Jobs and Careers

Assistant Planner Trainee/Assistant Planner/Associate Planner

Stanislaus County

United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 30 Jul 2026

💰 $105,456/yr($86,756/yr – $105,456/yr)

About the role

Posting number: 5219-26

Department: Planning & Community Development

Division: Planning

Job classification: ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development

Summary

GENERAL INFORMATION

Assistant Planner Trainee - $29.70 hourly

Assistant Planner - $34.94 - $42.47 hourly

Associate Planner - $41.71 - $50.70 hourly

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Planning and Community Development Department is seeking a candidate with strong organizational, quality control, time management, and communication skills wanting to work in a team-oriented environment focused on customer service and service delivery. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external customers and have a can-do attitude.

Gain insights into Stanislaus County's application process. Review our application process and quick guide to applying.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: 08/18/2026

Written Examination: 08/31/2026

Oral Examination: 09/14/206

To learn more about the Planning and Community Development Department, https://www.stancounty.com/planning/.

THE POSITION

The Department is seeking a qualified candidate for the Trainee, Assistant, or Associate Planner position. As a member of the Planning and Community Development Department, you'll be part of an organization that fosters collaboration, teamwork, and a strong sense of community. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a multi- disciplinary environment are essential.

The position will be assigned current planning tasks including, but not limited to, processing land use entitlements, subdivisions, and preparing initial studies in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act; however, other assignments may be made as department needs shift.

As a block-budgeted position, a promotion from the Assistant to Associate Planner may be approved by the Department Head once an incumbent demonstrates the leadership and ability to work effectively and independently with minimal supervision and has attained the minimum years of experience. As required by department workload and funding, the incumbent may be assigned to various tasks within the Department.

ABOUT THE TRAINEE DESIGNATION

Trainees are part of the unclassified service of the County;
All trainees will be appointed to the first step of the salary range for the appropriate position, and will be compensated 15% below the range established for the Assistant Planner classification;
Trainee appointments are not to last longer than one year; however, appointments are extendible to a maximum of two years in cases where minimum qualifications are involved; and
Upon completion of the training period and the acquisition of minimum qualifications, the individual may be upgraded to a probationary appointment at step 1 of the Assistant Planner salary range. (An approximate 15% increase in salary)

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact the Recruitment Analyst at 209 525 6330.

Examples of duties

ASSISTANT PLANNER

Assist the public at the front counter, on the phone, and in writing, by answering questions and providing detailed information regarding zoning, development standards and development proposals;
Review entitlement and building permit applications for completeness and accuracy and