Job Summary Excellent Professional Level Opportunity County of San Diego Planning & Development Services Assistant Planner (Official Job Class Title: Land Use/Environmental Planner I) This series recruitment will close on August 13. 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Interviews will take place the week of September 16, 2024. Job offers for selected candidates will be made the week of September 30, 2024. THIS POSITION IS ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT AT STEP 1, $72,883.20ANNUALLY. COUNTY EMPLOYEES ARE SUBJECT TO THE COUNTY PROMOTIONAL RULE FOR STEP PLACEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMP ORD 1.3.5. Are you passionate about urban and rural planning and looking for an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team? The County of San Diego is actively seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join their team as Assistant Planners. The eligible list will be used to fill current vacancies in Planning & Development Services and the Department of Public Works. This list may also be used to fill future vacancies in other Divisions and Departments within Land Use Environment Group (LUEG). Planning & Development Services (PDS) Planning & Development Services (PDS) proudly undertakes the vital role of supporting the long-term health and sustainability of 29 unincorporated communities, home to over 500,000 individuals, nestled within the expanse of San Diego County. The unincorporated area is geographically diverse and is considered one of the most biologically important areas in the U.S. with natural features including lakes, foothills, mountain ranges, and deserts. PDS enhances the quality of communities and ensures the health and safety of residents by protecting natural resources and implementing the General Plan, Climate Action Plan, Multiple Species Conservation Plan and land development ordinances in the unincorporated region. PDS consists of eight divisions: Building Services, Code Compliance, Land Development, Long Range Planning, Project Planning, Support Services, Sustainability and the Policy, Outreach and Data division. Click here for additional information on PDS. PDS Mission - Through operational excellence and attention to customer service, we strive to balance community, economic, and environmental interests to ensure the highest quality of life for the public of San Diego County. Department of Public Works (DPW) The Department of Public Works (DPW) consists of four divisions and is responsible for: County-maintained roads; traffic engineering; land development civil engineering review; design engineering and construction management; land surveying and map processing; cartographic services; watershed quality and flood protection; County Airports; solid waste planning and diversion; inactive landfills; wastewater systems management; and special districts. DPW's mission is to preserve, enhance and promote quality of life and public safety through the responsible development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure and services. For additional information on DPW, please click here. The current DPW vacancy is in the Environmental Services Unit. The Positions Assistant Planner (LUEP I) serves as the first working level class in the professional Planner series. The Assistant Planner that will be assigned at PDS will focus on conducting comprehensive planning and environmental studies, research, and data analysis with an objective to develop strategic goals while providing project and policy recommendations for consideration by decision-making bodies. The Assistant Planner will provide support across various projects, including leading projects generally with a low to moderate degree of public interest and community engagement. The role will require independently processing tasks with relatively low complexity such as issuing administrative permits, reviewing minor use permits, variances, boundary adjustments or tentative parcel maps, or recommending policy and ordinance changes. Key responsibilities include collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to planning, zoning, and environmental policies, issues, and legislation. Proficiency in operating computer equipment and software applications pertinent to the assigned tasks is essential. A strong desire to grow and contribute, and cultivating effective working relationships with co-workers and diverse stakeholders are crucial to success in this role. The Assistant Planner (LUEP I) that will be assigned at DPW will be responsible for reviewing public projects that involve low to moderate environmental impacts and preparing CEQA documents for these under the supervision of a Land Use/Environmental Planning Manager. Work Location PDS & DPW are both located within the recently constructed and LEED Certified County Operations Center, a modern 44-acre complex in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses 18 structures and houses 19 departments, including an employee gym/workout center. Kearny Mesa is a located centrally with easy access from the 163 and 805 freeways, along a vibrant corridor with a variety of commercial services in walking distance. Work Schedule The selected candidate(s) for both PDS and DPW may be assigned a hybrid schedule consisting of teleworking and working at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa. Ideal Candidate Profile * Strong written and verbal communication skills * Good presentation skills * Strong analytical skills and solution-oriented approach * Active listener * Ability to work independently and as part of team * Ability to manage several priorities at a time * Demonstrate professional level experience as a planner * Demonstrate a high degree of motivation and willingness to learn * Maintain a professional perspective, objective demeanor, and flexibility If you believe that you possess these qualities, then Planning & Development Services and the Department of Public Works present an excellent environment to showcase and grow your talents! Our organization fosters a vibrant culture that values collaboration and teamwork, providing the perfect career setting for you to thrive and make a significant impact. Hiring Timeline * Job Offer and Background Process begins in September 2024. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening. * Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results. * Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies. Minimum Qualifications 1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, geography, archeology, biology with a concentration in wildlife and/or botany, geology, or any one of the following life and physical sciences, geography with a concentration in conservation of environmental quality, natural resources or physical geography, ecology, zoology, engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, environmental science or a related field,AND, one (1) year of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must have been at the level equivalent to a Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner within the County of San Diego;OR, 2. A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in one of the fields stated above. No experience required; OR, 3. One (1) year of experience as aJunior Land Use/Environmental Planner with the County of San Diego. Note: Professional level land use/environmental planning experience in a public or private agency may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, for up to two (2) years of the education requirement. Degree must be from a U.S. accredited college or university, or certified equivalency for foreign studies must be provided. NOTE: College documents must be provided at the time of application submittal. Examples of such documents include: diplomas; official transcripts; unofficial transcripts; letter of verification; or certified foreign studies equivalency if college education was obtained outside of the US. Click hereto obtain additional information, including minimum qualifications, examples of duties, essential functions,etc. The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire. Condition of Employment As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process. Evaluation The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month eligible list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental application. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying. Note: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans. Veteran's Preference PolicyThe County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Military Skills TranslatorDo you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all. Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated asdisaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or anycounty, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law. The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.