Rising Planner Trainee: Shape Local Development

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Assistant Planner Trainee - $29.70 hourly
• Assistant Planner - $34.94 - $42.47 hourly
• Associate Planner - $41.71 - $50.70 hourly

The Planning and Community Development Department is seeking a candidate with strong organizational, quality control, time management, and communication skills wanting to work in a team-oriented environment focused on customer service and service delivery. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external customers and have a can-do attitude.

Gain insights into Stanislaus County's application process. Review our application process and quick guide to applying.

• Final date to receive applications:
  08/18/2026
• Written Examination:
  08/31/2026
• Oral Examination:
  09/14/206

To learn more about the Planning and Community Development Department,

The Department is seeking a qualified candidate for the Trainee, Assistant, or Associate Planner position. As a member of the Planning and Community Development Department, you'll be part of an organization that fosters collaboration, teamwork, and a strong sense of community. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a multi-disciplinary environment are essential.

The position will be assigned current planning tasks including, but not limited to, processing land use entitlements, subdivisions, and preparing initial studies in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act; however, other assignments may be made as department needs shift.

As a block-budgeted position, a promotion from the Assistant to Associate Planner may be approved by the Department Head once an incumbent demonstrates the leadership and ability to work effectively and independently with minimal supervision and has attained the minimum years of experience. As required by department workload and funding, the incumbent may be assigned to various tasks within the Department.

• Trainees are part of the unclassified service of the County;
• All trainees will be appointed to the first step of the salary range for the appropriate position, and will be compensated 15% below the range established for the Assistant Planner classification;
• Trainee appointments are not to last longer than one year; however, appointments are extendible to a maximum of two years in cases where minimum qualifications are involved; and
• Upon completion of the training period and the acquisition of minimum qualifications, the individual may be upgraded to a probationary appointment at step 1 of the Assistant Planner salary range. (An approximate 15% increase in salary)

• Assist the public at the front counter, on the phone, and in writing, by answering questions and providing detailed information regarding zoning, development standards and development proposals;
• Review entitlement and building permit applications for completeness and accuracy and compliance with applicable ordinances and guidelines;
• Prepare initial studies and environmental determinations in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
• Review development proposals, subdivision proposals, and building plans for consistency and conformance with appropriate regulations;
• Research, collect, analyze, summarize and present data related to entitlement applications for land use studies and related environmental studies;
• Assist in the compilation, analysis, and presentation of data for elements of the General Plan or other County projects such as capital improvement and conservation programs;
• Assist in the drafting and administration of ordinances relating to the County's planning program;
• Confer with and advise architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, outside agencies and the general public regarding County development policies and standards;
• Coordinate project review with other County departments and outside agencies;
• Prepare all project related written correspondence in accordance with applicable laws, policies and customer service standards;
• Prepare graphics, charts, and other illustrative…