Salary : $79,538.00 - $118,384.00 Annually
Location : Port of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 26/27 #00015
Branch: Sustainability & Innovation Branch
Opening Date: 09/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
This job posting is for a Planner II, Hiring Range Negotiable Between: $79,538 to $97,035 DOE/DOQ*
The Port of San Diego is seeking a self-motivated Planner II to join the Planning Department team, to help advance long-range planning initiatives that create and support a well-planned and integrated waterfront and help guide the development and management of the lands in and around San Diego Bay waterfront. Qualified candidates must be able to demonstrate excellence in customer service, transparency, and humility, while balancing development and protection of the environment. The Planner II position will be assigned long-range planning functions of routine to moderate complexity/controversy, and must be able to adapt and remain versatile in a dynamic work environment. The candidate must have familiarity with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), have excellent verbal and written communication skills, be attentive to details, and be able to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders and the public. Familiarity with the California Coastal Act, as well as experience working directly with or for a public agency is a plus.

Under general supervision (Planner I) or direction (Planner II), reviews, processes, and presents routine to complex, diverse and sensitive development plans and proposals; performs a variety of environmental and land use planning research, studies, specialized projects, and analyses; develops, reviews, and presents specialized graphic displays, reports, documents, and correspondence; represents the Port or department in interactions with the public, tenants, federal, state, and local agencies, member city representatives, and internal contacts; assists in developing and maintaining the Port's Master Plan; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision (Planner I) or direction (Planner II) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Planner I:This is the entry-level classification in the Planner series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform land use and environmental planning review, studies, and analysis duties. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Planner I level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Planner II:This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Planner series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Planner I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Planner class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Planner II level are normally filled by advancement from the Planner I level; progression from the Planner I to the Planner II level for internal incumbents is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Planner II level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Positions at the Planner I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Reviews and analyzes development plans and proposals to verify compliance with all pertinent environmental and land use planning laws and federal, state, and local laws, regulations including, but not limited to, the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Coastal Act, and Port Master Plan requirements; reviews technical documents and ascertains compliance with regulations, codes, guidelines, standards, other established jurisdictional plans, and other Planning criteria, goals, and requirements; evaluates accuracy and validity of provided data; identifies plan or proposal non-compliance issues and formulates and offers appropriate and clear actions, recommendations, and alternatives for resolution.
• Plans, organizes, and performs a variety of environmental and land use planning research, studies, and analysis, including environmental and legislative analyses; plans, organizes, and conducts studies to evaluate a potential project's impact on the environment and analyzes other assigned environmental or land use issues; researches, collects, organizes, evaluates, and analyzes highly technical and specialized information and data.
• Conducts site visits to collect field data, verify site conditions, and note potential project issues; presents clear, concise, and accurate findings, recommendations, and alternatives; reviews, assesses, and comments on consultant and other pertinent studies related to development projects or environmental documents, including, but not limited to, traffic studies, historical assessments, coastal assessments, and geotechnical and biological studies;; assists in the review and evaluation of environmental or other pertinent legislative impact on the Port.
• Develops, writes, reviews, and presents a variety of reports, documents, and correspondence related to environmental and land use planning; composes and presents written technical reports, including findings and recommendations regarding projects; drafts staff reports; completes and reviews environmental documentation for Port and Tenant projects, including, but not limited to: Categorical Exemptions, Negative Declarations Categorical Exemptions, Negative Declarations, and Mitigated Negative Declarations; develops presentation materials and presents or assists in presenting designated projects to Board of Port Commissioners.
• Utilizes manual or computer tools to create a variety of visual materials, including advanced graphic displays, maps, charts, and photographs for presentation of planning concepts, alternative land use development scenarios, and site plans to a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Represents the Port or department in interactions with the public, tenants, other governmental agencies, member city representatives, and internal and external contacts; coordinates with other internal departments and governmental agencies during the review process to obtain input and recommend project conditions of approval; provides information, recommendations, and assistance on Port planning projects and on issues regarding environmental and land use planning laws, policies, regulations, standards, and procedures.
• Researches and responds to a wide variety of inquiries and concerns from internal and external customers; presents information to and obtains information from staff, other Port departments, Port Tenants, community groups, civic leaders, the public, professional associations, public officials, and the academic community; conducts and coordinates public outreach efforts and makes formal public presentations; serves as liaison for, provides expertise and consultation to, and actively represents the Port's interests with outside agencies for the planning of projects that affect District property and to foster collaboration between stakeholders, the Port, and the public.
• Assists in developing and maintaining the Port's Master Plan and processes, reviews, prepares, and presents Port Master Plan amendments for Board of Commissioner approval.
• Assists with, develops, and administers professional services contracts with outside consultants; drafts requests for proposals and contracts; coordinates work of consultants to ensure contract terms are met; monitors consultant and project schedules to ensure timely project completion; reviews and processes invoices.
• Processes the review and permitting for multiple projects simultaneously within designated timeframes; reviews and approves real estate agreements including, but not limited to, subleases, Tidelands Use and Occupancy Permits, and easements; Categorical Determinations and Notices of Approvals.
• Drafts, mails, and posts required notices to interested parties, members of the public, stakeholders, surrounding Tenants, governmental agencies and organizations, and websites.
• Researches, analyzes, and reports on new regulations, pending legislation and trends in planning that impact department programs and processes as well as development projects.
• Maintains electronic records, filing systems, and computerized databases.
• Performs assigned disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.
• Observes and complies with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Positions at the Planner I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Theory, principles, standards, practices, and information sources of land use, natural resource, ecological sciences, and environmental planning.
• Principles, methods, techniques, and procedures of environmental impact analyses.
• Practices and procedures to issue specified Coastal Act permits.
• Principles and practices of public administration, public financing, and financial management.
• Math concepts, including statistical analysis techniques and formulas, relevant to the planning process.
• Terminology, symbols, methods, techniques, and instruments used in land use and environmental planning.
• Basic principles and practices of program/project planning and management, including contract and budget management for individual projects.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including purchasing, contracting, and maintenance of public records.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Ability to:

• Understand and apply Port policy in formulating recommendations on specific planning issues and requests.
• Research, analyze, and summarize planning data, both manually and with computer programs.
• Interpret maps, graphs, statistical information, and other technical data.
• Manage specialized planning functions, including completing complex planning studies, projects, programs, and/or policies.
• Ensure the maintenance of all required files, records and documentation.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the Port in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Exhibit strong writing and communication skills
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

Education:

• Planner I/II: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in environmental resources, urban or regional planning, biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, geography, or a related field.

Experience: