or a combination thereof (e.g., urban planning, regional planning, environmental planning, urban design or geography, land and property development, civil or environmental engineering, etc.) related to the knowledge and the abilities (based on three (3) semester units equal to one month and/or one hour of job-related training equal to one hour of experience)
• (C) Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible planning experience as it relates to the job bulletin
• (D) American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) membership
• (E) None of the above

03


If you chose option A or B for the above Question #2, a copy of your unofficial transcripts must be attached to your application. Please attach the required documents to avoid disqualification in the recruitment process. *Official transcripts will be requested at the time of job offer.

• I understand
• N/A

04


If you chose option C for the above Question #2, please provide your digital certificate of membership for the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) . Please write N/A if not applicable.
05


In reference to question #2, please describe your planning experience. In your response, please include your employer, number of years employed, and a summary of your duties.If you have no experience, please write N/A. Responses such as "see resume" will not be accepted
Required Question