Planning Technician

• Reviews planning and development projects.
• Researches, collects, maintains, and analyzes data; enters and updates data into land use and various databases; maintain filing systems and records; and monitors various logs, manuals, maps, drawings, accounts, and files for current and accurate information.
• Assists the public over the phone or at the counter; responds to inquiries and answers routine questions regarding zoning, regulations, land use, the general plan, and other planning data.
• Assists in responding to requests for information from other departments and agencies; provides basic property information and interprets zoning ordinances.
• Responds to incoming correspondence.
• Explains application requirements and assists individuals in completing various applications.
• Performs minor plan checking at the counter as they relate to zoning and subdivision requirements; reviews plans for completeness and accuracy; and analyzes requests to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Reviews site, building, and grading plans for conformance with zoning ordinances; conducts field surveys for land use and related planning activities.
• Assists planning staff on special projects.
• Assists with the preparation for various commissions, boards, and other public meetings
• Coordinates site, parking, and landscape plans, as required.
• Prepares basic planning materials, reports, and other documents, as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

One (1) year of public contact experience, preferably in permit processing, building construction, urban planning, public administration, or a related field. Education equivalent to the completion of high school, supplemented by college level coursework in urban planning, public administration, geography, planning, landscape architecture, or a related field. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Basic principles and practices of urban and regional planning and zoning; applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and requirements; basic concepts of architecture, site planning urban design, and landscaping, as they relate to the process of urban planning; basic principles of mathematics; research methods as applied to the collection and analysis of data pertinent to urban planning and environmental studies; modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment; proper English usage, grammar, and punctuation; effective customer service techniques; safe driving principles and practices; and methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.

Skill in: The use of current office software applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook, Adobe Suite, and graphics design programs; the operation of modern office equipment; and dealing effectively with employees and the public with tact and discretion.

Ability to: Interpret basic planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to planning issues and concerns; read plans and specifications; make site visits; read, interpret, apply, and explain fundamental and technical written materials, federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures; perform mathematical and planning computations with precision; follow written and oral directions appropriately; communicate tactfully, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing; maintain confidentiality of private or sensitive information; collect and compile data; establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems; make sound decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines; organize work assignments, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment and applicable software programs; use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policies, procedures, and legal guidelines; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, and those contacted in the scope of work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession and retention of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License is a condition of continued employment in this job classification.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in urban planning, geography or other closely related field is highly desirable.

Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, and/or English and Vietnamese is highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office and field settings. Occasional travel to different sites is required. Work involves extensive public contact. Incumbents are exposed to smoke, noisy conditions, indoor/outdoor lighting, dirt, dust, wind/pollen, and variable weather conditions.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office and field settings; operate vehicles; climb stairs and ladders; occasionally squat, kneel, twist, walk, and climb; frequently reach, bend, stoop, sit, and stand; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard and/or hand tools; utilize sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds; and push and pull light to moderate amounts of weight.

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire.  Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.    To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.  
 
 Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department.  Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for March 20, 2026): (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates' experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.  

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Salary : $62,436 - $83,676