What are the responsibilities and job description for the PLANNING AIDE/ASSISTANT PLANNER/ASSOCIATE PLANNER position at City of Huntington Beach?
Description
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of applications is scheduled to occur for applications received before 5:00 PM on March 3, 2026, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. This recruitment may close at any time after that date, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.
Note: The job descriptions are currently being updated and are under review for final approval.
This posting is a job series in which applications will be accepted, reviewed, and considered based on the qualifications listed on the application. The candidates that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to test at the appropriate job level within the series. Only ONE APPLICATION needs to be submitted to be considered for this job series.
Salary Range
Planning Aide: $60,777.60 - $85,508.80 Annually
Assistant Planner: $75,649.60 - $106,433.60 Annually
Associate Planner: $90,480.00 - $127,316.80 Annually
In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Planning Aide, Assistant Planner or Associate Planner in our Community Development Department's Permit Center Division.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional with a solid foundation in planning and zoning regulations. They thrive in a public-facing environment, providing direct assistance at the Permit Center counter by answering zoning and land use inquiries, guiding applicants through submittal requirements, and ensuring a smooth permit intake process. They are motivated to learn and strengthen their skills, and gain much experience in an energetic and productive setting.
In addition to strong customer service skills, the ideal candidate has hands-on experience conducting zoning plan checks for a variety of residential and commercial projects. They are proficient in reviewing plans for residential remodels, additions, custom homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and commercial tenant improvements, ensuring compliance with development standards such as setbacks, building height, lot coverage, floor area ratio, and use classifications. Experience with land management software and digital plan reviews is desired.
Community Development Department
The Community Development Department is comprised of two primary areas: Development Services and Community Enhancement. Development Services is comprised of the following divisions: Planning, Building, and the Permit Center. Community Enhancement is comprised of the Housing, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, and Real Estate divisions. The Planning Division is responsible for Advance (or Long Range) and Current Planning activities. Advance Planning involves updating the City’s General Plan, Local Coastal Program and Specific Plans. These documents contain goals and policies to manage long-term growth of the City and Coastal Zone. Current Planning is responsible for coordinating the review of development proposals to ensure compliance with the City’s General Plan, Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, as well as applicable Federal and State regulations. This includes processing applications for entitlements such as permits, subdivisions, and variances conducting environmental reviews, and providing plan check services. Current Planning also staffs the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, and Design Review Board. The Permit Center Division is responsible for assisting residents, businesses, and developers at the front counter. Permit Center Planning staff works directly with the public, handling general processing and plan checking of ministerial permits, coordinating plan reviews, and resolving zoning-related issues in collaboration with internal departments such as Building, Public Works, and Fire.
The Position
The Planner series consists of five levels. The distinction amongst levels is determined according to the complexity of the work assigned, the range of supervision received and exercised, and the expertise required to perform the work at the designated level.
Planning Aide – This is the entry-level classification in the Planning series. Employees assigned to this class receive explicit direction and training, develop practical experience by performing routine and standardized duties and must possess functional knowledge of the basic principles and theories required to perform the work.
Assistant Planner – This is the intermediate-level classification in the Planning series. Employees assigned to this class receive general direction in performing routine work with minimal complexity in accordance with established priorities and procedures and possess knowledge of the generally accepted principles, theories, and best practices required to perform the work.
Associate Planner – This is the fully trained journey-level classification in the Planning Series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of planning work in accordance with established priorities and procedures and possess knowledge of the generally accepted principles, theories, and best practices required to perform the work.
Examples of Essential Duties
Click here to view the full job description for Assistant Planner
Click here to view the full job description for Associate Planner
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Planning Aide
Education: A bachelor’s degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: One (1) year's experience performing professional or paraprofessional planning work or the completion of a six to nine-month internship performing duties related to urban planning.
Assistant Planner
Education: A bachelor’s degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field from an accredited college or university. A master's degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field preferred.
Experience: Two (2) years' urban planning or directly related experience performing professional planning work.
Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license with an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Associate Planner
Education: A bachelor’s degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field from an accredited college or university. A master's degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field preferred.
Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible urban planning or directly related experience performing professional planning work; preferably including one (1) year in a lead role.
Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license with an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program.
