Associate Planner

The Associate Planner performs a wide range of advanced professional level planning tasks; serves as a lead planner on specific projects as well as instructing and reviewing the work of assigned staff. Incumbents in this position perform the more complex professional level and technical duties of the Planning Division.Positions in this class are at the advanced journey-professional level in the planning series. Incumbents perform the more complex professional-level and technical duties of the Planning Division, including development of proposed codes. Some assignments are large, long-term projects which require research skills and organizational abilities to complete. Positions in this class have considerable independence in selecting work methods from a variety of standard methods or procedures. Instructions given by the supervisor generally do not provide all of the information needed to complete the assignment. Incumbents are expected to resolve most problems confronted through the application of judgment and precedent, referring to the supervisor those which involve the establishment of new procedures or which involve solutions which are inconsistent with departmental procedures and policies.

Knowledge Of

• Principles, concepts and practices of urban planning and land use;
• Subdivision regulations, development standards and zoning regulations;
• The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
• General building practices as they relate to plan review;
• Advanced research methods as applied to the collection, tabulation and analysis of statistics affecting planning;
• Computer equipment and software applications related to assignment;
• Modern office equipment and procedures;
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
• Basic math;
• Accurate record keeping methods;
• Engineering drawing or graphic illustration; and
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
  
  

Ability To

• Properly interpret and make decisions in accordance with state, federal and municipal planning laws, and department policies and procedures;
• Collect, tabulate and compute planning statistics;
• Organize and conduct complex planning research studies;
• Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations;
• Interpret site plans, maps, plot plans, street measurements and related documents;
• Understand pertinent procedures and functions quickly and apply them without immediate supervision;
• Operate a calculator quickly and accurately;
• Operate a computer and use related software applications;
• Maintain accurate records; establish record keeping systems;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices;
• Understand and carry-out oral and written instructions; and
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  
  

Education/Experience

Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. A typical qualifying background is a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture or closely related field, and advanced journey level professional experience performing planning duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily sedentary. Willingness to use personal vehicle in the course of employment. Incumbent is required to travel within and out of City to attend meetings.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A City application form and supplemental questionnaire MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. All other employment inquires can be made by calling 760-726-1340. Application materials may be obtained online at: www.vista.gov/jobs.

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in the announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

• SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Recruitment Closes - Sunday, May 10th, 2026 Oral Board Interview - Week of May 18th
• Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.