Planner II​/III

The Department of Planning and Building is seeking highly motivated and results-oriented Planners to join the Long-Range Planning teams.

The Long-Range Planning team serve as leaders in community planning, housing initiatives, resource planning, and conservation strategies. Lead by the Long-Range Planning Manager and Supervising Planner, the team prioritizes efforts that result in meaningful outcomes. The team culture has a strong emphasis on investing in team members and having frank discussions.

The ideal candidate is passionate about government service, takes ownership in assigned roles and responsibilities, and thrives in formulating and communicating complex policy recommendations.

San Luis Obispo County is experiencing a considerable amount of growth and development, and we are looking for individuals who are excited and motivated to facilitate positive change in the community! The Planning and Building Department is interested in Planners at all skill levels that are excellent writers, capable of putting together composed reports and correspondence.

This recruitment may fill a position in the Department’s Current Planning or Long-Range Planning division. This position will offer the right candidate an opportunity to work on a wide array of planning projects. The list of eligible candidates created from this recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, temporary, limited term, on‑call or substitute vacancies in the department.

Typical Job Duties in Long Range Planning

• Work with the community, stakeholder groups, and decision-makers to update the County's General Plan, Local Coastal Plan, and Community Plans for the County's unincorporated communities.
• Process Land Use Ordinance amendments to comply with State law and to address emerging land use issues.
• Process Specific Plans for major development proposals in the unincorporated areas of the county.
• Manage the preparation of program-level Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for Community Plans, Specific Plans, and countywide ordinance amendments.
• Administer countywide conservation programs to protect water supplies and agricultural land.
• The following principles guide the Long-Range Planning team’s work:
• We engage the public and stakeholders through a collaborative planning process
• We collaborate internally by coming together to share ideas and apply our compatible strengths to accomplish shared goals
• We seek opportunities to proactively educate the public about the planning process
• We engage all segments of the population to shape land use policy options that meet the diverse needs of our communities
• We present decision-makers with balanced plans that protect our natural resources and community character while meeting socio-economic needs for housing, jobs, and infrastructure

Planners II through III perform a variety of tasks in support of programs assigned to the Department of Planning and Building including: community planning, development review, environmental review, energy and natural resources management, conservation and resource management, airport planning, park planning, housing and economic development, and other related work as required.

to view the full job description for Planner I.

to view the full job description for Planner II.

to view the full job description for Planner III.

to learn more about the San Luis Obispo's Planning & Building Department.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate will be an analytical thinker who creatively problem solves and can plan and organize their work, has a strong commitment to providing quality service to the community, and has a desire to support and help build a strong current planning section. The ideal candidate will bring a positive attitude, and thoughtful decision-making to the working environment. Knowledge of building code and zoning/planning regulations is preferred.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will:

Have excellent interpersonal and presentation skills

Planning expertise, and be effective at building relationships with stakeholders. Candidates will be self-motivated and solution-oriented, as well as have strong critical thinking and analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset.…