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
Click here to view the full job description for Planning Aide
Click here to view the full job description for Assistant Planner
Click here to view the full job description for Associate Planner
Supplemental Information
Application And Selection Process
The SALARY RANGE is composed of seven steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.
PROMOTIONS within the City are based upon the merit system principles emphasizing individual ability and utilizing competitive examinations.
TWELVE PAID HOLIDAYS provided per year.
GENERAL LEAVE with pay of 176 hours is granted to regular full-time employees. After four years' service additional general leave hours are earned, up to 256 hours after fifteen years' service.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLANS are available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS are available to eligible City employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS are provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. Effective January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act will apply to new members of CalPERS. A new member is defined as a new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after 1/1/13 and has no prior membership in a California public retirement system; is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system; or is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six (6) months. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA. Employees enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013 are considered classic members.
The benefit formula, final compensation period, and member contribution rate is as represented below:
Classic Miscellaneous Members
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2.5% at age 55
Final Compensation Period 1-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 9.0% of Reportable Compensation
New Miscellaneous Members Under PEPRA
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2% at age 62
Final Compensation Period 3-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 8.25% of Reportable Compensation (eff. 7/1/23)
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Two voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are available.
CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.
FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES: Employees will have the option of working a 5/40 or 9/80 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. Employees assigned to the Police Department shall retain the option of working the 4/10 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Head may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with City Manager approval.
An Agency Shop Agreement exists between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (HBMT). As a result, employees in classifications represented by the HBMT are required, no later than 30 days after commencing employment, to either opt out or become a dues paying HBMT member. All dues are collected via payroll deduction and distributed directly to HBMT for processing.
NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.
For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding and Side Letters at: MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDINGS Click on the links under "Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters" or "Municipal Employees' Association".
01
Do you possess a bachelor's or higher in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field from an accredited college or university?
Please specify the degree you hold (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning, Master of Landscape Architecture, etc.) and the name of the institution.
03
Please select the highest level of experience you meet. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates the selected experience.
Please describe your experience reviewing development plans for compliance with zoning and land use regulations. What types of projects have you reviewed (e.g., residential, commercial, mixed-use)? If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
05
Please describe your experience in assisting the public with planning and zoning inquiries at the public counter. Include details about your specific role, the steps you took to address inquiries, and how you ensured effective service to the public. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
06
Do you possess a valid California Class C driver's license?
Are you a CalPERS Retired Annuitant?
This recruitment will remain open until filled. The first review of applications is scheduled to occur for applications received before 5:00 PM on March 3, 2026, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. This recruitment may close at any time after that date, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.
Note: The job descriptions are currently being updated and are under review for final approval.
This posting is a job series in which applications will be accepted, reviewed, and considered based on the qualifications listed on the application. The candidates that meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to test at the appropriate job level within the series. Only ONE APPLICATION needs to be submitted to be considered for this job series.
Salary Range
Planning Aide: $60,777.60 - $85,508.80 Annually
Assistant Planner: $75,649.60 - $106,433.60 Annually
Associate Planner: $90,480.00 - $127,316.80 Annually
In Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team. At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Planning Aide, Assistant Planner or Associate Planner in our Community Development Department's Permit Center Division.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and customer-focused professional with a solid foundation in planning and zoning regulations. They thrive in a public-facing environment, providing direct assistance at the Permit Center counter by answering zoning and land use inquiries, guiding applicants through submittal requirements, and ensuring a smooth permit intake process. They are motivated to learn and strengthen their skills, and gain much experience in an energetic and productive setting.
In addition to strong customer service skills, the ideal candidate has hands-on experience conducting zoning plan checks for a variety of residential and commercial projects. They are proficient in reviewing plans for residential remodels, additions, custom homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and commercial tenant improvements, ensuring compliance with development standards such as setbacks, building height, lot coverage, floor area ratio, and use classifications. Experience with land management software and digital plan reviews is desired.
