Planner I

Full job description Salary $65,000.00 - $82,950.40 Annually
Location San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type Permanent - Hourly
Job Number 0424PM-********
Department Planning & Building
Division Planning & Building Administration
Opening Date 04/03/2024
Closing Date 5/3/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
DESCRIPTION BENEFITS QUESTIONS About the Position This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.
Planner I is part of a career series for Planner I, II III and Senior Planner. Classes in this series perform a variety of tasks in support of programs assigned to the Department of Planning and Building or General Services Agency including: community planning, development review, environmental review, energy and natural resources management, airport planning, park planning, housing and economic development and other related work as required.
All Levels: Assists the general public in interpreting planning and environmental regulations and policies
Collects and summarizes planning and environmental data including provision of specialized assistance related to environmental issues (e.g. biology, archaeology, geology)
Develops, compiles and indexes inventories of a wide variety of environmental resource data from existing records and field surveys; conducts field investigations and information surveys
Prepares technical reports maps, charts and other graphic displays to illustrate research findings, project review and environmental issues; writes staff reports
Processes routine land use permits, land divisions and environmental determinations and assists in the processing of more complex land use permits, land divisions and environmental determinations
Assists in the preparation of long range planning documents and grant administration
May be assigned specialized projects such as serving as a department liaison at advisory committee meetings
Click Here To review the full job description for Planner I.
Click Here To review the Planning & Building Department for the County of San Luis Obispo. The Ideal Candidate The Planner I classification is the entry level position in the series. Under supervision, learns departmental procedures, policies and regulations; independently performs routine tasks after demonstrating proficiency; develops skills and supports department programs by assisting other Planners with more complex tasks and projects as assigned.

Knowledge of: General land use, environmental, airport and park planning principles
Engineering principles and practices pertinent to land use planning and environmental impact determination
Federal state and local laws and regulations related to the environmental and land use planning with special emphasis on Subdivision Map Act, Zoning and Planning Law (Government Code) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Physical and life sciences
Basic drafting and drawing techniques
Principles of technical report writing
Statistical computation and mathematics
Computer applications and techniques such as Geographic Information Systems
Planning and Building Department or General Services Agency office organization, procedures and standards as well as strategic direction and goals
Office procedures and policies
Effective oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

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.
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 Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. 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 . Confidential inquiries are welcomed.


For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at
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 for assistance or e-mail 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. Click here 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 .
Agency County of San Luis Obispo
Address 1055 Monterey Street
Suite D-250
San Luis Obispo, California, 93408
Phone Website About the Position This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.
Planner I is part of a career series for Planner I, II III and Senior Planner. Classes in this series perform a variety of tasks in support of programs assigned to the Department of Planning and Building or General Services Agency including: community planning, development review, environmental review, energy and natural resources management, airport planning, park planning, housing and economic development and other related work as required.
All Levels: Assists the general public in interpreting planning and environmental regulations and policies
Collects and summarizes planning and environmental data including provision of specialized assistance related to environmental issues (e.g. biology, archaeology, geology)
Develops, compiles and indexes inventories of a wide variety of environmental resource data from existing records and field surveys; conducts field investigations and information surveys
Prepares technical reports maps, charts and other graphic displays to illustrate research findings, project review and environmental issues; writes staff reports
Processes routine land use permits, land divisions and environmental determinations and assists in the processing of more complex land use permits, land divisions and environmental determinations
Assists in the preparation of long range planning documents and grant administration
May be assigned specialized projects such as serving as a department liaison at advisory committee meetings
Click Here To review the full job description for Planner I.
Click Here To review the Planning & Building Department for the County of San Luis Obispo. The Ideal Candidate The Planner I classification is the entry level position in the series. Under supervision, learns departmental procedures, policies and regulations; independently performs routine tasks after demonstrating proficiency; develops skills and supports department programs by assisting other Planners with more complex tasks and projects as assigned.

Knowledge of: General land use, environmental, airport and park planning principles
Engineering principles and practices pertinent to land use planning and environmental impact determination
Federal state and local laws and regulations related to the environmental and land use planning with special emphasis on Subdivision Map Act, Zoning and Planning Law (Government Code) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Physical and life sciences
Basic drafting and drawing techniques
Principles of technical report writing
Statistical computation and mathematics
Computer applications and techniques such as Geographic Information Systems
Planning and Building Department or General Services Agency office organization, procedures and standards as well as strategic direction and goals
Office procedures and policies
Effective oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

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.
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 Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. 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 . Confidential inquiries are welcomed.


For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at
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 for assistance or e-mail 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. Click here 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 .

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 Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link) .
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 .



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), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).



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 Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.