Associate Planner-Project Planning

ASSOCIATE PLANNER - PROJECT PLANNING

Interviews will take place the week of February 9, 2026. Job offers for selected candidates will be made the week of February 23, 2025.

• June 2026 – 4.37% increase to base pay (3.5% Across‑Board + 0.87% Market Adjustment)
• June 2027 – 3.87% increase to base pay (3% Across‑Board + 0.87% 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. ***

to view a detailed announcement including the duties and requirements of this position. (Download PDF reader)

The County of San Diego is seeking passionate and forward‑thinking professionals for the Associate Planner, Project Planning role. This is your chance to make a real impact on the future of our communities—leading innovative projects, conducting in‑depth planning and environmental studies, and shaping goals and policy recommendations that guide the region’s growth and sustainability.

Planning & Development Services (PDS) proudly undertakes the vital role of supporting the long‑term health and sustainability of 29 unincorporated communities, home to over 500,000 individuals, nestled within the expanse of San Diego County.

PDS is a fast‑paced planning department with a vast array of project types in settings ranging from suburban to rural. Planners working for PDS will touch on projects ranging from mixed‑use, residential, commercial, affordable housing, renewable energy, and more. PDS consists of nine divisions:
Building Services, Code Compliance, Land Development, Long Range Planning, Housing, Project Planning, Support Services, Sustainability and the Policy, Outreach and Data division.  for additional information on PDS.

PDS Mission - Through operational excellence and attention to customer service, we strive to balance community, economic, and environmental interests to ensure the highest quality of life for the public of San Diego County.

Current vacancies for Associate Planners will be assigned to Project Planning but may be also assigned to other divisions within PDS as vacancies occur.

The Project Planning division reviews privately initiated, discretionary projects, specifically the review for compliance and conformance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances and policies including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Community plans. The Project Planning Division is responsible for managing all aspects of new development projects in the County, including new affordable and market housing, renewable energy projects like solar and battery storage, and commercial and mixed‑use projects.

In processing projects, the Project Planning Division engages with the public, management, stakeholders, and consultants and gives presentations to appointed and elected officials, including the Board of Supervisors.

• Performs planning and environmental review of 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.
• Under general direction, Associate Planners independently review a wide scope of discretionary projects characterized by having moderate public controversy, and of moderate complexity such as major use permits, tentative maps, variances, and rezones.
• Provides responsive, high‑quality service to County staff, partner agencies, developers, and the public.

• Proven professional level experience as a land use or environmental planner, with experience managing 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.
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, including building relationships and collaborating with internal and external…