Associate Planner (Long Range)

City of Escondido; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Escondido is seeking an Associate Planner (Long Range) to advance municipal planning efforts, manage complex long-range projects, and prepare policy analyses for the Planning Services Division. You will coordinate with staff, consultants, and City committees to support the General Plan, zoning updates, and environmental reviews.

Under general direction, you will oversee project progress, prepare staff reports for hearings, and mentor junior planners.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture or related field.
• Three years (full-time equivalent) of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning work, or equivalent. A Master's Degree may substitute for one year (full-time equivalent) of work experience.

Responsibilities

• Under general direction, performs professional planning work on complex current planning and advance planning projects within the Planning Division of the Development Services Department at both the administrative and public hearing levels; and may supervise other personnel in providing planning services to the public.
• Handles complex planning assignments relating to the implementation of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance;
• Serves as project manager and handles all aspects of analyzing and coordinating of complex planning applications including planned developments, conditional use permits, zone changes, annexations, variances, environmental impact reports and subdivision maps, and prepares and reviews written staff reports thereon;
• Supervises the review of site development, building, grading and landscape plans, parcel maps, final maps, adjustments plats, and similar applications;
• Prepares reports related to planning and zoning issues;
• Makes presentations to decision-making bodies as well as professional and public groups;
• Prepares written staff reports analyzing complex development issues for consideration by decision makers;
• Represents the City on various committees;
• Secures grant funds for various City projects;
• Manages environmental reviews of development projects;
• Develops plans, ordinances, and programs necessary to implement the General Plan;
• Consultant selection and management;
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work methods, procedures, and products including staff reports, actions, conclusions, and related documents; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems;
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.

Skills

Long-range planning

Project management

Policy analysis

Public speaking

Staff supervision

Grant management

Environmental reviews

Land use policy

Ordinances and codes

Interagency liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in planning or related field

Job description

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of November 2, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Associate Planner (Long Range) in Development Services/Planning Services. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under general direction, performs professional planning work on complex current planning and advance planning projects within the Planning Division of the Development Services Department at both the administrative and public hearing levels; and may supervise other personnel in providing planning services to the public.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Handles complex planning assignments relating to the implementation of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance;
• Serves as project manager and handles all aspects of analyzing and coordinating of complex planning applications including planned developments, conditional use permits, zone changes, annexations, variances, environmental impact reports and subdivision maps, and prepares and reviews written staff reports thereon;
• Supervises the review of site development, building, grading and landscape plans, parcel maps, final maps, adjustments plats, and similar applications;
• Prepares reports related to planning and zoning issues;
• Makes presentations to decision-making bodies as well as professional and public groups;
• Prepares written staff reports analyzing complex development issues for consideration by decision makers;
• Represents the City on various committees;
• Secures grant funds for various City projects;
• Manages environmental reviews of development projects;
• Develops plans, ordinances, and programs necessary to implement the General Plan;
• Consultant selection and management;
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work methods, procedures, and products including staff reports, actions, conclusions, and related documents; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems;
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Provides technical and professional assistance to City committees, commissions, and the City Council; oversees the scheduling and preparation of agendas for the Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and the scheduling of all planning related matters for the City Council; prepares reports and makes public presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other public groups as necessary; represents the City on San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) committees and other outside organizations; provides staffing at meetings; responds to issues and questions; performs special planning studies as assigned.
• Serves as the liaison for the Planning Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; provides status reports on pending projects; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; provides technical advice and code interpretations.
• Participates in a variety of public relations, outreach, and education work related to planning activities with other departments and outside agencies; participates in public meetings; gives formal presentations on planning matters.
• Attends and participates in professional associations and group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.
• Performs related duties as required.

Ability to:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data pertaining to planning and zoning;
• Organize and monitor workloads;
• Make clear and concise written and oral reports;
• Establish and maintain effective relations with the public and coworkers.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Interpret, analyze, apply, implement, and explain pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including City codes and departmental policies and administrative directives.
• Provide staff support to and manage assigned commissions and committees.
• Prepare and interpret ordinances and formulate land use, zoning, and related policies.
• Identify, coordinate, and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development of land use policy.
• Identify and suggest needed changes to City codes, standards, and procedures.
• Analyze projects and potential projects for consistency with planning regulations, general planning principles, and architectural quality.
• Ensure project compliance with state, federal, and local rules, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence.
• Operate modern office equipment and computers including specialized computer applications.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, council members, committee and commission members, outside agencies and groups, and the general public.
• Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the division.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education/Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in planning, architecture or related field.

Experience

• Three years (full-time equivalent) of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning work, or equivalent. A Master's Degree may substitute for one year (full-time equivalent) of work experience.

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE

The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.