Assistant Planner

The Planning and Community Development Department is excited to announce an opening for an Assistant Planner. The successful candidate will be responsible for performing routine planning work in the Current Planning (zoning) section.

Please note: This recruitment is authorized as Open Competitive and Promotional, and two eligible lists will be established as a result of this recruitment. The promotional list may take precedence.

This recruitment is open continuous with first consideration given to those who apply by Thursday, January 29, 2026. This recruitment may close at any time. Apply today!

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a customer-focused team player who possesses excellent written, organization, and interpersonal skills, with knowledge and experience in current planning.

The following list represents some of the essential functions of the position. Assignments may vary. For more detailed information, please refer to the job description for Assistant Planner.

• Assists the public in land use related matters and responds to inquiries, both orally and in writing, and thoroughly explains regulations and procedures of the Zoning Code and policies of the department. Staffs the public counter and assist with Planner of the Day duties.
• Research, collect, and analyze data related to land use permits and zoning; prepares summaries of research and presents organized recommendations and/or questions to the Zoning Administrator.
• Evaluates development projects by conducting a detailed review of plans for Zoning Code compliance; completes a variety of current planning projects (e.g., zoning permits and verification letters, plan checks, and land use entitlements); confers with applicants to identify problems; proposes methods to resolve conflicting issues and comply with Zoning Code requirements.
• Assigned work is made under immediate supervision, allowing for some latitude in the formulation of solutions and responsibility for accomplishing projects. Work review is not constant but checks and reviews are frequent enough to ensure compliance with instructions.
• Performs field surveys to inform the review process and upon completion of projects to ensure conformance with applicable requirements; discuss recommendations and noncompliance with applicants.
• Prepares hearing notices, decision letters and staff reports for various decision makers and hearing bodies. Primarily makes presentations to the Hearing Officer and Board of Zoning Appeals. On occasion, may make presentations to the Planning Commission and City Council.
• Reviews technical documents; monitors work performed by consulting arborists and land surveyors.
  
  

CORE COMPETENCIES

The following list represents some of the core competencies for this position; see the job descriptions for more detailed information:

• Self-Management – Plans and organizes workload for maximum productivity; works well independently with minimal supervision and guidance.
• Attention to Detail – The ability to ensure that output is fit for purpose and free from error.
• Customer Focus – Shows interest and understanding of the needs, expectations, and circumstances of internal and external customers.
• Oral Communication – Engages effectively in dialogue.
• Informing – Proactively obtains and shares information.
• Relationship Building – Establishes rapport and maintains mutually productive relationships.
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Written Communication Skills – Use correct vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation. Present information clearly and in an organized manner. Vary content, tone, and style to suit the purpose and intended reader.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, geography, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Two years of recent paraprofessional planning experience in one or more of the following areas: zoning, historic preservation, design review, redevelopment, and/or planning research.
• Applicants with experience in zoning/current planning will be deemed most qualified.
  
  

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process may consist of a training and experience evaluation, written test, interview panel, and departmental interview.

This position is part of the Pasadena Management Association bargaining unit. The probationary test period is one year.

VACANCIES

As a result of the selection process, an eligible list of candidates will be established which will be used to fill this vacancy and other similar vacancies that may occur in the future. There is currently one vacancy in the Current Planning (zoning) section of the Planning and Community Development Department.

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record may be required for some assignments.