Job Description
Salary: $98,259.20 - $120,681.60 Annually
Location : County of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Regular - Full time
Job Number: 25355004
Department: Public Works, Dept of (Gen)
Division: Landfill Closure Supp-Gf
Opening Date: 06/10/2025
Closing Date: 7/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Summary Exceptional Professional Planning Career Opportunity
Be Part of a Progressive and Recognized Land Use/Environmental Program LAND USE/ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER III Interviews will take place the week of week of August 4th, 2025 The County of San Diego invites you to apply for Land Use/Environmental Planner III.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is committed to providing reliable and sustainable infrastructure for our unincorporated community. DPW is responsible for the following services for the unincorporated region: County maintained roads; traffic engineering; private development construction inspection; design engineering and construction management for public works related infrastructure; land surveying and map processing; watershed quality and flood protection; County airports; solid waste planning and diversion; closed landfill maintenance; wastewater and water systems management; and assessment districts for private road and landscape maintenance. Click for additional information on DPW.
WORK LOCATION DPW is located in the LEED Certified County Operations Center, a modern 44-acre complex in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego. This center consists of 18 structures and houses 19 departments, including an employee gym/workout center. Kearny Mesa is centrally located with easy access from the 163 and 805 freeways, along a vibrant corridor with a variety of commercial services in walking distance.
THE POSITION DPW has a current vacancy for Land Use/Environmental Planner III in the Closed Landfills Division.
Land Use/Environmental Planner IIIs within the Closed Landfills Division will manage closed landfill's and refuse burn site's maintenance and regulatory compliance. Primary responsibilities will include contract management; regulatory reporting and compliance; asset management planning; reviewing projects for compliance with all applicable polices and regulations; conducting data research and analysis; conducting field investigations and contractor oversight, coordinating with other divisions, departments, and agencies and preparing staff reports. Additional responsibilities may include budgeting, financial forecasting, managing and executing outreach to property owners; and presenting to the executive management, planning groups, and property owner groups.
The Department of Public Works preserves, enhances and promotes quality of life and public safety through the responsible development and maintenance of reliable and sustainable infrastructure and services in the unincorporated region.
The six-month eligible list may be used to fill current and future projected vacancies.
WORK SCHEDULE The selected candidate(s) for DPW may be assigned a hybrid schedule consisting of teleworking or working remotely; and working at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa.
HIRING PROCESS AND TIMELINE The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Interviews, Job Offers and Background Process will begin after a job offer has been extended (Current County employees may be exempt from the background process.)
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE - Strong written and verbal communications skills, including experience in presenting to the public, community groups or interest groups, and individuals; regulatory agencies, executive level management, and elected officials.
- Demonstrate a high degree of motivation and willingness to learn.
- Demonstrate a high degree of listening and observation skills, as well as displaying emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrate a strong willingness to continually learn and grow professionally.
- Maintain a professional perspective, objective demeanor, and flexibility when positive or difficult situations occur.
- Knowledge about closed solid waste site regulations, permits, and environmental compliance requirements.
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate multiple projects, permits applications, and complex environmental compliance programs or projects.
- Ability to develop and review Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, groundwater studies, and environmental assessment reports.
- Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and evaluate problems to identify solutions.
- Ability to conduct data research and analysis, field inspections or investigations, and contractor oversight
- Educational background, work experience, or licenses in geology, hydrogeology, engineering, and/or solid waste site management.
If you believe that you possess these qualities, then the County of San Diego's Department of Public Works would be an ideal place for your talents. We have a great culture that values collaboration and teamwork.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in city and regional planning, urban planning, aviation management, landscape architecture, geography, archeology, biology with a concentration in wildlife and/or botany; geology; or any one of the following life and physical sciences, geography with a concentration in conservation of environmental quality, natural resources or physical geography, ecology; zoology; engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, environmental science or a related field, AND three (3) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must be at the level equivalent to a Land Use/Environmental Planner II within the County of San Diego; OR,
- A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in one of the fields stated above, AND two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level experience as described above; OR,
- One (1) year of experience as a Land Use/Environmental Planner II with the County of San Diego.
NOTE : Professional level land use/environmental planning experience in a public or private agency may substitute for education on a year for year basis, for up to two (2) years of the education requirement. Degree must be from a U.S. accredited college or university, or certified equivalency for foreign studies must be provided. Exception: this substitution of experience for education does not apply to the Land Use/Environmental Planner III, Airport Option.
