Salary : $89,350.80 - $119,738.64 Annually
Location : City of Escondido, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 03829
Department: Development Services
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 10/12/2026
Summary
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.
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.
Key Responsibilities
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.
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.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
The principles, techniques, and objectives of City planning;
State planning and zoning laws and regulations affecting planning, including CEQA and the Subdivision Map Act;
Trends and statistics related to public planning;
Engineering drawings, topographic mapping, and both architectural presentation and design.
Operations, services, and activities of a community planning and development program and familiarity with redevelopment programs.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Organization and functions of the various agencies involved in the planning, redevelopment, and related processes.
Principles and practices of urban planning, zoning, and land development methods.
Development review procedures and requirements.
Principles and practices of project management.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including planning and redevelopment laws, zoning code, California Environmental Quality Act, and Subdivision Map Act requirements.
State and federal permitting procedures.
Site planning and architecture design principles.
Recent developments, current literature, research methods, and sources of information related to municipal planning, urban growth, and development.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
Methods and techniques of eliciting community participation in planning and development issues.
Principles and practices of grant funding and contract administration.
Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and supporting software applications.
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.
Minimum Requirements
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.
Supplemental Information
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.
