Salary: $102,190.40 - $125,528.00 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number:
Department: Planning & Development Services
Division: Project Planning
Opening Date: 06/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Job Summary
SENIOR PLANNER - PROJECT PLANNING

Interviews and job offer will take place on an ongoing basis.

Future Salary Increases:

** June 2026 - 3.80% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + .30% Market Adjustment)

** June 2027 - 3.30% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + .30% Market Adjustment)
***This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided. ***
Senior Planners within the Project Planning Division may manage a varied, complex and interesting compelling portfolio of privately initiated development projects through the entitlement process, such as General Plan Amendments, Rezones, Major Use Permits, and Tentative Maps. Primary responsibilities may include reviewing projects for compliance with all applicable policies and regulations; coordinating with other divisions, departments, agencies and permit applicants; managing project schedules and budgets; preparing staff reports; outreach and communication with community groups, interest groups, individuals and many other stakeholders; and presenting to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and other decision-making bodies. Senior Planners may also provide guidance and professional support to planners at other levels.
The Position
PDS employs Senior Planners who possess extensive expertise and leadership capabilities in overseeing highly advanced, complex, delicate and challenging planning initiatives. Senior Planners may conduct research and prepare plans, reports, studies, and memos on land use, physical, social, and economic issues; and synthesize and present information, report and other findings to internal and external stakeholders, advisory boards, and elected officials.

As an integral part of the fast-paced work environment at PDS, you will find yourself immersed in a diverse range of projects set against the backdrop of unique and charismatic locations, spanning from urban areas to rural landscapes.

Current vacancies for Senior Planners will be assigned to Project Planning but may be also assigned to other divisions within PDS as vacancies occur.
Key Responsibilities
• Performs planning and environmental review of complex discretionary projects for compliance with the County General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and develops recommendations for adoption by decision-making bodies
• Senior Planners independently review a wide scope of discretionary projects characterized by having substantial public controversy, and of the highest complexity such as general plan amendments, specific plans, major use permits, and tentative maps
• Provides responsive, high-quality service to County staff, partner agencies, developers, and the public

Ideal Candidate Profile
• Proven professional level experience as a land use or environmental planner, with experience managing complex discretionary projects involving several functional groups
• A strong willingness to continually learn and grow professionally
• A professional perspective and objective demeanor when positive or difficult situations occur
• The ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form; strong presentation skills; and be a good listener
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills, including building relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to keep projects moving in a positive direction
• Strong analytical skills and a solution-oriented approach to land use and environmental planning issues

Work Location
PDS is located within the recently constructed and LEED Certified County Operations Center, a modern 44-acre complex in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses 18 structures and houses 19 departments, including an employee gym/workout center. Kearny Mesa is a located centrally with easy access from the 163 and 805 freeways, along a vibrant corridor with a variety of commercial services in walking distance.

Work Schedule
The selected candidate(s) for PDS may be assigned a hybrid schedule consisting of teleworking and working at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa.
Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

i. Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
ii. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
iii. Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in city and regional planning, urban planning, aviation management, landscape architecture, geography, archeology, biology with a concentration in wildlife and/or botany, geology, or any one of the following life and physical sciences, geography with a concentration in conservation of environmental quality, natural resources or physical geography, ecology, zoology, engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, environmental science or a related field, AND, three (3) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must be at the level equivalent to an Associate Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner II) within the County of San Diego; OR,

2. A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in one of the fields stated above, AND, two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level experience as described above; OR,

3. One (1) year of experience as an Associate Planner (Land Use/Environmental Planner II) with the County of San Diego.
Please be sure to attach a copy of your college diploma, complete official or unofficial transcripts, letter of verification, or a foreign studies equivalency certification (if degree was obtained outside of the US) during Step 1 of the online application submittal process.
For additional information on the Senior Planner job classification, click
Blind Applicant Screening

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Evaluation Process
The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the for additional information.
Military Skills Translator

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Strategic Plan

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our

Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Diversity & Inclusion
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
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Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough and complete manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score.Please do NOT indicate "See Resume," or "See Application," as these are not acceptable answers.Please note that if you are invited to a selection interview(s) by a department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.Do you understand this information?

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Please check the box or boxes that most accurately describes your completed college education: NOTES: Your degree must be from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in: city and regional planning, urban planning, aviation management, landscape arch