Planner I/II/III

Salary : $85,113.60 - $144,372.80 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: R040J
Department: Planning and Building
Opening Date: 01/13/2026
Closing Date: 1/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 05

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.
The Planning and Building Department is currently seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Planner I/II/III, Current Planning.

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.
Examples Of Duties

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:

Planner I: Bachelor's degree in Planning or a closely related field.

Planner II: Two years of professional planning experience.
Planner III: Three years of professional planning experience.

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.

Application/Examination

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 toto 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 PSTApplication Screening: January 28 - February 4, 2026
Civil Service Panel Interview: February 11 and/or 12, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Sedrick Dixon (01132026) (Planner I/II/III - R060/R050/R060)
We invite you to explore our page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01

IMPORTANT: In order for your application to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete each of the following Supplemental Questions. Your responses will give us information about your background and experience related to this position and will be rated heavily in the Screening process. Your responses should be consistent with the information in your standard San Mateo County application and may be subject to verification. In responding to the supplemental questions below, be concise and specific. Explain whether these tasks were a regular part of your prior experiences and whether they were generally performed with or without supervision. Neatness, clarity of expression, grammar, spelling, and ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process.A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.

• I have read and understand this important information.

02

Describe your experience conducting research and analysis and writing reports on planning subjects, e.g., land use, resource preservation, environmental impacts, transportation, and ordinance amendments.
03

Describe your experience preparing and presenting recommendations on planning-related issues to decision-makers, e.g., Planning Commission, Board of Supervisor, City Council, and/or Zoning Hearing Officer.
04

Describe your experience assisting the public at a planning information center and discuss what you consider as the major challenges of such work.
05

How did you learn about this position?

• County of San Mateo Website
• County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification
• County Hosted Virtual Event
• County Hosted Job Fair
• CalOpps.org
• College/University Career Center
• Community-based Organization Posting
• Facebook/Instagram
• Friend or Relative
• GovernmentJobs.com
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question)
• X (formerly called Twitter)
• Zip Recruiter
• Other (Please specify in next question)

06

If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable.
Required Question

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