Planner I/II/III
Apply NowCompany: County of San Luis Obispo, CA
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Description:
Salary : $66,622.40 - $104,977.60 Annually
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Hourly
Job Number: 0325KS-002800-01
Department: Planning & Building
Division: Planning & Building Administration
Opening Date: 03/24/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
About the Position
This is a continuous recruitment and will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on April 4th, 2025.
The Department of Planning and Building is seeking highly motivated and results-oriented Planners to join the Current Planning and Long-Range Planning teams. The Planner position is part of a career series for Planner I, II, III and Senior Planner.
The Current Planning team serves the community in processing land use and land division entitlement applications, while working with stakeholders through every step in the development process. Lead by the Current Planning Manager and Supervising Planners, the team prioritizes customer service, processing efficiency, and community involvement to achieve the best outcomes for private and public projects. The team's motto is "we are better together," and we focus on collaboration with our internal and external team members.
The Long-Range Planning team serves as leaders in community planning, housing initiatives, resource planning, and conservation strategies. Lead by the Long-Range Planning Manager and Supervising Planner, the team prioritizes efforts that result in meaningful outcomes. The team culture has a strong emphasis on investing in team members and having frank discussions.
The ideal candidate is passionate about government service, takes ownership in assigned roles and responsibilities, and thrives in formulating and communicating complex policy recommendations. San Luis Obispo County is experiencing a considerable amount of growth and development and we are looking for individuals who are excited and motivated to facilitate positive change in the community! The Planning and Building Department is seeking Planners at all skill levels that are excellent writers, capable of putting together composed reports and correspondence.
This recruitment may fill a position in the Department's Current Planning or Long Range Planning division. This position will offer the right candidate an opportunity to work on a wide array of planning projects. The list of eligible candidates created from this recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, temporary, limited term, on-call or substitute vacancies in the department.
Click Here to view the full job description for Planner I.
Click Here to view the full job description for Planner II.
Click Here to view the full job description for Planner III.
Click Hereto learn more about the San Luis Obispo's Planning & Building Department.
Typical Job Duties in Long Range Planning
Typical Job Duties in Current PlanningWe engage the public and stakeholders through a collaborative planning process We collaborate internally by coming together in small team (Permit Center, Coastal, Rural/Subdivision, Urban/Inland, and Environmental) to share ideas and apply our compatible strengths to accomplish shared goals. We seek opportunities to proactively educate the public, and appointed and elected officials, about the planning process. We engage all segments of the population to shape land use policy options that implement the vision of our communities. We present decision-makers with balanced recommendation that protect our natural resources and community character while meeting socio-economic needs for housing, jobs, and infrastructure.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an analytical thinker who creatively problem solves and can plan and organize their work, has a strong commitment to providing quality service to the community, and has a desire to support and help build a strong current planning section. The ideal candidate will bring a positive attitude, and thoughtful decision-making to the working environment. Knowledge of building code and zoning/planning regulations is preferred.
Additionally, the ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, planning expertise, and be effective at building relationships with stakeholders. Candidates will be self-motivated and solution-oriented, as well as have strong critical thinking and analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset. An understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to environmental and land use planning, including CEQA, is highly desirable.
If you possess these qualities and are excited to take on this unique opportunity, you are encouraged to apply.
Education and Experience
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
All levels:Graduation from an accredited institution with either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, natural resources management, environmental, physical or life science, or a closely related field. In addition:
Planner I:No additional experience.
Planner II: One year of professional level experience in urban and regional planning or environmental review and analysis.
Planner III: Two years of professional level experience in urban and regional planning or environmental review and analysis.
Senior Planner: Four years of professional level experience in urban and regional planning and environmental review/analysis or environmental impact assessment work which requires a state approved specialized professional license or certification.
Licenses and Certificates
Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How to Apply
This is a continuous recruitment; however, the posting can close at anytime without notice, therefore, prompt application is encouraged.
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated .
Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
-Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings
Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.
01
Would you prefer to work in Long Range or Current Planning?
02
Please describe your Planning experience.
Required Question
Location : San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Permanent - Hourly
Job Number: 0325KS-002800-01
Department: Planning & Building
Division: Planning & Building Administration
Opening Date: 03/24/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
About the Position
This is a continuous recruitment and will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on April 4th, 2025.
The Department of Planning and Building is seeking highly motivated and results-oriented Planners to join the Current Planning and Long-Range Planning teams. The Planner position is part of a career series for Planner I, II, III and Senior Planner.
The Current Planning team serves the community in processing land use and land division entitlement applications, while working with stakeholders through every step in the development process. Lead by the Current Planning Manager and Supervising Planners, the team prioritizes customer service, processing efficiency, and community involvement to achieve the best outcomes for private and public projects. The team's motto is "we are better together," and we focus on collaboration with our internal and external team members.
The Long-Range Planning team serves as leaders in community planning, housing initiatives, resource planning, and conservation strategies. Lead by the Long-Range Planning Manager and Supervising Planner, the team prioritizes efforts that result in meaningful outcomes. The team culture has a strong emphasis on investing in team members and having frank discussions.
The ideal candidate is passionate about government service, takes ownership in assigned roles and responsibilities, and thrives in formulating and communicating complex policy recommendations. San Luis Obispo County is experiencing a considerable amount of growth and development and we are looking for individuals who are excited and motivated to facilitate positive change in the community! The Planning and Building Department is seeking Planners at all skill levels that are excellent writers, capable of putting together composed reports and correspondence.
