Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner-26352305
Salary
$64,958.40 - $79,768.00 Annually
Location
County of San Diego, CA
Job Type
Regular - Full time
Job Number
26352305
Department
Planning & Development Services
Division
Project Planning
Opening Date
06/05/2026
Closing Date
6/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary
The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services Invites Your Interest for This Exciting Career Opportunity!
JUNIOR LAND USE/ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER
Interviews will take place the week of July 20, 2026.
This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $64,958.40 annually. County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.
Future Salary Increases
June 2026 - 5.87% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + 2.37% Market Adjustment)
June 2027 - 5.37% increase to base pay (3% Across-the-Board + 2.37% Market Adjustment)
The Position
This recruitment will be used to fill current vacant positions within the Project Planning division of Planning & Development Services (PDS); however, the list may be used by other PDS divisions.
This is the entry level professional class in the Land Use/Environmental Planner class series responsible for performing professional environmental and land use planning studies/projects, research, and data analysis to develop goals and policy recommendations for adoption by decision-making bodies. Read all about the Junior Land Use/Environmental Planner classification including essential functions and minimum qualifications.
The Department
The County of San Diego is committed to helping communities thrive while protecting the regions unique and diverse natural resources. Through operational excellence and attention to customer service, Planning & Development Services (PDS) strives to balance community, economic and environmental interests to ensure the highest quality of life for the public of San Diego County. PDS is responsible for current land use planning, including the review of privately initiated discretionary projects, including those for affordable housing, renewable energy and other residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial uses. PDS also reviews ministerial building permits for consistency with the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan, and other State and local land use policies. The department evaluates land use projects for regulatory compliance and conducts environmental reviews in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). PDS then advises the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on land items, including privately initiated discretionary projects, in the unincorporated county. PDS has seven major divisions: Sustainability, Long Range Planning, Building Services, Code Compliance, Land Development, Project Planning, and Support Services.
Read more about Planning & Development Services.
Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelors degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, with at least 30 semester units in the following fields of study: life science, physical science, city and regional planning, urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture, geography, archaeology, biology, wildlife and/or botany; geology, conservation of environmental quality, natural resources, physical geography, ecology, zoology, or engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, public administration or a closely-related field.
Notes
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.
Applicants must submit or attach copies of their complete official or unofficial transcripts, diplomas, and/or proof of completion letters, or other documentation originated by a United States accredited college or university; or a certified foreign studies equivalency for colleges or universities outside of the United States. Any one or more of these documents must be submitted or attached to the online application in a timely manner, preferably at the time of application submittal.
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.
Conditions 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.Additionaltypes 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 employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire 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.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities 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 Policy
The 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. Please read the Veterans Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please see the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
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) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, 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.
Diversity & Inclusion
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.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary
01
Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough, complete and truthful manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score. Please do NOT indicate "See Resume," or "See Application," as these are not valid answers. If you are invited to a selection interview(s) by the hiring department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. Please review the minimum qualifications for this position before completing your application. Do you understand this information?
02
Do you have a bachelors degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, with at least 30 semester units in the fields of study listed below? Please check the box or boxes that accurately reflects your field of study.
03
If you possess a bachelors degree or higher, and selected the "Other college major" box in Question #2, please indicate below the type of degree you have been conferred with and your field of study. Note: If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" below.
04
If you possess a bachelors degree or higher and checked any of the major fields of study in Question #2, or listed a different major in Question #3, did you attach a copy or copies of your college diploma, complete official or unofficial transcripts, letter of verification, or certified foreign studies equivalency during Step 1 of the application process?
05
If you do not have a bachelors degree, did you complete at least two years of college coursework of the educational requirements listed above; AND, do you have at least two (2) years of full time professional level land use/environmental planning experience for a public or private agency?
06
If you responded "YES" to Question #5 as it relates to the required full time professional level experience, then please describe your experience in land use, environmental issues, and planning. Be sure to indicate the following: 1) Job title(s) 2) Employer name(s) 3) Length of employment (month/year to month/year) 4) A brief description of your duties. Note: If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" below.
07
Please check the box or boxes that accurately describe your work experience for a planning or environmental related agency, company, or organization:
08
If you selected at least one experience area in Question #7, then please describe your experience below. Please be sure to include the following information: 1) Job title(s) 2) Employer name(s) and type of industry or services provided 3) Length of experience (number of years and/or months) 4) A brief description of duties. Note: If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" below.
09
Do you have experience in applying the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) during the course of performing your work for a public or private agency?
10
If you responded YES to Question #9, then please describe your experience below. Please be sure to include the following: 1) Job title(s) 2) Employer name(s) 3) Length of employment (month/year to month/year) 4) A brief description of your duties and how you applied CEQA concepts during the course of your work. Note: If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" below.
11
Please select the box(es) that corresponds to your experience in the computer programs listed below. Note: Your response may be subject to verification by the hiring department.
12
Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Employer County of San Diego
Address 5500 Overland Ave., Suite 370
San Diego, California, 92123
Phone (619) 236-2191
(866) 880-9374
Website http://www.SanDiegoCounty.gov
We are committed to provide and retain a skilled, adaptable, and diverse workforce for County departments so they may deliver superior services to the residents and visitors of the County of San Diego.