Associate Planner; Long Range

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of November 2, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Associate Planner (Long Range) in Development Services/Planning Services. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under general direction, performs professional planning work on complex current planning and advance planning projects within the Planning Division of the Development Services Department at both the administrative and public hearing levels; and may supervise other personnel in providing planning services to the public.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Handles complex planning assignments relating to the implementation of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance;
• Serves as project manager and handles all aspects of analyzing and coordinating of complex planning applications including planned developments, conditional use permits, zone changes, annexations, variances, environmental impact reports and subdivision maps, and prepares and reviews written staff reports thereon;
• Supervises the review of site development, building, grading and landscape plans, parcel maps, final maps, adjustments plats, and similar applications;
• Prepares reports related to planning and zoning issues;
• Makes presentations to decision-making bodies as well as professional and public groups;
• Prepares written staff reports analyzing complex development issues for consideration by decision makers;
• Represents the City on various committees;
• Secures grant funds for various City projects;
• Manages environmental reviews of development projects;
• Develops plans, ordinances, and programs necessary to implement the General Plan;
• Consultant selection and management;
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work methods, procedures, and products including staff reports, actions, conclusions, and related documents; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems;
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Provides technical and professional assistance to City committees, commissions, and the City Council; oversees the scheduling and preparation of agendas for the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and the scheduling of all planning related matters for the City Council; prepares reports and makes public presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other public groups as necessary; represents the City on San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) committees and other outside organizations;
  
  provides staffing at meetings; responds to issues and questions; performs special planning studies as assigned.
• Serves as the liaison for the Planning Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; provides status reports on…