This recruitment may fill a position in the Department's Current Planning or Long Range Planning division. This position will offer the right candidate an opportunity to work on a wide array of planning projects. The list of eligible candidates created from this recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, temporary, limited term, on-call or substitute vacancies in the department.
Click Here to view the full job description for Planner I.
Click Here to view the full job description for Planner II.
Click Here to view the full job description for Planner III.
Click Hereto learn more about the San Luis Obispo's Planning & Building Department.
Typical Job Duties in Long Range Planning
- Work with the community, stakeholder groups, and decision-makers to update the County's General Plan, Local Coastal Plan, and Community Plans for the County's unincorporated communities.
- Process Land Use Ordinance amendments to comply with State law and to address emerging land use issues.
- Process Specific Plans for major development proposals in the unincorporated areas of the county.
- Manage the preparation of program-level Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for Community Plans, Specific Plans, and countywide ordinance amendments.
- Administer countywide conservation programs to protect water supplies and agricultural land.
- The following principles guide the Long Range Planning team's work:
- We engage the public and stakeholders through a collaborative planning process
- We collaborate internally by coming together to share ideas and apply our compatible strengths to accomplish shared goals
- We seek opportunities to proactively educate the public about the planning process
- We engage all segments of the population to shape land use policy options that meet the diverse needs of our communities
- We present decision-makers with balanced plans that protect our natural resources and community character while meeting socio-economic needs for housing, jobs, and infrastructure
Typical Job Duties in Current Planning
- Work with the community, stakeholder groups, and decision-makers to implement the County's General Plan, Local Coastal Plan, Zoning Ordinances, and Community Plans for the County's unincorporated communities.
- Serve as a staff liaison to a designated Community Advisory Committee/Group within the unincorporated areas of the county.
- Participate in neighborhood workshops, preliminary and pre-application meetings with applicants.
- Review and process zoning amendments, variances, coastal development permits, airport land use consistency determinations, developments of regional interest, large commercial and residential sub-divisions development proposals in the unincorporated areas of the county.
- Prepare and assists with staff reports, Director's Determinations, recommendations, public presentations, and public hearing packets for the Planning Hearing Officer, Subdivision Review Board, Airport Land Use Commission, Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors.
- Assist the general public, applicants, County agencies and departments with general information and reports, and respond to information requests for customer walk-ins, telephone calls, and emails relating to interpretation of Zoning Ordinance related to coastal development, permitted land uses, setbacks and land development regulations and standards.
- Manage and assist small groups of planners to facilitate the efficient processing of grading permits, wireless facility permits, subdivision review, airport land use review, and street naming/addressing review.
- Coordinate development review with various County departments, neighboring jurisdictions and regulatory agencies.
- Manage the preparation of project level Environmental Determinations including Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for residential, commercial, and industrial development proposals and other County agencies and departments.
- The following principles guide the Current Planning team's work:
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be an analytical thinker who creatively problem solves and can plan and organize their work, has a strong commitment to providing quality service to the community, and has a desire to support and help build a strong current planning section. The ideal candidate will bring a positive attitude, and thoughtful decision-making to the working environment. Knowledge of building code and zoning/planning regulations is preferred.
Additionally, the ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and presentation skills, planning expertise, and be effective at building relationships with stakeholders. Candidates will be self-motivated and solution-oriented, as well as have strong critical thinking and analytical skills, and a collaborative mindset. An understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to environmental and land use planning, including CEQA, is highly desirable.
If you possess these qualities and are excited to take on this unique opportunity, you are encouraged to apply.
Education and Experience
A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:
All levels:Graduation from an accredited institution with either a Bachelor's or Master's degree in urban and regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, natural resources management, environmental, physical or life science, or a closely related field. In addition:
Planner I:No additional experience.
Planner II: One year of professional level experience in urban and regional planning or environmental review and analysis.
Planner III: Two years of professional level experience in urban and regional planning or environmental review and analysis.
Senior Planner: Four years of professional level experience in urban and regional planning and environmental review/analysis or environmental impact assessment work which requires a state approved specialized professional license or certification.
Licenses and Certificates
Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.
How to Apply
This is a continuous recruitment; however, the posting can close at anytime without notice, therefore, prompt application is encouraged.
Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online. Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.
An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.
Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.
For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.
Veteran's Preference Points
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.
Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.
Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated .
Some benefits include:
- Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
- Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
- Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
- Free visits to the employee health clinic
- Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
- Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
- A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
- Optional deferred compensation plan
- Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
- Paid personal, sick and vacation days
- 12 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education and Wellness Allowance
- Post Employment Health Plan
- Family Friendly workplace policies
- Flexible work schedule options
-Rideshare commuter benefits
- Pet Insurance
The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.
Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:
The County's pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.
Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:
The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.
To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria),
Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.
Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Supervisor/Manager academies
- Microsoft Suite courses
- Defensive Driving
- Financial management
- Retirement preparedness
- Teambuilding
- Written Communication
- Conflict Management
- Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
- Job specific conferences/trainings
Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.
Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by to get a loan for the down payment.
01
Would you prefer to work in Long Range or Current Planning?
- Long Range Planning
- Current Planning
- Either
02
Please describe your Planning experience.
Required Question