City Planner, Government

Overview

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of February 8, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of City Planner in our Development Services Department/Planning Services. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City s website.

• Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of Planning Services within the Development Services Department including the Planning Resource, Public Hearing/Public Counter, Project Processing, and related administrative groups and units; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Development Services.
• Identifies workload needs and directs assigned services and activities of Planning Services including Planning Resources, Public Hearings, the Public Planning Counter, Project Processing, and related administrative groups and units.
• Oversees the provision of Planning Division services and related activities including advising City committees, commissions, and the City Council on land use, design, and environmental matters; conducts environmental and other technical reviews; prepares demographic information; coordinating various approvals with state, federal, and local agencies; coordinating all types of development entitlements including General Plan Amendments, Specific Plans, Subdivision, Planned Developments, and related documents;
  
  providing technical assistance on Capital Improvement Projects; preparing and implementing the City’s habitat preservation sub-area plan; and related programs, services, and activities.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work methods, procedures, and products including staff reports, actions, conclusions, and related documents; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of Planning Services annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Provides technical and professional assistance to City committees, commissions, and the City Council; oversees the scheduling and preparation of agendas for the Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, and the scheduling of all planning related matters for the City Council; prepares reports and makes public presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and other public groups as necessary; represents the City on SANDAG committees and other outside organizations;
  
  provides staffing at meetings; responds to issues and questions; performs special planning studies as assigned.
• Provides responsible staff assistance and complex policy analysis to the Director of Community Development; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to planning programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Serves as the liaison for Planning Services to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; provides status reports on pending projects; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues; provides technical advice and code interpretations.
• Contributes to interdisciplinary work groups including economic development groups and project teams involving high profile projects; coordinates planning programs and responsibilities for implementation of the Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
• Directs and oversees the development and implementation of public outreach activities; oversees and participates in a variety of public relations, outreach, and education work related to planning activities with other departments and…