Associate Planner

Santee Cooper; Santee (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santee is seeking an Associate Planner to lead professional planning activities, coordinate development review permits, and provide clear technical information on zoning regulations and land use policies to residents, developers, and city departments. This on-site role supports current and advanced planning, CEQA matters, and regulatory compliance.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in urban planning (or related field) and three years of planning experience; a master’s degree

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or closely related field is required.
• Three (3) years of professional planning and zoning experience.
• A master’s degree or AICP certification may be accepted in lieu of one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Liaises with staff, applicants, developers, and the public regarding plans, zoning matters, and development requirements.
• Performs plan checks for commercial, industrial and residential projects for compliance with codes and conditions.
• Prepares staff reports for City Council and develops planning studies, ordinances, and regulations.
• Conducts research on planning matters and reviews CEQA guidelines and related publications.
• Participates in staff meetings and development review meetings; conducts field investigations to ensure conformance to zoning codes and approved plans.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or closely related field

Master’s degree or AICP exchange for experience

Job description

The Position

Upcoming Scheduled Salary Increase of 3% Effective July 2026

Under general direction, the Associate Planner leads and performs professional level planning work related to current and advanced planning functions; coordinates and processes development review permits and discretionary planning applications; provides clear and accurate technical and policy information to residents, developers, City departments, external agencies and the business community on the City’s zoning regulations and land use policies; and performs a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

This is a non-telecommuting position

Representative Duties

• Serves as liaison to and provides information and assistance to City staff, applicants, developers, consultants, the general public, and outside organizations and agencies regarding City plans, zoning matters, and development requirements over the phone or at the public counter;
• Performs plan checks of proposed commercial, industrial and residential projects to determine compliance and consistency with applicable City codes, policies, and standards as well as approved planning permit conditions;
• Prepares and presents staff reports to the City Council on a regular basis;
• Prepares and reviews specialized planning studies such as preparation of environmental studies and the development of ordinances, resolutions, and regulations;
• Conducts independent and team research on planning matters, including review of case law, CEQA guidelines, extra-jurisdictional planning practices, and professional planning publications; provides written analysis of research performed in a cohesive and coherent manner;
• Prepares and participates in staff and development review meetings to discuss projects with peers and staff;
• Performs field investigations to ensure projects conform to zoning codes, design regulations and/or approved plans;
• Prepares written documents on planning matters including, but not limited to, development review permits, conditional use permits, tentative subdivision maps, parcel maps, and temporary use permits;
• Reviews business license applications to ensure compliance with land use and zoning regulations;
• Prepares and/or update charts, maps, diagrams, graphics, illustrations and other planning materials using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Adobe Photoshop or other computer programs; and
• Performs related duties as required.

For the complete job description, please go to the City of Santee's website at www.cityofsanteeca.gov

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification may be qualifying. An example would be:

EDUCATION: A bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or a closely related field such as Geography, Environmental Science, Architecture or Public Administration; and

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of recent professional planning and zoning experience.

A master's degree in a closely related field or an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification may be accepted in lieu of one (1) year of experience.

California experience in current, longe range and/or environmental planning, development, or housing is highly desirable.

Public sector experience in current, long range and/or environmental planning, development or housing is highly desirable.

EVALUATION PROCESS

First review of applications may occur the week of May 25, 2026.

Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the city will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position which may consist of any or all of the following components: Appraisal interview, a written exercise, or a practical skills assessment.

The City may change these testing and interview dates at its discretion due to departmental staffing and operational needs.

PANEL INTERVIEW

TBD.

Special Requirements

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license at time of appointment. A safe driving record is required and must be maintained during period of employment.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.