Planner I/II/III (Open and Promotional)

Full Job Description

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.

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

Planner I ($85,113.60- $106,433.60 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 ($100,900.80- $126,131.20 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 ($115,544.00- $144,372.80 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.

Requirements

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.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Knowledge of:

• The organization of local government and concepts of public administration.
• Principles, practices, and trends in urban and regional planning, including physical, social, and economic factors.
• Codes, ordinances, and laws related to planning, zoning, environmental resource protection, and subdivisions.
• Basic computer operations.
• Basic lead and supervisory principles and practices.
• Research and statistical methods and sources of data.
• Mathematical principles, tools, and practices used in determining density and structural floor area.
• Symbols, language, and techniques used in planning, mapping, and the basic principles involved in interpreting aerial photography.

Skill/Ability to:

• Work cooperatively and effectively with the public, co-workers, individually, and as a member of a professional and technical team and individually.
• Recognize the key importance of customers, their unique situation, and the department's and division's relationship with the customer in problem resolution and information-giving situations.
• Produce comprehensive, clear, and concise reports, memos, letters, staff reports, and major studies which are accurately researched, focused on essential information, reflect an appropriate level of analysis, and demonstrate objectivity.
• Make concise and understandable presentations, manage related discussions, facilitate decision-making, formulate alternatives, and summarize and respond to comments effectively.
• Make valid conclusions and appropriate alternative recommendations.
• Explain policy and procedures to the public and staff.
• Facilitate problem resolution.
• Operate and retrieve information using a computer.
• Adapt to changing situations even under pressure.
• Conduct research, including gathering, interpreting, and presenting data; reach conclusions, develop defensible recommendations, and formulate feasible policy and regulations.
• Interpret and explain maps, charts, and tables; coordinate the preparation of a wide range of visual aids which clearly illustrate issues, concepts, and programs.

Additional Information

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview, which may include a pre-interview exercise (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required application materials.

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