Associate Planner

The Community and Economic Development Department brings together Building & Safety, Planning, Code Enforcement, Housing, and Economic Development to help keep Fullerton safe, vibrant, and growing. Our team works to make sure development in the city is well-planned, safe, and ready for the future. We administer and enforce the City’s Zoning Code, Municipal Code, General Plan, and adopted Building Codes — all while providing essential services like permit issuance, plan reviews, construction inspections, housing programs, and responding to code concerns.

Whether we’re helping a resident with a home project, guiding a business through expansion, or preserving the character of a neighborhood, our goal is the same: to support growth that’s safe, orderly, and respectful of Fullerton’s rich heritage — while creating opportunities for today and for generations to come.

Join the Community and Economic Development Department and help shape the future of Fullerton!

Our Planning team is looking for an Associate Planner who’s ready to take on exciting, hands-on work that makes a real difference in our community. This is a journey-level role where you’ll dig into complex projects, work with great people, and see your efforts take shape in the neighborhoods, businesses, and public spaces around you. Candidates with experience or a background in historic preservation or historic planning are especially encouraged to apply.

• Coordinating environmental and community planning projects.
• Reviewing residential, commercial, and industrial development plans.
• Visiting sites to make sure projects meet City standards and zoning rules.
• Preparing reports, drafting ordinances, and making recommendations.
• Presenting your work to community groups, committees, and commissions.
• Helping residents, architects, and developers understand our planning process.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, Engineering, or Geography.
• Experience: Minimum of one year (two years preferred) of professional planning experience at the Assistant Planner level.
• Knowledge of:
  • Urban and regional planning principles
  • CEQA & Subdivision Map Act
  • Zoning codes, land use regulations, and plan review processes
• Skills:
  • Strong analysis and report-writing
  • Reading/interpreting maps, site plans, and engineering scales
  • Clear, professional communication with a wide range of people

Your work will directly shape the growth and character of our city, providing you with a unique opportunity to see the real-world impact of your contributions. Every day offers variety — from conducting on-site inspections to researching policies and drafting reports — so the work stays fresh and engaging. You’ll join a team in a dynamic and supportive environment where your expertise is valued.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and the satisfaction of knowing your efforts will contribute directly to enhancing the lives of Fullerton’s residents.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional-level and technical municipal planning work of above average difficulty, to include analyzing planning assignments, reviewing proposals/projects in progress, and coordinating planning projects; compiles data and drafts reports, ordinances, and correspondence, and performs related work as required.

• A valid Class C California driver's license or the ability to arrange necessary and timely transportation for field travel is required. Employees in this classification who drive during the course and scope of City business will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicle Government Pull Notice Program.
• Must be able to work a…