Planning Technician

City of Tustin • Tustin, CA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Launch your career and build a strong foundation in municipal planning with the City of Tustin. We are seeking an enthusiastic, customer-focused Planning Technician to serve as a vital first point of contact for the Community Development Department. This entry-level opportunity offers aspiring urban planning professionals hands-on experience in development review, zoning, and land-use research. The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service, strong communication skills, attention to detail, can-do initiative, and an eagerness to learn from an experienced and collaborative team.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in a college or university and completion of two (2) years of college in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, architecture, or a related field.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Satisfactory results from a background investigation, physical examination and administrative screening.
• Clear Communication: Ability to break down administrative procedures, zoning forms, and basic city codes into clear, easy-to-understand written and verbal explanations for the public.
• Detail-Oriented Review: Care and precision in screening planning applications, intake forms, and site plans for missing items before routing them to technical staff.
• Organization & Adaptability: Capability to multitask effectively at a busy public service counter, keeping inquiries organized while learning municipal policies on the job.
• Basic familiarity with urban planning principles, local government functions, zoning concepts, or reading simple maps and site plans.
• Comfort using digital permitting software, GIS tools, and standard office software to track applications and manage public records.

Nice To Haves

• A bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, public administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education, internship, or entry-level administrative experience) is desirable.
• Completion of a bachelor's degree and experience as a planning-related student intern are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the analysis and interpretation of social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; assists in the preparation of written reports on various planning and environmental matters
• Compiles basic information and makes recommendations on special studies of a limited scope
• Researches and drafts ordinances for review by supervisor
• Reviews basic re-zoning, variances, conditional use permits, design review, and other planning related applications; assists with preparing legal notices to public hearings; assists with preparing reports pertaining to advisability and permissibility of the requests; confers with property owners and petitioners regarding effects and implications of zoning and development actions
• Reviews basic building plans and other development related applications for conformance with appropriate regulations and conditions of approval
• Assists the public at the front counter and on the phone, answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, development standards, and approved development proposals
• Enters and updates information in permit software database

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree