Planning Technician *Revised

This is a continuous filing exam. Next filing cut-offs are at 5:00 pm on: 10/24/25, 11/14/25, 12/5/25,
* 12/26/25,
* 1/16/26,
* 2/6/26 (final)

Under close supervision, the Planning Technician performs paraprofessional, technical planning and environmental work in the administration and development of community and general plans, zoning regulations and environmental documents; explains the planning program, policies, local ordinances and State and Federal regulations to the public.

• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures related to urban planning, environmental regulations, and community development
• Various aspects of human ecological relationships
• Basic research methods and procedures
• Geologic and soil characteristics
• Principles of geology, surface and ground water hydrology
• Inter-relationships of hydrologic, soil, geologic and ecologic conditions
• Techniques used in compiling and interpreting data, and presenting it in graphic forms
• Instruments, methods, and symbols used in topographic mapping and property descriptions
• Fieldwork and research techniques and procedures including but not limited to determining property ownership and zoning background
• Property descriptions and mapping terminology
• The State Planning, Zoning and Land Use laws, Subdivision Map Act, California Environmental Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and pertinent County ordinances such as the Zoning Code
• Plant and animal species, especially those found in the Sacramento area
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation

• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures
• Analyze planning applications for compliance with procedural requirements
• Read and interpret legal property descriptions, topographical drawings, maps, graphs, charts and field notes
• Develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with the public, community groups, and other government agencies
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Compile data from various sources
• Assess geologic and soil characteristics
• Analyze specific plant and animal relationships
• Assess effects of natural processes and human activity on all life forms including crops, livestock and natural communities, water quality and other hydrologic characteristics
• Apply customer service skills, including the identification of customer needs and follow up to ensure customer commitments have been met
• Use current technologies, tools, and equipment to achieve program goals

• Either: one year of full‑time paid paraprofessional or technical experience in environmental, urban or regional planning
• Or: successful completion of 30 semester (45 quarter) units from an accredited college or university, with at least 20 semester (30 quarter) units in public administration, ecological studies, environmental planning and management, environmental studies, geography, natural resources, urban or regional planning or a field closely related to the intent of the class

Note: Related fields above may include archaeology, anthropology, architectural history, biology, botany, business administration, climatology, economics, engineering, geology, historic preservation, hydrology, political science, range management, recreation administration (outdoor resource management), watershed management, and wildlife management.

Note: If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full‑time paid experience unless the minimum qualification states that volunteer experience is acceptable. Part‑time paid experience may be accumulated and pro‑rated to meet the total experience requirements.

To provide proof of educational or certificate/license requirements, applicants must submit documentation with the application. Failure to submit proof may result in disqualification from the examination. Unofficial…