Assistant Planner

County of Orange; California; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Orange is seeking an Assistant Planner within OC Development Services to perform routine land use planning tasks in Current Planning and support for minor permit reviews and processing. The position may involve working on less complex projects and coordinating with public and agency staff.

The opportunity emphasizes information sharing, ministerial and discretionary application processing, and preparation of staff reports for Director-level approval.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and county land use laws and zoning principles.
• Ability to review land use applications for accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Prepare staff reports and provide recommendations forDirector-level approval.

Responsibilities

• Provide information to the public and agency staff about County procedures, discretionary and ministerial land use applications, the general plan, and the zoning code.
• Accept, review, and process ministerial and discretionary applications for accuracy and compliance with department policies.
• Prepare staff reports and provide recommendations for Director-level approval.

Skills

Land use law

Plan review methods

Planning principles

Permit tracking

Job description

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and futureAssistant Plannerpositions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Monday, November 9, 2026at 11:59 P.M. (PT)

OC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

OC Development Services is a service area within OC Public Works (OCPW) that oversees the planning and development entitlement requirements for private and public projects within the County’s unincorporated areas. This includes permit processing, inspection services, and management of zoning, building, and code regulations - all to ensure safe and responsible property development and community standards.

THE OPPORTUNITY

OC Development Services is seeking an Assistant Planner to perform a range of routine professional land use planning assignments in Current Planning and acts as a project planner with responsibilities for less complex planning projects involving minor permit review and processing assignments.

Depending on the job assignment, responsibilities and duties for this position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Providing information to members of the public, County employees from other divisions or departments, and representatives of outside agencies regarding County procedures and regulations, discretionary and ministerial land use applications, the general plan, and the zoning code ordinance
• Accepting, reviewing, and processing ministerial & discretionary applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with department policies and procedures, and land use regulations
• Preparation of staff reports and providing recommendations for Director-level approval

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge and abilities in the core competencies

Technical knowledge | Skills

• Knowledge of State laws, County ordinances, and elements of planning and zoning related to governing land use
• Knowledge of methods and techniques pertaining to reviewing plans related to land use applications, permits, and ministerial permits
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of regional, county, and city planning principles and techniques of the planning profession
• Knowledge of permit tracking programs

Communication | Oral & Written

• Ability to present information in a clear, logical, and concise manner both orally and in writing
• Communicate effectively in writing when documenting actions, maintaining records, and preparing reports as required
• Handle conflict in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Successfully interact with various governmental organizations and review boards

Customer Service

• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Effectively maintain collaborative and positive working relationships

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and 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 | SOI (Weighted 100%)

The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions, which will be rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Only the most qualified candidates will advance to the next step in the recruitment process or 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 County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans Employment Preference
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.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our 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 "oc.gov" 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 Rose Nguyen at [e-mail] or [phone]

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.