Assistant Planner
Assistant Planner
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$ 76238 - 96753
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Description
- Application Deadline: Tuesday July 8 2025 at 10:00 amTentative Interview Date: Thursday July 31 2025The City of Paso Robles is pleased to announce the exciting opportunity to join ourCommunity Development Department as an Assistant Planner.This position is integral to the day-to-day operations of the Planning Division and will include but not be limited to thepreparation of current and long-range planning projects data collection and evaluation interpretation of planning regulations and codes and planning research.The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and team-orientated individual with exceptional customer service skills.
About Paso Robles
Nestled in the heart of Californias scenic Central Coast Paso Roblesshort for El Paso de Robles or The Pass of the Oaksoffers a unique blend of small-town charm natural beauty and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm sunny days and cool evenings ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills majestic oak trees and panoramic vineyard views Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.
Paso Robles central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural educational and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research continuing education and a highly educated talent pool. To the west scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay Cambria and Pismo Beach as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries surf spots and farmers markets San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
Today Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels Cabernet Sauvignons and Rhne varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping award-winning restaurants and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival California Mid-State Fair and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options good schools a welcoming business environment and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether youre a young professional a growing family or someone looking to make a lifestyle change the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity community and California charm.
The Organization
The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1 2025 the Citys population has grown to approximately 31061 reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the Citys high quality of life strong community identity and comprehensive municipal services.
The City is a full-service municipality meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection emergency medical response water and wastewater utilities parks and recreation planning and development services public works and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive effective and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe sustainable and vibrant community.
The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager appointed by the City Council serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees with the exception of the City Attorney.
The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services City Managers Office Community Development Community Services Fire and Emergency Services Police Public Works and Utilities.
Typical Duties
- Provide front counter planning information to the public with the focus on excellent customer service
- Respond to general inquiries and public agency requests through various methods of correspondence regarding planning regulations standards policies and procedures related to plan submissions application processing and environmental review processes and requirements
- Plan organize and conduct research studies; maintain update and analyze demographic and other data required for community planning
- Assist with the Citys community programs related to community development; support housing-related research grant management and tracking
- Perform technical review of planning applications; collect and evaluate information related to the planning application process and determine conformity with applicable laws regulations policies and procedures
- Conduct project site checks and field inspections
- Prepare staff reports resolutions ordinances environmental notices plan approvals and file closeouts upon project completion; monitor conditions of approval after project completion
- Assist in the development and implementation of procedures for maintaining property administrative and infrastructure data records
- Research compile and analyze information for drafting and reviewing City ordinances
- May attend and present information to the Planning Commission Development Review Committee City Council and resident groups
- Review building and sign permits for development code compliance
- Conduct building and site plan review for residential commercial and industrial development
- Process and plan-check permits for zoning clearance and business licenses
- Assist with the short-term rental and transient occupancy tax collection programs
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Employment Standards & Special Requirements
- Knowledge of:
- Land use environmental analysis urban design landscape architecture demographics and economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning
- Comprehensive plans and the planning and development process
- Office procedures methods and equipment including computers databases and supporting software applications; basic GIS concepts computer graphics and advanced Microsoft Word skills are desirable
- Preparing and presenting effective staff reports
- Operations services and activities of a community planning and development program
- Development review procedures and requirements
- Site planning and architectural design principles
- Pertinent federal state and local laws codes and regulations including laws underlying general plans zoning and land divisions and applicable environmental laws and regulations
- Recent developments current literature research methods and sources of information related to municipal planning urban growth and development
- California Environmental Quality Act rules and processes
- Take a proactive approach to customer service issues and respond in an efficient and timely manner
- Conduct zoning and planning studies
- Communicate effectively with co-workers supervisors and the general public
- Work within an interdisciplinary team and provide efficient and effective assistance to the public
- Assist in the development and implementation of City plans and regulations
- Apply policies procedures and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process
- Interpret maps site and building plans and specifications graphs and statistical data
- Interpret analyze implement and explain pertinent federal state and local laws codes and regulations including City codes and departmental policies and administrative directives
- Interpret planning and zoning programs for the general public
- Analyze projects for consistency with planning regulations and general planning principles
- Present technical data in verbal written graphic and map form to City management staff and variety of boards and commissions
- Prepare basic CEQA environmental documents
- Effectively use Microsoft Office databases and GIS maps to analyze technical data and prepare technical reports; map projects utilizing conventional and computer assisted techniques
- Effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be by way of graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in city urban or environmental planning architecture or a related field and one year of responsible experience in a related field.
Experience as a student intern for a local government planning agency qualifies as planning-related experience.
Special Requirements:
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License and satisfactory driving record. Selection Procedure & Application Process
- To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity please submit a completed employment applicationand cover letter describing how your skills and experience translate to the requirements of the positionby Tuesday July 8 2025 at 10:00 am.This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy completeness and job related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process which may be any combination of written oral and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment background and criminal history check. Before starting work applicants must present documentation of their identity authorization to work in the United Statesand a DMV driving record. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at Following appointment a twelve-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process please contact Human Resources at or by email at.All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as Disaster Service Workers as defined in the California Government Code Section 3100 and 3101.
The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
Photos by @brittanyapp
Employment Type
Full-Time
