What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Planner position at City of San Luis Obispo?
Job Description
Shape the Future of Our Community Through Thoughtful, Purposeful City Planning
The City is seeking a skilled and dedicated Associate Planner to join our Community Development Department - a professional ready to take on a meaningful and multifaceted role at the intersection of policy, people, and place.
In this position, you will serve as a vital link between project applicants, City departments, and the community we serve. Your work will span the full breadth of professional planning tasks - from technical reviews of land use and permit applications to complex, high-visibility projects requiring independent judgment and careful coordination across multiple stakeholders. Responsibilities may extend to complex development projects, zoning code amendments, general plan amendments, and environmental review, as well as presentations before the various advisory bodies and City Council.
We are looking for a candidate who brings demonstrated experience in development review evaluation, environmental documentation review, and staff report preparation, along with a proven ability to present findings clearly and confidently before advisory bodies and elected officials. Equally important are the professional qualities that define an effective planner: precise attention to detail, strong communication skills, a collaborative approach, and the ability to uphold City policies and regulations with consistency and integrity — even when they may not align with one's own perspectives.
This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the long-term vision and day-to-day function of our City, through work that is both technically rigorous and genuinely impactful. We invite qualified professionals to explore this opportunity further.
If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, so please hold that date.
Job Summary
To perform a variety of diverse professional planning assignments; to perform technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, environmental impact documents, and construction projects; to provide project management over moderate to large long-term City projects with high visibility. Incumbents in this class are assigned a broad range of planning assignments from short-term and moderately sized projects to the most difficult and complex planning projects with great latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Responsibility areas can include advanced planning activities, general plan amendments, project design, and complex as well as routine current planning projects.
Class Characteristics
This is the experienced, journey level of classification in the professional planning series.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received And Exercised
Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures.
Employees in this classification monitor and direct the work of technical, clerical, and professional planning personnel in the accomplishment of specific projects.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Examples Of Duties And Responsibilities
Knowledge Of
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field;
and
Three years of professional planning experience;
or
An equivalent combination of education and experience (a maximum of six months as a Planning Intern for the City of San Luis Obispo may be counted towards the planning experience requirement – the six months shall be counted as actual work hours, not duration of the internship, i.e., six months at full time or 12 months at half-time.)
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.
La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.
For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.
Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.
Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.
Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
Did you major in one of the following fields?
If you answered "other related field" or "other unrelated field" to the previous question, please explain. Otherwise, please put "N/A".
04
How many years of Professional Planning experience do you have?
Describe your experience as it relates to processing current planning projects and performing environmental assessments. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A.
06
Describe your experience processing projects that include affordable housing, ADUs, and / or implement other California state housing laws. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A.
07
Describe your experience reviewing building permits. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A.
08
Describe your experience preparing and presenting staff reports. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A.
Shape the Future of Our Community Through Thoughtful, Purposeful City Planning
The City is seeking a skilled and dedicated Associate Planner to join our Community Development Department - a professional ready to take on a meaningful and multifaceted role at the intersection of policy, people, and place.
In this position, you will serve as a vital link between project applicants, City departments, and the community we serve. Your work will span the full breadth of professional planning tasks - from technical reviews of land use and permit applications to complex, high-visibility projects requiring independent judgment and careful coordination across multiple stakeholders. Responsibilities may extend to complex development projects, zoning code amendments, general plan amendments, and environmental review, as well as presentations before the various advisory bodies and City Council.
We are looking for a candidate who brings demonstrated experience in development review evaluation, environmental documentation review, and staff report preparation, along with a proven ability to present findings clearly and confidently before advisory bodies and elected officials. Equally important are the professional qualities that define an effective planner: precise attention to detail, strong communication skills, a collaborative approach, and the ability to uphold City policies and regulations with consistency and integrity — even when they may not align with one's own perspectives.
This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the long-term vision and day-to-day function of our City, through work that is both technically rigorous and genuinely impactful. We invite qualified professionals to explore this opportunity further.
If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, so please hold that date.
Job Summary
To perform a variety of diverse professional planning assignments; to perform technical reviews and evaluations of land use and permit applications, environmental impact documents, and construction projects; to provide project management over moderate to large long-term City projects with high visibility. Incumbents in this class are assigned a broad range of planning assignments from short-term and moderately sized projects to the most difficult and complex planning projects with great latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Responsibility areas can include advanced planning activities, general plan amendments, project design, and complex as well as routine current planning projects.
Class Characteristics
This is the experienced, journey level of classification in the professional planning series.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received And Exercised
Employees in this classification receive general supervision within a framework of standard policies and procedures.
