City Planner

Summary

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of February 8, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of City Planner in our Development Services Department/Planning Services. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of Planning Services within the Development Services Department including the Planning Resource, Public Hearing/Public Counter, Project Processing, and related administrative groups and units; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Development Services.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices .

Assumes management responsibility for identifying workload needs and directing assigned services and activities of Planning Services including Planning Resources, Public Hearings, the Public Planning Counter, Project Processing, and related administrative groups and units.

Assumes management responsibility for online permitting software and supportive permit intake, review, and issuance functions.

Oversees the provision of Planning Division services and related activities including advising City committees, commissions, and the City Council on land use, design, and environmental matters, conducting environmental and other technical reviews, preparing demographic information, amending City Boundaries, reviewing and preparing environmental documentation for CDBG proposals, coordinating various approvals with state, federal, and local agencies, coordinating all types of development entitlements including General Plan Amendments, Specific Plans, Subdivision, Planned Developments, and related documents, providing technical assistance on Capital Improvement Projects, preparing and implementing the City’s habitat preservation sub-area plan, and related programs, services, and activities.

Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.

Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.

Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work methods, procedures, and products including staff reports, actions, conclusions, and related documents; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.

Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.

Oversees and participates in the development and administration of Planning Services annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.

Provides technical and professional assistance to City committees, commissions, and the City Council; oversees the scheduling and preparation of agendas for the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, and the scheduling of all planning related matters for the City Council; prepares reports and makes public presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other public groups as necessary; represents the City on San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) committees and other outside organizations; provides staffing at meetings; responds to issues and questions; performs special planning studies as assigned.

Provides responsible staff assistance and complex policy analysis to the Director of Community Development; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to planning programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

Serves as the liaison for Planning Services to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; provides status reports on pending projects; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; provides technical advice and code interpretations.

Contributes to interdisciplinary work groups including economic development groups and project teams involving high profile projects; coordinates planning programs and responsibilities for implementation of the Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Directs and oversees the development and implementation of public outreach activities; oversees and participates in a variety of public relations, outreach, and education work related to planning activities with other departments and outside agencies; participates in public meetings; gives formal presentations on planning matters.

Directs and oversees grant writing and administration of grants for planning activities.

Directs and oversees staff in the preparation and management of consultant service contracts and other agreements related to planning activities; identifies staff training needs and procedural changes in response to legislative changes.

Attends and participates in professional associations and group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.

May act in the absence of the Director of Development Services as assigned.

Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a community planning and development program and familiarity with redevelopment programs.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Organization and functions of the various agencies involved in the planning, redevelopment, and related processes.
Advanced principles and practices of urban planning, zoning, and land development methods.
Development review procedures and requirements.
Principles and practices of project management.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including planning and redevelopment laws, zoning code, California Environmental Quality Act, and Subdivision Map Act requirements.
State and federal permitting procedures.
Site planning and architecture design principles.
Recent developments, current literature, research methods, and sources of information related to municipal planning, urban growth, and development.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
Methods and techniques of eliciting community participation in planning and development issues.
Principles and practices of grant funding and contract administration.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting software applications.

Ability to:
Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive planning program.
Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of entry-, mid-, and senior-level staff.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
Prepare and administer large program budgets.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Interpret, analyze, apply, implement, and explain pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including City codes and departmental policies and administrative directives.
Provide staff support to and manage assigned commissions and committees.
Prepare and interpret ordinances and formulate land use, zoning, and related policies.
Identify, coordinate, and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development of land use policy.
Identify and suggest needed changes to City codes, standards, and procedures.
Serve as project manager on the most complex and sensitive projects involving coordination with other departments and outside groups and organizations.
Analyze projects and potential projects for consistency with planning regulations, general planning principles, and architectural quality.
Ensure project compliance with state, federal, and local rules, laws, and regulations.
Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
Operate modern office equipment and computers including specialized computer applications.
Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, council members, committee and commission members, outside agencies and groups, and the general public.
Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the division.
Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, regional planning, environmental studies, architecture, public or business administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is desirable.

Experience:
Eight years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible professional experience in urban planning, regional planning, community development, or a related field including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. California Environmental Quality (CEQA) experience is highly desirable.

License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Management Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• City of Escondido

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