Urban, Associate Planner

CSG Consultants, Inc.

Associate Planner managing land use projects while providing assistance to senior planning staff. Collaborating with applicants and ensuring compliance with zoning and land use regulations.

Posted 6/24/2026full-timeIrvine • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $44,000 - $54,560 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist senior planning consultants in the management of both ministerial and discretionary land use projects to determine compliance with General Plan Policies, Zoning Ordinance regulations, State Land Use regulations, Specific Plan policies and regulations, and other agency processes, as necessary.
Advise applicants and property owners about procedures for the filing of ministerial and discretionary land use applications, including, General Plan and Zoning amendments, zoning review, subdivision review, variances, use permits, environmental review, and design review.
Assume a lead project manager role in the review of complex planning applications to determine completeness, compliance, and consistency with development and design standards.
Make decisions to determine the level of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review required for discretionary land use applications.
Process applications and reviews plans necessary for issuance of a variety of permits.
File, route, and track applications and permit documents to City departments and staff, and coordinate with other regulatory agencies and individuals concerned with proposed developments.
Conduct site inspections and field investigations.
May provide customer service in-person to support a municipality’s Permit Center involving coordination with property owners, project developers, public officials, and consultants in review of plans for development.
Assist in the review for compliance with the state or local Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
Review plans for adherence to architectural review guidelines and regulations and other objective planning standards.
Maintain planning data using various computer software programs.
Prepare graphics, public notices, and distribution lists for public hearings and/or meetings.
Respond to inquiries from the general public and independently resolve issues related to the client’s planning and zoning procedures.
Conduct research and provide information to City staff and the general public regarding land use issues and standard environmental documentation.
Develop special studies and general reports.
May represent the municipality at Planning advisory committees, other committees, and agencies.
Prepare a variety of reports and draft ordinances for City staff, the City Council, Zoning Administrator, and the Planning Commission.
Prepare correspondence and other similar documents to fulfill policy and legal requirements.
Perform other related duties as required.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Possess at least three (3) years of directly related planning experience in the public or private sector, including experience reviewing development proposals and land use documents.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, architecture, or a related field.
Valid American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered.
Possession and maintenance of a valid Class “C” California driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record is required.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Company subsidized medical, dental, vision insurance for employees and family coverage
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), depending on your selected health insurance plan
Flexible Spending Accounts and Transit/Parking benefits
Group and Voluntary Life insurance
Long-Term Disability insurance
Employee Stock Ownership program*
401(k) program with a company match*
15 days Paid Time Off (PTO), 12 paid company holidays
California Paid Sick Leave (for part-time/as-needed employees)*
Employee Assistance program
Fitness Reimbursement program
Professional Development program*

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

land use planningproject managementenvironmental reviewzoning reviewsite inspectionsplanning data managementreport preparationgraphics preparationcompliance reviewdevelopment standards

Soft Skills

customer servicecommunicationproblem solvingcoordinationindependent decision makingresearchpublic speakinginterpersonal skillsteam collaborationleadership

Certifications

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)Class C California driver's license