Employees in this classification monitor and direct the work of technical, clerical, and professional planning personnel in the accomplishment of specific projects.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Examples Of Duties And Responsibilities
- Coordinates and cooperates with other City departments and outside agencies; gathers land use data, addresses public input and concerns, prepares plan amendments/revisions and reviews development proposals consistent with local, federal and state laws and guidelines, and provides information on land use and zoning codes, laws, regulations, and ordinances affecting construction and other land use proposals.
- Researches and interprets data, performs necessary field work, and prepares staff reports for various commissions concerning land divisions, site plans, architectural review, variances, use permits, etc.
- Presents and prepares staff evaluations and recommendations for projects at public hearings and various commission meetings including the Planning Commission and Architectural Review Commission; prepares follow-up reports as necessary.
- Conducts environmental analyses including the preparation of workscopes and requests or proposals for Environmental Impact Reports.
- Develops and prepares revisions to the City's general plan and its elements as assigned.
- Performs project management duties for short to long-term City projects of a small to large size with varying complexity and impact.
- Plans, designs, and implements special City programs and/or long term capital improvement projects of a highly visible nature as assigned.
- Conducts research and analysis of complex ecological problems and land use applications including reviews of environmental impact and other reports.
- Performs administrative tasks including staffing of the public counter, building plan check review, business license review, ordinance enforcement, sign permit review, addressing, issuing of permits, and collecting fees.
- Interviews and selects consultants; prepares and manages consultant contracts for E.I.R.s and other special projects; monitors work of consultants.
- Conducts field inspections of construction and other land use projects to verify that the conditions of project approval are being met.
- Processes planning development permits for timely action and acts as a liaison between the project applicant, the City, and the community.
- Prepares applications for and administers state grants.
- Prepares diagrams, charts, and other graphic exhibits to accompany staff reports and technical studies.
- Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
- Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.
Knowledge Of
- Theory, principles, and practices of land use, transportation, housing, and revenue planning.
- Purposes, policies, and procedures of the City Council, Planning Commission, and other agencies concerned with public planning and community development.
- Current laws and trends in federal, state, regional, and local planning.
- Statistical and research methods as applied to the collection and tabulation of data affecting public planning.
- Laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting general plans, zoning, development, environmental review, and land use, including but not limited to CEQA, planning and zoning laws, and the Subdivision Map Act.
- Computer applications in land use planning.
- Graphic illustration and presentation.
- Collect, analyze, and compile technical, statistical, and related information pertaining to planning and zoning research.
- Organize, conduct, coordinate, and present planning research studies.
- Prepare both concise and comprehensive oral and written reports.
- Provide project direction and training on major planning studies.
- Effectively communicate in both oral and written forms.
- Act as information source to others regarding professional planning practices to include specialty area as assigned.
- Oversee the development/revision and preparation of maps, charts, and graphic illustrations.
- Facilitate group discussions in a productive manner; expressing and summarizing differing viewpoints for clarity and objectivity.
- Effectively make presentations to large and small groups in both formal meetings and group discussion environments.
- Effectively prioritize and coordinate the work of self and others in a project oriented environment.
- Deal tactfully, patiently, courteously, diplomatically and persuasively with the public.
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in planning or a related field;
and
Three years of professional planning experience;
or
An equivalent combination of education and experience (a maximum of six months as a Planning Intern for the City of San Luis Obispo may be counted towards the planning experience requirement – the six months shall be counted as actual work hours, not duration of the internship, i.e., six months at full time or 12 months at half-time.)
THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:
- Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ)
The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.
La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.
For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.
Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.
Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.
Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- Master's degree or higher
- Bachelor's degree
- Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
- Some college
- High School/G.E.D.
- None of the above
Did you major in one of the following fields?
- Planning
- Other Field - Related
- Other Field - Unrelated
- N/A - Did not attend college
If you answered "other related field" or "other unrelated field" to the previous question, please explain. Otherwise, please put "N/A".
04
How many years of Professional Planning experience do you have?
- 8 years or more
- 7 years to 7 years 11 months
- 6 years to 6 years 11 months
- 5 years to 5 years 11 months
- 4 years to 4 years 11 months
- 3 years to 3 years 11 months
- 2 years to 2 years 11 months
- 1 year to 1 year 11 months
- Less than 1 year
- No Experience
Describe your experience as it relates to processing current planning projects and performing environmental assessments. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A.
06
Describe your experience processing projects that include affordable housing, ADUs, and / or implement other California state housing laws. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A.
07
Describe your experience reviewing building permits. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A.
08
Describe your experience preparing and presenting staff reports. Include where and when you gained the experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A.
- Required Question