Planner I​/II​/III

Overview

Join us in shaping the future of San Mateo County! The Planning and Building Department fosters a better future for the County and its communities by preparing and enforcing land use plans and regulations, addressing housing and transportation needs, and permitting and inspecting new development. Together, these functions protect public health and safety, preserve natural resources, advance equity, and enhance the overall quality of life in the County of San Mateo.

The Planning and Building Department is currently seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Planner I/II/III, Current Planning.

Planners work on projects spanning a wide range of urbanized, suburban, rural, and coastal settings throughout the unincorporated county.

Planner I ($85,113.60 - $ Annually) is the entry-level in the Planner series. Under immediate supervision, incumbents learn how to apply their professional training to a work production environment and how to perform simple planning review activities. This class is flexibly staffed with Planner II, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency in the work.

Planner II ($ - $ Annually) is the full-experienced journey level in the Planner series. Under general supervision, incumbents perform a full range of planner activities and exercise substantial independence and initiative in carrying out their assignments. This class is flexibly staffed with Planner III, and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency in the work.

Planner III ($ - $ Annually) is the advanced journey level in the Planner Series. Under direction, incumbents carry out the major and more complex land use projects in all sections of the Division. Incumbents provide direction to other professional staff on projects and operate with independence within the parameters of legislative and divisional policy.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Gather, compile, and analyze statistical data, and study trends in land use, demographics, and environmental impacts.
• Conduct studies, compile data and information, and prepare reports on land use, population, environmental impacts, transportation, ordinance amendments, and other planning subjects.
• Make field surveys and investigate related planning and zoning projects and inquiries.
• Maintain automated historical records.
• Prepare reports on data collected to support recommendations on zoning, transportation, and other land-use projects.
• Prepare recommendations and assist in presentations to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and public agencies.
• Prepare or assist in revising maps, charts, graphs, and other visual aids, including departmental brochures and publications on land use and policies.
• Act as liaison and consultant with the public, other agencies, departments, and/or sections of the Planning and Building Department.
• Attend public hearings, task forces, and other land-use-related meetings.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: January 28 - February 4 , 2026

Civil Service Panel Interview: February 11 and/or 12, 2026