• Job Description

  Req#: 4950185
  
  
  Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 10:00 am
  Tentative Interview Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
  
  
  The City of Paso Robles is pleased to announce the exciting opportunity to join our Community Development Department as an Assistant Planner. This position is integral to the day-to-day operations of the Planning Division and will include, but not be limited to, the preparation of current and long-range planning projects, data collection and evaluation, interpretation of planning regulations and codes, and planning research . The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and team-orientated individual with exceptional customer service skills.
  
  About Paso Robles
  Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.
  
  
  Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.
  
  
  Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.
  
  
  The Organization
  The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.
  The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.
  The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.
  The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.
  
  
  
  
  • Provide front counter planning information to the public with the focus on excellent customer service
  • Respond to general inquiries and public agency requests through various methods of correspondence regarding planning regulations, standards, policies, and procedures related to plan submissions, application processing, and environmental review processes and requirements
  • Plan, organize, and conduct research studies; maintain, update, and analyze demographic and other data required for community planning
  • Assist with the City's community programs related to community development; support housing-related research, grant management, and tracking
  • Perform technical review of planning applications; collect and evaluate information related to the planning application process and determine conformity with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
  • Conduct project site checks and field inspections
  • Prepare staff reports, resolutions, ordinances, environmental notices, plan approvals, and file closeouts upon project completion; monitor conditions of approval after project completion
  • Assist in the development and implementation of procedures for maintaining property, administrative, and infrastructure data records
  • Research, compile, and analyze information for drafting and reviewing City ordinances
  • May attend and present information to the Planning Commission, Development Review Committee, City Council, and resident groups
  • Review building and sign permits for development code compliance
  • Conduct building and site plan review for residential, commercial, and industrial development
  • Process and plan-check permits for zoning clearance and business licenses
  • Assist with the short-term rental and transient occupancy tax collection programs
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  Knowledge of:
  • Land use, environmental analysis, urban design, landscape architecture, demographics, and economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning
  • Comprehensive plans and the planning and development process
  • Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers, databases, and supporting software applications; basic GIS concepts, computer graphics, and advanced Microsoft Word skills are desirable
  • Preparing and presenting effective staff reports
  • Operations, services, and activities of a community planning and development program
  • Development review procedures and requirements
  • Site planning and architectural design principles
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions, and applicable environmental laws and regulations
  • Recent developments, current literature, research methods, and sources of information related to municipal planning, urban growth, and development
  • California Environmental Quality Act rules and processes
  Ability to:
  • Take a proactive approach to customer service issues and respond in an efficient and timely manner
  • Conduct zoning and planning studies
  • Communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public
  • Work within an interdisciplinary team and provide efficient and effective assistance to the public
  • Assist in the development and implementation of City plans and regulations
  • Apply policies, procedures, and standards pertaining to the municipal planning process
  • Interpret maps, site and building plans, and specifications, graphs and statistical data
  • Interpret, analyze, implement, and explain pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including City codes and departmental policies and administrative directives
  • Interpret planning and zoning programs for the general public
  • Analyze projects for consistency with planning regulations and general planning principles
  • Present technical data in verbal, written, graphic, and map form to City management staff and variety of boards and commissions
  • Prepare basic CEQA environmental documents
  • Effectively use Microsoft Office, databases, and GIS maps to analyze technical data and prepare technical reports; map projects utilizing conventional and computer assisted techniques
  • Effectively communicate technical information to a non-technical audience
  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 by way of graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in city, urban, or environmental planning, architecture, or a related field, and one year of responsible experience in a related field.
  
  Experience as a student intern for a local government planning agency qualifies as planning-related experience.
  
  Special Requirements:
  Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License and satisfactory driving record.
  
  
  
  To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit a completed employment application and cover letter describing how your skills and experience translate to the requirements of the position by Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 10:00 am. This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
  
  Applications received by the filing date will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness and job related qualifications. A limited number of persons whose applications clearly demonstrate they most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may be any combination of written, oral, and/or performance exams. All statements made in the application materials are subject to verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification or discharge.
  
  Appointment is subject to successfully passing a pre-employment background and criminal history check. Before starting work, applicants must present documentation of their identity, authorization to work in the United States and a DMV driving record . The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify (more information can be found at www.PRCity.com/HR). Following appointment, a twelve-month probationary period may be required as the final phase of the appointment process.
  
  The email address you provide on the City application will be the primary means of communication the City will use to contact you regarding your application and this recruitment. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962, or by email at Jobs@PRCity.com .
  All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as Disaster Service Workers as defined in the California Government Code Section 3100 and 3101.
  The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
  The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.
  Photos by @brittanyapp

• About the company

  Welcome! The City of Paso Robles, or El Paso de Robles (The Pass of the Oaks), is a general law city organized, formed, and incorporated under the laws of the State of California on March 11, 1889.

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