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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Associate Planner
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list. The eligible list established through this recruitment will be used to fill a current and future Associate Planner vacancies within OC Public Works. This recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the Planner Series.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business days and is scheduled to close on Thursday, January 08, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
ORANGE COUNTY
Orange County is a desirable place to live and is one of the premier employers in the region, as well as the third largest populated County in California. At the County you will find a variety, individual opportunity, job satisfaction, and the pleasure of working with colleagues who are dedicated to making a positive difference. You can learn more about the County of Orange by clicking here .
O C PUBLIC WORKS
OC Public Works is a unique County department comprised of 10 service areas, each of which directly impacts the quality of life for Orange County residents and the private sector. OC Public Works provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, cities, and other County agencies and departments. The primary mission is to protect and enrich Orange County communities through the sustainable delivery of projects and services.
Click here for more information about OC Public Works.
Click here for more information about the County of Orange.
THE OPPORTUNITY
OC Public Works is seeking an Associate Planner who is able to conduct research for technical and analytical planning projects, implement long-range land use plans, prepare policies, ordinances, and regulations as it relates to land use, disseminate information to the public on Zoning Codes and other related regulations and perform other responsibilities as needed.
The job duties listed below are examples of the various types of work that may be performed, but is not an exhaustive list of all possible duties:- Provides information to members of the public, other County agencies/departments, and representatives of external agencies regarding the General Plan, the Zoning Code, and other related planning programs, policies, ordinances, and regulations.
- Prepares reports related to housing units, permit issuance and other data for California Department of Finance, U.S. Census Bureau, California Department of Housing and Community Development, Center for Demographics and Research at CSUF, and Southern California Association of Governments.
- Plans, conducts, and organizes research related to land use, zoning, demographic trends, housing, and environmental compliance, in coordination with land use proposals, permits, applications, or as otherwise needed.
- Analyzes and interprets social, economic, transportation, population, and land use data and trends, and prepares written and statistical reports to local, state, and federal agencies.
- Reviews applications and permits for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with the Zoning Code and applicable regulations.
- Evaluates land use requests and has knowledge of implementation of long-range land use plans.
- Reviews staff reports for compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
- Prepares memos, letters, and staff reports, along with recommendations regarding development proposals and/or public projects.
- Presents recommendations to Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, and/or Subdivision Committee.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will also have knowledge and experience related to the following core competencies:
Planning Knowledge | Experience- Knowledge of planning and land use principles
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to planning and zoning
- Ability to deliver information to stakeholders regarding development proposals, regulations, and/or ordinances
- Knowledge and ability to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) or comparable mapping tools
- Proficient in research and statistical methods
- Understanding of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and related laws and regulations
- Ability to operate and skillfully use software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite
Leadership Skills
- Ability to foster a collaborative approach that supports compliance and quality improvement efforts
- Provides information necessary for decision making and engages all levels of participants
- Ability to lead the work of interns, staff, and/or consultants on individual assignments or projects
- Ability to plan and carry out work independently
Analytical Skills
- Approaches problems and decisions methodically while considering the needs of the County, department, and community
- Analyzes, researches, organizes, accurately interprets, and applies relevant data to projects
- Identifies solutions and recommendations to address potential impacts and concerns
Relationship Building | Effective Communication Skills
- Prepares and delivers effective written and verbal communication with various audiences
- Creates conducive working relationships
- Uses diplomacy when dealing with challenging situations and/or people
- Ability to provide effective consultation and advice to land or property owners, builders, and members of the public on compliance with codes and regulatory practices
- Ability to provide excellent customer service to external and internal stakeholders, such as County agencies/departments, management, consultants, contractors, and the general public
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to learn more about the Minimum Qualifications for the Associate Planner classification as well as the physical and mental requirements and the environmental conditions.
NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.) .
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applications. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Application Screening | (Refer/Non-Refer)
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen applications and supplemental responses for those minimum and desirable qualifications, that are most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by a qualification appraisal panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure. Completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the County may be required for some assignments.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings.
Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in your application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Brandy Soria at Brandy.Soria@ssa.ocgov.com or (714) 245-4580.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 1/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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