Planning Technician

City of Tustin, CA; Tustin (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tustin, CA is seeking an enthusiastic Planning Technician to serve as a first point of contact for the Community Development Department. This entry-level role offers hands-on experience in development review, zoning, and land-use research.

Ideal candidates have a passion for public service, strong communication, attention to detail, and the initiative to learn from a collaborative team. Training opportunities support growth in urban planning functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, public administration, environmental studies, or related field desirable.
• Basic familiarity with urban planning principles, local government functions, zoning concepts, or reading simple maps/site plans.
• Comfort using digital permitting software, GIS tools, and standard office software to track applications and manage public records.

Responsibilities

• Assist in analysis of social, economic, population, and land use data and prepare reports.
• Compile basic information and make recommendations on small studies.
• Research and draft ordinances; review rezoning, variances, CU permits; prepare notices and reports; confer with property owners.
• Review basic building plans for conformance with regulations and conditions of approval.
• Assist the public at front counter and by phone with zoning questions.
• Enter and update information in permit software database.

Skills

Clear communication

Detail-oriented

Organization

Adaptability

Initiative

People skills

Public service

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field

Two years of college toward bachelor’s degree

Tools

GIS tools

Permitting software

Office software

Job description

Launch your career and build a strong foundation in municipal planning with the City of Tustin. We are seeking an enthusiastic, customer-focused Planning Technician to serve as a vital first point of contact for the Community Development Department. This entry-level opportunity offers aspiring urban planning professionals hands‑on experience in development review, zoning, and land‑use research. The ideal candidate will have a passion for public service, strong communication skills, attention to detail, can‑do initiative, and an eagerness to learn from an experienced and collaborative team.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

Desirable Experience & Knowledge

• Foundational Background: A bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, public administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education, internship, or entry‑level administrative experience) is desirable.
• Baseline Understanding: Basic familiarity with urban planning principles, local government functions, zoning concepts, or reading simple maps and site plans.
• Tech‑Savviness: Comfort using digital permitting software, GIS tools, and standard office software to track applications and manage public records.

Essential Skills

• Clear Communication: Ability to break down administrative procedures, zoning forms, and basic city codes into clear, easy‑to‑understand written and verbal explanations for the public.
• Detail‑Oriented Review: Care and precision in screening planning applications, intake forms, and site plans for missing items before routing them to technical staff.
• Organization & Adaptability: Capability to multitask effectively at a busy public service counter, keeping inquiries organized while learning municipal policies on the job.

Key Qualities

• Welcoming: Serves as a warm, positive first point of contact for the Planning division, ensuring residents, business owners, and applicants feel valued and supported from their very first interaction.
• Diplomatic: Handles sensitive questions, community concerns, or frustrated visitors with patience, neutrality, and professional grace.
• Genuine: Brings authenticity, reliability, and care to public service, building trust with the community and department staff through honest and helpful assistance.
• Approachable: Maintains an open, friendly, and patient demeanor that puts first‑time applicants and seasoned property owners at ease as they navigate the planning process.
• Open‑Minded: Embraces diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and constructive feedback; readily adapts as City programs, technologies, and public needs evolve.
• Initiative: Actively looks for ways to contribute to the City team, enjoys looking for ways to improve workplace processes and adopt new technologies.
• Enjoys a Positive Workplace Culture: Knows how to have fun while working, bringing energy, good humor, and a collaborative spirit to the team while maintaining high professional standards.

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Community Development Department is comprised of the Planning, Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Historic Preservation, Housing, and Economic Development divisions. Community Development manages and promotes the overall well‑being of a community by overseeing initiatives that encourage economic growth, improve quality of life, and facilitate responsible development through planning, housing programs, business recruitment, code enforcement, and building permits, all while considering the needs of residents and businesses within the area.

SELECTION PROCESS:

The first step in the selection process is a training and experience evaluation of each candidate based on the application materials submitted. Candidates whose qualifications are determined to best meet the needs of the position will be invited to complete a one‑way video interview (week of 10/5). Based on video interviews, the best qualified candidates will subsequently be invited to participate in a structured panel interview (week of 11/2). Finalists will participate in follow‑up interviews (week of 11/9). Dates are tentative and may change if necessary.

All candidates who pass the panel interview will earn placement on the eligible list, which is valid for one (1) year and may be used for current and future vacancies in the job classification.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists in the analysis and interpretation of social, economic, population, and land use data and trends; assists in the preparation of written reports on various planning and environmental matters
• Compiles basic information and makes recommendations on special studies of a limited scope
• Researches and drafts ordinances for review by supervisorReviews basic re‑zoning, variances, conditional use permits, design review, and other planning related applications; assists with preparing legal notices to public hearings; assists with preparing reports pertaining to advisability and permissibility of the requests; confers with property owners and petitioners regarding effects and implications of zoning and development actions
• Reviews basic building plans and other development related applications for conformance with appropriate regulations and conditions of approval
• Assists the public at the front counter and on the phone, answering questions and providing information regarding zoning, development standards, and approved development proposals
• Enters and updates information in permit software database

A combination of education, experience, and training that has provided the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities is required for entry into the classification. A typical combination includes:

Education and/or Experience:

Current enrollment in a college or university and completion of two (2) years of college in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, architecture, or a related field. Completion of a bachelor's degree and experience as a planning‑related student intern are desirable.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Special Requirements:

Satisfactory results from a background investigation, physical examination and administrative screening.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

To view an extensive list of the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of the position, follow the link here.

Information on the physical demands, mental demands, and work environment can be found by following the link here.

The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.