Please be sure to attach a copy of your college diploma, complete official or unofficial transcripts, letter of verification, or a foreign studies equivalency certification (if degree was obtained outside of the US) during Step 1 of the online application submittal process.
For additional information on the Land Use/Environmental Planner III job, click
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
EVALUATION PROCESS Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental applications.
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a that will create a County that works for all.
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as
disaster service workers . The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any
county , city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary 01
Please be sure to answer the following questions in a thorough and complete manner, as your responses may be used to determine your overall score.Please do NOT indicate "See Resume," or "See Application," as these are not acceptable answers.Please note that if you are invited to a selection interview(s) by a department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification.
Do you understand this information? 02
Please check the box or boxes that most accurately describes your completed college education: NOTES: Your degree must be from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in: city and regional planning, urban planning, aviation management, landscape architecture, geography, archeology, biology with a concentration in wildlife and/or botany; geology; or any one of the following life and physical sciences, geography with a concentration in conservation of environmental quality, natural resources or physical geography, ecology; zoology; engineering with an emphasis in acoustics or environmental management, and/or environmental science.In order for your education to be considered, please submit a copy of your degree(s), complete transcripts, and/or foreign studies equivalency report with your application. Your degree verification must be in an unalterable format.
- I have a bachelor's degree as described above
- I have a master's degree as described above
- I have a doctorate's degree as described above
- None of the above
03
Please select the box below that accurately reflect your professional level work experience. Select only one.NOTE: Your progressively responsible professional level experience in land use/environmental planning must be at the level equivalent to a Land Use/Environmental Planner II within the County of San Diego.
- I have a master's degree described in Question #2; AND I have at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning.
- I have a bachelor's degree described in Question #2; AND I have at least three (3) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning.
- I have completed at least two years of college coursework described in Question #2; AND I have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional level experience performing environmental analysis, planning, research, data analysis, and computations, and preparing and presenting reports and graphics as it relates to land use/environmental planning.
- I have at least one (1) year of experience as a Land Use/Environmental Planner II with the County of San Diego.
- None of the above.
04
If you selected one education and experience box on Question #3, then did you list this experience on the Work Experience Section of the job application?
05
If you selected at least one work experience area listed in Question #3, please provide the following information:1) Your Job Title(s)2) Your Employer Name(s)3) Your Employment Dates (month/year)4) A concise description of your duties as it relates to the area or areas checked in Question #3.NOTE: If you selected, "None of the above" in Question #3, please indicate "NA" in the section below.
06
Do you have a bachelor's degree in the following major(s) and/or concentration?
- Geology
- Engineering with an emphasis in Environmental Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Geology
- Hydrogeology
- Geography with a concentration in conservation of Environmental Quality, Natural Resources, Physical Geography or Environmental Management
- Other
07
If you answered "Other" to the Question 6, please specify your degree major. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" below.
08
Do you have any related Licenses and/or Certifications?
09
If you checked 'Yes" in Question #8, please list your licenses or certifications. Please be sure to attach a copy of your documentation for the listed licenses or certifications. If you do not have any licenses or certifications, please indicate "N/A".
10
Please check the box or boxes below which accurately reflect your background and work experience in
geological land use/environmental planning: - Performed and ensured regulatory compliance for closed solid waste programs and sites
- Interacted with regulatory agencies regarding contaminated sites
- Developed and/or reviewed groundwater studies, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, and/or environmental assessment reports
- Developed and/or managed complex environmental compliance programs or projects
- Developed and implemented work plans and budgets
- Prepared written communications and delivering presentations for the public, regulatory agencies, executive level management and public officials
- Enforced local ordinances or responding to enforcement orders
- No experience
11
If you checked at least one box in
Question #10 , please describe your experience. Please be sure to provide the following information:
1) Job title(s)
2) Employer Name(s)
3) Employment dates (month/year)
4) Briefly describe of your duties, including your exact role and responsibility.
If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A." 12
Do you have lead experience
managing grants, consultant contracts or other kinds of professional service contracts ?
13
Where did you first hear about this job opportunity?
- San Diego County website
- Governmentjobs.com
- Veteran Outreach / FFSC
- Mana de San Diego
- Family, Neighbors, Friends
- County Employee Resources Group
- College/University Career Site
- LinkedIn
- Indeed
- County Social Media
- Voice and Viewpoint
- APWA
- Other
14
If you answered "Other" to the question above, please indicate where you first heard about this job opportunity. If this does not apply, please indicate "n/a" below.
Required Question County of San Diego
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, For contractors, Work experience placement, Local area, Remote job,