Land Use/Environmental Planner II-Watershed-26350804W

Land Use/Environmental Planner II-Watershed-26350804W

Salary

$88,108.80 - $108,201.60 Annually

Location

County of San Diego, CA

Job Type

Regular - Full time

Job Number

26350804W

Department

Public Works, Dept of (Gen)

Division

Watershed Protection Program

Opening Date

05/15/2026

Closing Date

6/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

Excellent Professional Career Opportunity

County of San Diego - Department of Public Works

LAND USE/ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER II - WATERSHED

Interviews will be conducted the week of June 29, 2026

The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment

Future Salary Increases

June 2026 - 4.37% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + .87% Market Adjustment)

June 2027 - 3.87% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + .87% Market Adjustment)

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding career or advancement opportunity?

The County is seeking qualified individuals that bring innovative ideas, strong work ethics, and a commitment to protecting our region's water quality. These positions support ongoing advancements within the Watershed Protection Program (WPP) in the Department of Public Works (DPW).

The Department

The Department of Public Works (DPW) 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; flood protection; County airports; solid waste planning and diversion; inactive landfills; wastewater systems management; and special districts.

DPW's mission is to plan, build, and maintain safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure that connects communities, enhances quality of life, and protects our environment.

The current DPW vacancies are located in the Watershed Protection Program (WPP). To learn more about DPW, visit the department's website. For additional information on WPP, please read all about the Watershed Protection Program here.

The Position

The Land Use/Environmental Planner II (LUEP II) is a mid-entry, journey level professional classification that independently manages environmental planning, watershed protection, and scientific/technical analysis, and related assignments of moderate complexity and public sensitivity. Positions within the Watershed Protection Program may support a variety of duties depending on team needs and program priorities.

Please read the Land Use/Environmental Planner II job description for more information.

LUEP II staff may be responsible for:

Environmental Compliance & Field Activities

• Conducting field assessments and investigations of public and private facilities to determine compliance with stormwater and environmental regulations.
• Responding to complaints and inquiries related to water quality, stormwater pollution, or watershed conditions.
• Performing environmental monitoring, sampling, inspections, and other field-based verification work.

Planning, Analysis, & Technical Work

• Managing and analyzing environmental, watershed, or scientific datasets and supporting quality assurance processes.
• Preparing technical and regulatory documents, environmental studies, watershed plans, reports, and analyses to support compliance, planning, and policy objectives.
• Supporting long-range watershed planning, modeling, research, and development of strategies and recommendations.

Program, Project, & Regulatory Support

• Serving on projects, programs, grants, and contract activities related to watershed management and stormwater permit compliance.
• Supporting process improvement initiatives, data management systems, training efforts, and workflow enhancements.
• Coordinating with internal teams, external agencies, local jurisdictions, community partners, and stakeholders.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Providing outreach, education, and public communication on stormwater pollution prevention, watershed health, and program objectives.
• Supporting community-focused initiatives, incentive programs, and collaborative planning efforts.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-profile environment and can work independently while contributing effectively to team efforts. This individual:

• Communicates clearly and professionally in both verbal and written formats.
• Holds self and others accountable for high-quality work.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, innovation, and the ability to leverage available resources.
• Facilitates teamwork, collaboration, and positive working relationships.
• Exhibits ethical behavior, sound judgment, and support for organizational change.
• Brings technical expertise in watershed planning, environmental analysis, or conservation along with experience relevant to environmental compliance, watershed protection, or scientific monitoring.

Hiring Process and Timeline:

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

I. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.

II. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.

III. 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

• A bachelors degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field AND at least two (2) years of professional level experience in the field of watershed planning and/or wetland conservation and restoration. Experience must be at the level equivalent to a Land Use/Environmental Planner I within the County of San Diego; OR,
• A masters degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field, AND one year of professional level experience as described above; OR,
• One (1) year of experience as a Land Use/Environmental Planner I 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.

Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide 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 will help 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. 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 employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the 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 go to the Military Skills Translator page 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) (Download PDF reader).

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, then your responses to the following questions below may be subject to verification. Please review the minimum qualifications for this position before completing your application. If you do not meet the minimum qualifications, then your application will not be accepted. Do you understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02

Please select the experience and education that most accurately describes the level of experience/education you possess. NOTE: Your degree must be from an accredited U.S. college or university, or have a certified foreign studies equivalency in Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field. If you select one of the degrees below, then please be sure to attach a copy of your college diploma, official transcript, unofficial transcript, or foreign equivalency certificate (if degree was obtained at a college outside of the US) during Step 1 of the online application submittal process.

• An associates degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field AND at least four (4) years of professional level experience in the field of watershed planning and/or wetland conservation and restoration. Experience must be at the level equivalent to a Land Use/Environmental Planner I within the County of San Diego
• A bachelors degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field AND at least two (2) years of professional level experience in the field of watershed planning and/or wetland conservation and restoration. Experience must be at the level equivalent to a Land Use/Environmental Planner I within the County of San Diego.
• A masters degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Biology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field, AND one (1) year of professional level experience in the field of watershed planning and/or wetland conservation and restoration. Experience must be at the level equivalent to a Land Use/Environmental Planner I within the County of San Diego.
• One (1) year of experience as a Land Use/Environmental Planner I with the County of San Diego.
• None of the above.

03

If you selected one of the professional work experience/education boxes listed in Question #2, please provide the following information regarding the experience:

1. Job title(s)

2. Employer name(s)

3. Employment dates (month/year - month/year)

4. A brief description of your duties.

If you selected "None of the above" in Question #2, please indicate "N/A".

04

Do you possess paid work experience in regulatory compliance, inspections, customer service, and education and outreach.

• Yes
• No

05

If you selected Yes in Question #4, please describe your work experience and include the following information about the experience: 1. Employer name(s) 2. Job title(s) 3. Employment dates (month/year) 4. Briefly describe duties and responsibilities performing regulatory compliance, inspections, customer service, and education and outreach. Please also describe your level of responsibility in performing these duties. If you selected No in Question #4, please indicate "N/A".

06

Do you possess paid work experience in overseeing contracts and consultant activities?

• Yes
• No

07

If you selected Yes in Question #6, please describe your work experience and include the following information about the experience: 1. Employer name(s) 2. Job title(s) 3. Employment dates (month/year) 4. Briefly describe duties and responsibilities overseeing contracts and consultant activities. Please also describe your level of responsibility in performing these duties. If you selected No in Question #6, please indicate "N/A".

08

Do you possess paid work experience in Accela Automation or databases and data management?

• Yes
• No

09

If you selected Yes in Question #8, please describe your work experience and include the following information about the experience: 1. Employer name(s) 2. Job title(s) 3. Employment dates (month/year) 4. Briefly describe duties and responsibilities in Accela Automation or databases and data management, and include your level of knowledge and experience (i.e. some experience/moderate experience/fully trained). If you selected No in Question #8, please indicate "N/A".

10

Do you possess paid work experience in reviewing and evaluating data?

• Yes
• No

11

If you selected Yes in Question #10, please describe your work experience and include the following information about the experience: 1. Employer name(s) 2. Job title(s) 3. Employment dates (month/year) 4. Briefly describe duties and responsibilities reviewing and evaluating data. Please also describe your level of responsibility in performing these duties. If you selected No in Question #10, please indicate "N/A".

12

How did you hear about this recruitment? Please select only one box.

• APWA
• CASQA
• College Career Center
• County Employee
• County Employee Resource Group
• County Website/Governmentjobs.com
• Diversity Publication or Resource
• Family or friends
• Stormwater or Scientific Publication
• Veterans or Military Outreach
• Voice & Viewpoint
• Other Website
• Other Resource

13

If you answered "Other" to the question above, please indicate where you first heard about this job opportunity. If this does not apply, please indicate "n/a" below.

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