Junior Planner

City of San Diego • San Diego, CA

1d

About The Position

Junior Planner positions perform planning and environmental research and analysis; prepare community, general, and land use plans and related studies; review development permits and plans; and assist with administering historic preservation, landscape, rezoning, and subdivision ordinances. The work also involves engaging community members in the planning process, preparing preliminary reports and recommendations, drafting land use ordinances, conducting field investigations, collecting data, developing graphic materials, supporting community planning groups, and performing other assigned duties.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent education, including at least 18 semester or 27 quarter college-level units in specified planning, environmental, design, social science, or related fields. Qualifying professional-level planning experience may substitute for missing education on a year-for-year basis. A valid California Class C driver's license may be required at hire. An AICP Certified Planner credential and a range of related coursework and experience are highly desirable.

Candidates who pass the initial screening will have their education, experience, and/or training reviewed for minimum-qualification compliance. Successful candidates may be placed on an eligibility list used to fill vacancies for 180 days. Employment offers are conditional on applicable pre-employment screening, which may include work-eligibility confirmation, a medical review and exam, reference checks, and fingerprinting; some positions may require additional screening.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education (at least 120 semester or 180 quarter units), including at least 18 semester or 27 quarter college-level units in Archeology, History, Urban Planning, Urban Studies or Urban Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, Economics, Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Public Administration, Life Science, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field.
• Qualifying professional-level planning experience may substitute for education lacking, on a year-for-year basis; one year of full-time experience equals 30 semester or 45 quarter college-level units. Qualifying experience must be in at least one specified planning-related area, including archaeology, historic preservation, environmental review or analysis, resource management, planning, transportation, design and redevelopment, zoning, architecture and urban design, site planning, or discretionary permit review and processing.
• City of San Diego employees using Out-of-Class Assignment experience to qualify must provide written documentation signed by their appointing authority or payroll specialist, detailing the work performed, dates, and total qualifying hours.
• A valid California Class C Driver License may be required at the time of hire.
• Submit proof of degree/transcripts if used to meet minimum requirements; City employees must submit proof of Out-of-Class Assignment if used to qualify.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Planner certification issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
• College-level coursework in the specified planning, environmental, design, social science, or related fields.
• Conservation biology and/or Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) experience.
• Experience supporting equitable public engagement for planning initiatives.
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental documentation and compliance experience.
• Watershed or environmental plans experience.
• American Society of Landscape Architects membership.

Responsibilities

• Perform planning and environmental research and analysis.
• Prepare community, general, and land use plans and related studies.
• Perform development permit reviews and plan checks.
• Assist in administering historic preservation, landscape, rezoning, and subdivision ordinances.
• Engage community members in the planning process.
• Prepare preliminary reports and recommendations.
• Draft land use ordinances.
• Conduct field investigations and collect data.
• Develop graphic materials.
• Assist community planning groups.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible benefitted employees originally hired on or after July 10, 2021, will be automatically enrolled in the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (SDCERS).
• Employees in job classifications represented by the Municipal Employees Association (MEA) are scheduled to receive general wage increases: 3.5% effective 7/1/27, 2% effective 7/1/28, and 2% effective 1/1/29.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level