Community Development Department
The Community Development Department is comprised of two primary areas: Development Services and Community Enhancement. Development Services is comprised of the following divisions: Planning, Building, and the Permit Center. Community Enhancement is comprised of the Housing, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, and Real Estate divisions. The Planning Division is responsible for Advance (or Long Range) and Current Planning activities. Advance Planning involves updating the City’s General Plan, Local Coastal Program and Specific Plans. These documents contain goals and policies to manage long-term growth of the City and Coastal Zone. Current Planning is responsible for coordinating the review of development proposals to ensure compliance with the City’s General Plan, Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, as well as applicable Federal and State regulations. This includes processing applications for entitlements such as permits, subdivisions, and variances conducting environmental reviews, and providing plan check services. Current Planning also staffs the Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, and Design Review Board. The Permit Center Division is responsible for assisting residents, businesses, and developers at the front counter. Permit Center Planning staff works directly with the public, handling general processing and plan checking of ministerial permits, coordinating plan reviews, and resolving zoning-related issues in collaboration with internal departments such as Building, Public Works, and Fire.
The Position
The Planner series consists of five levels. The distinction amongst levels is determined according to the complexity of the work assigned, the range of supervision received and exercised, and the expertise required to perform the work at the designated level.
Planning Aide – This is the entry-level classification in the Planning series. Employees assigned to this class receive explicit direction and training, develop practical experience by performing routine and standardized duties and must possess functional knowledge of the basic principles and theories required to perform the work.
Assistant Planner – This is the intermediate-level classification in the Planning series. Employees assigned to this class receive general direction in performing routine work with minimal complexity in accordance with established priorities and procedures and possess knowledge of the generally accepted principles, theories, and best practices required to perform the work.
Associate Planner – This is the fully trained journey-level classification in the Planning Series. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of planning work in accordance with established priorities and procedures and possess knowledge of the generally accepted principles, theories, and best practices required to perform the work.
Examples of Essential Duties
- Participates in a variety of planning projects
- Researches and investigates designated aspects of the general plan, special projects or code amendments and makes recommendations based on findings
- Researches, collects and analyzes data
- Writes special project reports or assigned portions of the general plan
- Prepares environmental impact studies related to public projects including the research and analysis of pertinent information
- Assists the public over the phone or at the counter
- Responds to incoming correspondence and assists individuals in completing various applications
- Performs routine plan checks at the counter as they relate to zoning and subdivision requirements
- Performs plan checks, including occasional field checks, in order to ensure that plans meet zoning and ordinance requirements before submission to the City Council, Planning Commission, Zoning Administrator, and/or other boards or appropriate committees
- Coordinates site, parking, and landscape plans as may be required and follows up on conditions of approval; checks preliminary subdivision maps
- Processes planning entitlement applications to the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, or City Council such as but not limited to Conditional Use Permits, variances and zoning text amendments
- Reports to work as scheduled and works various hours, including nights and weekends as deemed necessary by manager/supervisor, to conform with changing priorities and meet deadlines
- Researches and prepares planning related reports, documents and agenda for City officials and other agencies and organizations
- Reviews major and minor planned development amendments, rezoning requests, land use plan amendments, entitlements and other proposals
- Conveys all aspects of processing entitlements for development, including environmental status
- Participates in community meetings; prepares and delivers presentations at public meetings
- Provides technical assistance to project participants
- Coordinates review of projects with other departments and agencies
- Interprets and applies the provisions of the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance, state planning and zoning laws, California Environmental Quality Act, Subdivision Map Act, local coastal program, Huntington Beach General Plan, Design Guidelines and various specific plans, ordinances and policies
- Conducts special studies to draft ordinances and updates to the General Plan
- Assists in the development of policies and procedures
- Performs technical work related to environmental impact reports
- Drafts written staff reports and recommendations with findings and conditions of approval
- Prepares maps and graphics presentations for the department
- Serves as staff liaison to various committees/boards
- Reviews written work of other staff planners
- Provides guidance to junior level staff
Click here to view the full job description for Assistant Planner
Click here to view the full job description for Associate Planner
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Planning Aide
Education: A bachelor’s degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field from an accredited college or university.
Experience: One (1) year's experience performing professional or paraprofessional planning work or the completion of a six to nine-month internship performing duties related to urban planning.
Assistant Planner
Education: A bachelor’s degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field from an accredited college or university. A master's degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field preferred.
Experience: Two (2) years' urban planning or directly related experience performing professional planning work.
Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license with an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Associate Planner
Education: A bachelor’s degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field from an accredited college or university. A master's degree in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field preferred.
Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible urban planning or directly related experience performing professional planning work; preferably including one (1) year in a lead role.
Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license with an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program.
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
Click here to view the full job description for Planning Aide
Click here to view the full job description for Assistant Planner
Click here to view the full job description for Associate Planner
Supplemental Information
Application And Selection Process
- An online application must be fully completed.
- Applicants must clearly demonstrate that they meet the minimum education, experience, license and/or certification requirements to be considered. Applicants whose qualifications best meet the City’s needs will be invited to participate in a virtual oral examination (weighted 100%), which will be scheduled once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.
- Selection Interview
- Background Investigation
- Appointment
The SALARY RANGE is composed of seven steps. Merit step increases are based on satisfactory performance.
PROMOTIONS within the City are based upon the merit system principles emphasizing individual ability and utilizing competitive examinations.
TWELVE PAID HOLIDAYS provided per year.
GENERAL LEAVE with pay of 176 hours is granted to regular full-time employees. After four years' service additional general leave hours are earned, up to 256 hours after fifteen years' service.
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PLANS are available for eligible employees to develop their knowledge and abilities.
GROUP INSURANCE PROGRAMS are available to eligible City employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurances.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS are available where employees use pre-tax salary to pay for regular child care, adult dependent care and/or medical expenses.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS are provided by the California Public Employee's Retirement System. Every regular employee becomes a member immediately upon employment. Effective January 1, 2013, the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act will apply to new members of CalPERS. A new member is defined as a new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after 1/1/13 and has no prior membership in a California public retirement system; is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system; or is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six (6) months. All employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be subject to CalPERS membership review for applicability of PEPRA. Employees enrolled in CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013 are considered classic members.
The benefit formula, final compensation period, and member contribution rate is as represented below:
Classic Miscellaneous Members
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2.5% at age 55
Final Compensation Period 1-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 9.0% of Reportable Compensation
New Miscellaneous Members Under PEPRA
Benefit Formula Miscellaneous 2% at age 62
Final Compensation Period 3-year Final Compensation
Member Contribution Rate 8.25% of Reportable Compensation (eff. 7/1/23)
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Two voluntary deferred compensation 457 plans are available.
CREDIT UNION membership is available to all City employees and provides access to low interest loans.
FLEXIBLE WORK SCHEDULES: Employees will have the option of working a 5/40 or 9/80 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. Employees assigned to the Police Department shall retain the option of working the 4/10 work schedule with Supervisor and Department Head approval. In order to maintain service to the public, departmental effectiveness, productivity and/or efficiency, a Department Head may assign an employee a different work schedule that is in compliance with the requirements of FLSA with City Manager approval.
An Agency Shop Agreement exists between the City of Huntington Beach and the Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters (HBMT). As a result, employees in classifications represented by the HBMT are required, no later than 30 days after commencing employment, to either opt out or become a dues paying HBMT member. All dues are collected via payroll deduction and distributed directly to HBMT for processing.
NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revoked without notice.
For a more detailed overview of the benefits, review the Memorandum of Understanding and Side Letters at: MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDINGS Click on the links under "Huntington Beach Municipal Teamsters" or "Municipal Employees' Association".
01
Do you possess a bachelor's or higher in planning, urban planning, landscape architecture or other closely related field from an accredited college or university?
- Yes
- No
Please specify the degree you hold (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning, Master of Landscape Architecture, etc.) and the name of the institution.
03
Please select the highest level of experience you meet. Ensure your application clearly demonstrates the selected experience.
- I have completed a six to nine-month internship performing duties related to urban planning.
- I have at least one (1) year of experience performing professional or paraprofessional planning work.
- I have at least two (2) years but less than four (4) years of experience in urban planning or a directly related field performing professional planning work.
- I have four (4) or more years of experience in urban planning or a directly related field performing professional planning work.
- I do not meet any of the experience levels listed above.
Please describe your experience reviewing development plans for compliance with zoning and land use regulations. What types of projects have you reviewed (e.g., residential, commercial, mixed-use)? If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
05
Please describe your experience in assisting the public with planning and zoning inquiries at the public counter. Include details about your specific role, the steps you took to address inquiries, and how you ensured effective service to the public. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
06
Do you possess a valid California Class C driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Are you a CalPERS Retired Annuitant?
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $60,778 - $85,509