Assistant Planner

The Planning Division of the Community Development Department at the City of Carlsbad is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Planner.

Carlsbad is a well-balanced community with beaches, lagoons, habitat preserves, a variety of housing types, world class employers, Legoland, the second highest number of hotel rooms in San Diego County, a successful auto dealership core, two golf resorts and a municipal golf course, two rail stations, a thriving downtown village, and an engaged public. This balance has been achieved not by accident, but in part through the efforts of a strong team of experienced planners. From translation of the community's vision into ambitious General Plan goals and policies and application of rigorous growth management principles that ensure public facilities, open space and infrastructure are provided in conjunction with development, to consistent implementation of zoning rules and development codes, the Planning Division is at the forefront of ensuring that Carlsbad's high quality of life is maintained and the city continues to evolve in a manner valued by the community.

In addition to the many benefits that the City offers, incumbents will have the option of a 9/80 work schedule and/or a hybrid in-office/telework schedule, a professional membership fee paid, and a variety of training and career advancement opportunities (please see the benefits tab and our website for benefit details).

You belong in Carlsbad: The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

• Typically, an Assistant Planner must possess and demonstrate at least 80% of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities at a given level to be assigned to that level. The following are examples of the types of job duties that may be found in the Planner roles:
• Manage general, community and urban plans; manage land use and land development projects; review and write environmental documents; prepare and coordinate processing of local, state and federal permits; review and analyze technical drawings, specifications and reports; perform site inspections and field research; research, review and prepare ordinances and policies; review projects and advise citizens and developers during application process to ensure compliance with city regulations; prepare planning reports, use GIS products/maps; perform quality control, coordinate various departments and agencies, monitor mitigation requirements for environmentally sensitive projects and perform proper documentation and reporting and perform related tasks.
• Responds to inquiries/requests; assists customers with planning issues of routine to medium complexity; intakes permits; conducts sites visits for proposed development; organizes and participates in conducting and organizing public workshops and hearings.
• Serves on cross-functional teams.
• Presents staff reports to Planning Commission and City Council.
• Performs informational and advisory reporting; researches and creates draft resolutions, ordinances, and General Plan amendments for review; prepares legal notices and notices of decision; conducts surveys and studies to address significant development issues; reviews and processes private and public development projects and updating land management files.
• Attend public hearings for assigned projects; prepare Planning Commission and City Council staff reports, conduct final inspections on projects, processes private and public development projects and reviews grading improvement plans.
• Provides solutions to routine problems of moderate scope and complexity.
• Exercises judgment within closely defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
• Errors typically have a limited effect on the organization. Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Requires a basic understanding of: Municipal planning principles, procedures and methods including principles of urban design, site planning and architectural design, applicable federal, state, and local planning laws, ordinances, and policies.
• Requires limited to moderate use and application of standard principles, theories, concepts used and a basic understanding of the City's policies and procedures.
• Effective communicator, with both written and oral presentation.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective team player.

• The equivalent of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major work in urban planning or a related field such as architecture, civil engineering, geography, real estate/development, or environmental sustainability, plus a minimum of one year of related work experience.
  • A Masters' degree in planning, public administration or a related field is desirable.
  • A Master's degree can substitute for one year of work experience.