ASSISTANT PLANNER

Position Description

Final Filing Deadline: November 29, 2026
Exam #: 26/41F21/10SA

Assistant Planner

Monthly Salary Range:  $6,197 – $8,459

The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.

The County of Monterey Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department is composed of four Divisions, including Development Services, Planning Services, Permit Center, and Administration. The department provides reasonable and safe development, planning for future needs of the County, and helps protect natural resources. 

The County of Monterey Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department is composed of four Divisions, including Development Services, Planning Services, Permit Center, and Administration. The department provides reasonable and safe development, planning for future needs of the County, and helps protect natural resources. The Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department seeks entry level land use/planning professionals who are results oriented individuals interested in growing their knowledge and experience of land use planning, and who demonstrate an ability to successfully perform analysis and interpretation of County planning policies.

This is the entry level class in the professional Planner series.  The Assistant Planner performs a range of routine professional land use planning assignments in all program areas and acts as project planner with responsibilities for processing review of development projects and/or to develop policies or plans, with guidance from management and senior staff.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority.

Examples of Duties

• Provides factual and interpretive information to the public regarding land use plans, policies, ordinance requirements, environmental review procedures, application filing procedures and the permit review process; responds to the public timely and consistent with Department direction.
• Reviews a variety of land use entitlements and other agency referrals for consistency with adopted plans and regulations; develops staff recommendations in coordination with County land use agencies and other responsible agencies, conducts environmental review and writes comprehensive staff reports; clears conditions of permit approval.
• Conducts studies and research involving the planning aspects of economic, social and environmental conditions by tabulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical and factual data to develop basis for conclusion; Develops methods for tracking data as necessary.
• Researches, collects and records factual property and resource information from a variety of sources including electronic data bases; maintains information in the County’s computer database; operates various office equipment including a personal computer and microfiche.
• Performs field inspections to determine compliance with permit approval conditions and to verify the accuracy of information submitted as part of the application process.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Assistant Planner

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Working Knowledge of:

• The English language, punctuation, grammar and spelling.

Some Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, techniques and quantitative methods of county, rural and local land use planning to include social, economic and environmental principles and their application to rural development.
• Resource management practices and techniques as applied to land use planning and techniques and methods involved in the preparation and implementation of long-range plans and amendments.
• Federal, State and local laws, procedures and regulations governing plan preparation, land development, environmental review and permit review processes.
• Computer and quantitative methods, work processing and graphic techniques applicable to land use planning.

 Skill and Ability to:

• Research, analyze, evaluate and draw logical conclusions from data.
• Interpret, understand, explain and apply complex planning laws, ordinances, codes and regulations applicable to planning projects and studies.
• Read and interpret maps, aerial photos and legal descriptions; read, interpret and apply ordinances, laws, policies and procedures.
• Collect and tabulate statistical data and perform calculations to complete percentages, averages, land acreages and distances.
• Resolve conflicts and maintain cooperative relationships with others contacted through the course of work including the general public, boards, commissions, professional and technical personnel, public and private officials and staff; respond in a positive manner to supervision and attend and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.
• Communicate effectively by preparing a variety of clear and concise oral presentations and planning reports.
• Communicate effectively in writing by preparing clear and concise planning reports, correspondence and memoranda.
• Facilitate cooperation and consensus by participating and working cooperatively in a team framework.
• Utilize and operate various office machines including a personal computer and microfiche for office usage and project application.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

OPTION I

Education:

Completion of all course work leading to a Bachelor's degree in Planning or a closely related field if planning courses were included as a part of the course curriculum; or
 

OPTION II

Education:

Completion of the equivalent of two (2) full time years of college level course work in planning or a closely related field; and

Experience:

A minimum of two (2) years of progressive experience in land use planning or a related field, performing duties that demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities required for this assignment; or

OPTION III

Experience: 

• A minimum of four (4) years of experience in land use planning or a related field, performing duties that demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities required for this assignment.

• Internship experience relative to the planning function either in the public or private sector is desirable.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority. 
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency, travel out of County to attend meetings.

BENEFITS:

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES:

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions. 
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9. 
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

Application and Selection ProceduresApply On-Line at 
By Sunday, November 29, 2026, 11:59 PM(PST)orHard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours,Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:County of Monterey Attn: Stephanie Ahumada, Human Resources Analyst II 168 W. Alisal Street, 3rd FloorSalinas, CA 93901Phone:  Fax:
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions 

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application

To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline, Sunday, November 29, 2026, to .

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Stephanie Ahumada, Human Resources Analyst, at, or.

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for County of Monterey is Martin Rivera.

See job description

California

No

5517235