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Job Description
Associate Planner I/II City of Palm Desert - 3.0 Palm Desert, CA Job Details Full-time $88,878 - $107,994 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Customer communication Land use law in public permitting Urban planning studies (research activities) Stakeholder relationship building Stakeholder management Full Job Description JOB •This position is open until filled with a first review date of 7/06/2026 •The City of Palm Desert provides exemplary and sustainable services, amenities and programs for the benefit of the local and surrounding communities. When you interact with a City employee, you will find our collaborative, driven and efficient staff working together to provide strategic solutions for the community and each other. We are a city focused on external and internal customer service and try to find a way to say "yes," while not compromising the City's or our own integrity. Our efforts are guided by our core values: Integrity Stewardship Service Community Innovation Teamwork Our employees are passionate about innovation, collaboration and growth, which is supported by the City's Council and Executive Team. We are an environment that thrives on making changes, pivoting quickly, and is full of movers and shakers. We are constantly striving to improve processes and better our approach so that we can better support the needs of the City. If you have growth mindset and find change exciting, the City of Palm Desert may be your ideal working environment!
THE OPPORTUNITY
The City of Palm Desert is seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Associate Planner to join its Community Development team. This position plays a key role in coordinating land use processes, including land combinations and divisions, preparing clear and well-supported staff reports for development projects, and conducting in-depth research and analysis to support the City's comprehensive planning and zoning efforts. The ideal candidate will bring experience in municipal planning, strong analytical and communication skills, and a solid understanding of land use principles, development review, and community engagement. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the thoughtful and sustainable growth of Palm Desert. Appointment to this position is expected to fall within the salary range of $88,878 to $107,994 annually; however, the final amount will be carefully determined based on the candidate's knowledge, skills, qualifications, and an evaluation of internal equity within the organization. Exceptional candidates with highly relevant experience and credentials may be considered for compensation above the anticipated hiring range. Under general direction, performs a full range of journey level professional duties in support of the Development Services Department's current and advanced planning functions; administers zoning regulations; performs a variety of assignments in the preparation and distribution of planning reports; processes development projects; performs technical reviews of land use and permit applications, environmental impact reports, and environmental statements; provides customer service and serves as a liaison to applicants, developers, consultants, the general public, and outside organizations and agencies regarding City codes, policies, standards, and processes; and provides technical and professional assistance to City committees, commissions, and the City Council; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives supervision from supervisory or management staff. Does not directly or indirectly supervise other professional staff but may provide work direction and training to subordinate technical or clerical employees.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Associate Planner I:
This is the Journey-level classification in the Planner series. Incumbents independently manage projects and conduct studies related to current, advanced, and/or environmental planning activities. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products. Work is periodically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements; however, the methodologies used in arriving at the end results are not reviewed in detail. This class is distinguished from the Associate Planner II in that the latter is responsible for organizing, assigning, and supervising the work of planning staff, in addition to performing the more complex, long-term planning and project management assignments.
Associate Planner II:
This is the Senior Level classification in the Planner series. Incumbents work at advanced professional levels on complex and specialized assignments. Incumbents at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver work products. Work is occasionally reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements; however, the methodologies used in arriving at the end results are not reviewed in detail.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of:
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to zoning and land use planning. Principles, practices, theories, and trends of urban, land use, and regional planning, zoning, and environmental review. Development review procedures and requirements. Operations, services, and activities of a community planning and development program. Principles and practices of project management. Principles and practices of urban planning and land development methods. Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review. Practices of researching planning and zoning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports. Geographic, socio-economic, transportation, political, and other elements related to city planning. Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review. Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work. Statistical and research methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation. Record keeping principles and procedures. Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to:
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, standards, and procedures relevant to zoning and planning. Perform a full range of professional level planning duties involved in participating in the development, implementation, and modification of the City's planning function. Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public. Identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, Planning Commission, Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, and other stakeholders. Manage current and advanced planning projects. Prepare and analyze technical and administrative reports, statements, and correspondence. Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact on and of various City programs and services. Independently conduct research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations. Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner. Read and interpret architectural and engineering plans and specifications. Prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written material. Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals. Establish and maintain accurate databases, records, and files. Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
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:
Associate Planner I/II:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, environmental studies, engineering, or a related field.
Associate Planner I:
Two (2) years of general professional and technical planning experience is preferred.
Associate Planner II:
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible planning experience equivalent to that of an Associate I in the City of Palm Desert.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license by the time of appointment may be required for certain assignments.
