Assistant​/Associate Planner

The City of Lake Forest - "Remember the past, challenge the future!"

If you have a passion for planning, enjoy being challenged, excel under pressure, and want to work with an energetic and capable team toward a more sustainable, approachable, inclusive city and community, we have the job for you!

The City of Lake Forest is currently recruiting to fill one (1) full-time Assistant Planner or Associate Planner position in the Planning Division within the Community Development Department. This is a continuous recruitment that is subject to close at any time. The first review of applications will be on Monday, March 30, 2026
. Prompt application is encouraged.

The ideal candidate will have a great attitude, be a self-starter, detail oriented, collaborative, capable of managing multiple projects and bringing them to completion and serve as a contributing member of the planning team.

• Have several successful Planning internships with a City, County, or government agency or with a private firm specializing in urban planning or other planning related field.
• Have excellent written and verbal skills and be able to produce and present accurate, factual, and compelling reports and presentations for boards and commissions.
• Be bright, energetic, and exude a positive attitude.
• The ability to read, interpret, and create basic plans, drawings, and sketches.
• Enjoy helping people achieve planning project goals and outcomes in a sustainable and compliant manner.
• Work equally well with public, vendors, contractors, City officials, and City staff.
• Understand and be able to interpret and explain in plain language, building and zoning codes, permit application processes, fees, and document requirements.
• Effectively and patiently convey and explain complex rules and regulations in simple terms to a diverse variety of people.
• Excel as a contributing member in a challenging and rewarding team environment.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate and perform the full range of duties including those that require knowledge of performing routine to complex planning duties in the administration of land use regulations, the City's General Plan, environmental review and design review. Additionally, the following attributes will be desired:

• Has a passion for planning:
  You’re excited to work on projects that create a sustainable and well-planned city.
• Is detail-oriented and proactive:
  You are self-driven, capable of managing multiple projects, and committed to bringing them to completion.
• Enjoys teamwork:
  You work well with internal teams, city officials, vendors, and the community, fostering collaboration and communication.
• Has experience in planning:
  You have worked with a City, County, or government agency, or a private firm specializing in urban planning or a related field.
• Communicates effectively:
  You have excellent written and verbal skills and can produce clear and compelling reports and presentations for boards and commissions.
• Understands technical plans:
  You can read, interpret, and create basic plans, drawings, and sketches.
• Navigates building and zoning codes:
  You understand and can explain building and zoning codes, permit processes, fees, and required documents.
• Simplifies complexity:
  You have the ability to break down and explain complex rules and regulations in plain language to diverse audiences.
• Thrives under pressure:
  You excel in a fast-paced, rewarding team environment where you tackle challenges head-on with a positive attitude.

The annual salary range for the Assistant Planner position is $75,636.00 - $98,328.00. The annual salary range for the Associate Planner position is $87,708.00 - $

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification for Assistant Planner, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Follow this link to view the entire Class Specification for Associate Planner, which includes more information on Typical Duties and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.