Senior Planner - Land Use Services*
San Bernardino County San Bernardino, California, United States
- Location: San Bernardino, California, United States
- Categories: Planning and Development
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Aug 16, 2026
Job Description:
Senior Planner - Land Use Services*
Description
The JobSan Bernardino County, Land Use Services Wants You to Join Our Team!
Apply NOW for immediate consideration!
San Bernardino County is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Planner-Land Use Services* to join our Long Range planning team. This advanced-level position plays a key role in urban, rural, and regional planning projects, including guiding the implementation of the Countywide Plan, policy development, regional planning initiatives, and special studies. The Senior Planner performs the most complex planning assignments and serves as a project leader on major initiatives. This position works closely with internal teams, external agencies, the public, and may represent the department before the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.
Key Responsibilities may include:
- Lead or participate in the development and analysis for planning and environmental projects.
- Organize and conduct public meetings and presentations, including those on controversial or high-profile projects.
- Serve as project manager, assigning and reviewing work, and guiding team members throughout project execution.
- Research and review technical reports, maps, and plans; compile and document data for planning initiatives.
- Respond to inquiries from the public, effectively communicating complex regulations and policies to support resolutions of land use or planning issues.
RECRUITMENT BONUS: Bonus payments up to $2000 in total compensation may be available for newly hired employees from this recruitment.**
REFERRAL BONUS: Bonus payments up to $750 for each employee referred and hired into an eligible regular position.**
**Refer to the Teamsters MOU for more details.
San Bernardino County established a $0.50/hour American Institute of Certified Planner Differential for employees in the Planning Series that included Planner Trainee, Planner I, Planner II, Planner III, Planning Supervisor and Planning Manager who attain and maintain a certificate as an American Institute Certified Planner. ***
PLANNING FOR THE COUNTY WIDE VISION
The San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department is recruiting experienced Planners, to lead long-range policy initiatives related to General Plan implementation, including developing and updating elements of the Countywide Plan, community plans, and the development code. This role involves producing and managing special studies, ensuring federal and state legislation is properly implemented by the Planning Department, and collaborating with regional agencies such as Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and the San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) on long range planning efforts. Senior Planners perform the most complex planning work, serve as project managers, supervise staff, and coordinate communication with external agencies, public groups, the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission.
LAND USE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
San Bernardino County is geographically the largest county in the United States and the twelfth largest in population. We are currently in the midst of historic change as our leaders have adopted a Countywide Vision that sets an exciting and ambitious course for our future. The Planning Division includes both Current Planning and Long Range Planning and is committed to the fulfillment of the Countywide Vision for our communities. The County adopted a General Plan Update in 2020, and the Planning Division is responsible for implementing the Countywide Plan, Community Action Guides, Renewable Energy and Conservation Element, Green House Gas Reduction Plan and Housing Element as well as numerous other strategic initiatives in support of the Countywide Vision. We are a passionate team of planners looking for the right teammate to grow and learn with us as we plan our County's Vision. The Planning Division is committed to continuing education and encourage our planners to pursue AICP status as they become eligible. Our work is challenging but offers the opportunity to become immersed in leading edge planning initiatives. If you are up to the challenge, are deeply committed to community development, and have the skills for planning in valleys, mountains and deserts, consider joining our team and helping us serve a great cause, a great region, and a great county.
EXCELLENT BENEFITS
To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) .
The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Pre-Employment Process: Prior to appointment, candidate must undergo a background check, which includes fingerprinting and a medical exam.
Travel: Travel throughout the County may be required and employees will be required to make provisions for such transportation.
Sponsorship: Please note San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future. Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must meet both education AND experience requirements for one of the options listed below in order to qualify:
OPTION 1:
- Education: Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Engineering, Public or Business Administration, or closely related field.
- Experience: Two (2) years of professional level planning experience in urban/regional planning, policy development, comprehensive land use, entitlement, environmental review, analysis or site design planning, and/or regulatory compliance.
- Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Engineering, Public or Business Administration, or closely related field.
- Experience: Three (3) years of professional level planning experience in urban/regional planning, policy development, comprehensive land use, entitlement, environmental review, analysis or site design planning, and/or regulatory compliance.
- Education: Associate's degree or equivalent coursework units from an accredited college in Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, Public Administration, or another relevant field.
- Experience: Four (4) years of professional level planning experience in urban/regional planning, policy development, comprehensive land use, entitlement, environmental review, analysis or site design planning, and/or regulatory compliance.
- Substitution: One (1) year of full-time experience as a Land Use Technician or equivalent may substitute for one (1) year of required professional planning experience. Qualifying experience includes supporting professional planning staff and providing planning counter services, including the processing and intake of temporary use permits, preparation of zoning letters, development of planning-related reports, and coordination with related disciplines (e.g., Engineering or Building & Safety) in a one-stop shop or similar planning environment.
- Education: No college coursework required.
- Experience: Five (5) years of professional level planning experience in urban/regional planning, policy development, comprehensive land use, entitlement, environmental review, analysis or site design planning, and/or regulatory compliance.
- Substitution: Two (2) years of the required professional planning experience may be gained through full-time experience as a Land Use Technician or equivalent land use role providing support to professional planning staff and planning counter services. Qualifying experience includes processing and intake of temporary use permits, preparation of zoning letters, development of planning-related reports, and coordination with related disciplines (e.g., Engineering or Building & Safety) in a one-stop shop or similar planning environment.
Desired Qualifications
Land Use Services: The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of land use planning and environmental analysis, entitlement experience, and strong experience in a California public agency. Knowledge of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as well as strong writing, critical thinking, and decision-making skills are essential.
Selection Process
Examination Procedure:
There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department.
Application Procedure :
Please complete and submit the online employment application and supplemental questionnaire for consideration before 5:00 PM PST, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application and/or supplemental questionnaires.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
If you need technical assistance, follow this link to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation:
If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form (Download PDF) within one week of the recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans' Preference:
Eligible veterans, their spouses, or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy .
For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process .
Administrative Services Unit
San Bernardino County offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of other voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
Please review the appropriate Summary of Benefits * for more information
Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County’s Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the Employee Benefits website for more detailed information.
*Retirement benefits subject to change.
Closing Date/Time: 9/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific