Salary : $90,492.00 - $109,992.00 Annually
Location : City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

The Assistant Planner performs general planning functions involving conducting studies, analyzing data, and preparing reports on current and long-range projects; provides a high level of customer service to the public, and processes entitlements through various Committees, Commissions, and the City Council; coordinates activities related to assigned projects; and provides information and assistance to developers, the business community and the public on planning and development related matters.

This is the entry level class within the Planner series, and the position receives direction from higher level Planning personnel. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Associate Planner by the performance of a smaller range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive regular instruction or assistance and are learning the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS: Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Performs general planning functions involving conducting studies, analyzing data and preparing reports on current and long-range planning projects.

2. Assists in the coordination of planning activities with other departments, divisions and outside agencies and organizations and provides assistance where needed.

3. Provides customer service at the Planning counter and responds to general planning inquiries received by phone and email.

4. Under general supervision, receives and reviews development proposals and applications and zoning and variance requests; learns compliance standards with appropriate regulations and policies; recommends modifications as appropriate.

5. Conducts a variety of current and long-range planning studies; researches, analyzes and interprets social, economic, land use and population data; identifies trends; prepares written reports and makes recommendations on planning activities.

6. Processes environmental documents; assists in preparing agendas and reports on development applications for presentation to various commissions and committees.

7. Confers with and advises developers, contractors and the general public on acceptable site plans; reviews building plans, parcel maps, tract maps and subdivision proposals; learns compliance with regulations and ordinances.

8. Observes senior staff making public presentations; learns to explain planning and zoning regulations, and upcoming planning projects; responds to and resolves complaints and inquiries.

9. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning.

10. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of an urban planning program.
• Principles and practices of urban and regional land use planning.
• Site planning and architectural design techniques and methods.
• Principles and practices of historic preservation.
• Methods and techniques of research and analysis.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Current literature and recent developments in the field of planning and zoning.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations underlying general plans, environmental matters, zoning and land division.

Skill in:

• Interpreting and explaining planning and zoning ordinances and regulations.
• Analyzing and compiling technical and statistical information and preparing reports.
• Preparing clear and concise analytical reports.
• Interpreting planning and zoning programs for the general public.
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written directions.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
One year of experience in regional or urban planning in a public agency.

Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in planning, architecture, political science, public administration or a related field.

Licenses or Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
Office environment with occasional field inspections.

Physical Conditions:
Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.
The City currenlty provides the following comprehensive and competitive benefits package:

Health Benefits - The position is eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents. The City offers 12 medical plans from which to choose, and for 10 of the 12 medical plan options, the City will pay 100% of the monthly premium for the employee and eligible dependents. The City pays 100% of the monthly premium for dental and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents. Currently, employees who provide proof of other group medical coverage may opt out of medical coverage through the City and receive $400/month.

Paid Leave - The position is eligible for sick leave and vacation leave accruals, 12 recognized City holidays with a City Hall closure Christmas Eve through New Year's Day, and 20 Floating Holiday hours.

Retirement - The City is a member of the Orange County Employees Association (OCERS) which is reciprocal with CalPERS. Retirement formula is based upon employment status at time of hire. The employee contribution is based upon retirement formula and age at entry into the retirement system. CalPERS retirees may work for an OCERS agency with no limitations.

Life insurance and Short/Long-term Disability - City paid. Basic Group Term life insurance is in the amount of empoyee's annual base salary + $20,000, and employee has the option to purchase supplemental life insurance coverage.

Other Benefits: Retiree Health Savings Account (RHS), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 457 deferred compensation account, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Ride-Share Incentive Program, and supplemental health programs through Aflac.

Note that the City does not participate in Social Security or State disability.