What are the responsibilities and job description for the Planning Aide position at City of San Bernardino?
About the City:
As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.
San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.
About The Position:
The City of San Bernardino is seeking a self-starter with the ability to perform sub-professional technical support duties to assist professional staff in the field of urban planning and zoning administration; and perform related duties as assigned. Planning Aide is the sub-professional class in the professional planning series. Incumbents are initially considered to be in a training status and work assignments are generally limited in scope. As experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform more complex tasks and assignments of limited to moderate difficulty within the framework established by higher-level professional staff. Planning Aide is distinguished from Assistant Planner in that incumbents in the latter class perform entry-level professional duties in planning and zoning administration.
The Ideal Candidate:
People Skills: Friendly and professional, with the ability to effectively assist the public and provide clear zoning and planning information.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities, capable of explaining planning concepts clearly and interacting with both the public and staff.
Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using relevant software applications and reading technical documents such as building and site plans.
Planning Knowledge: Solid understanding of urban planning principles, zoning regulations, and the legal aspects of planning and development.
Day in the life consists of:
Helping the public by answering basic questions about zoning, planning, and permits.
Reviewing and processing simple planning applications, such as sign permits and small site changes.
Looking over building plans and checking if they follow city rules.
Supporting planners by gathering information and helping with reports.
Preparing draft documents like notices, memos, and basic ordinances.
Doing research to help with planning projects and decisions.
Attending team meetings to learn about current projects.
Keeping records organized and up to date.
Going on occasional site visits with staff to check on projects or gather information.
Associates degree in urban planning or other social or physical science; some experience in a government setting or completion of a planning related student internship desirable; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:
A valid California driver’s license is required.
Certification as a Permit Technician from the International Code Council is desirable.
Knowledge of:
- Basic principles and practices of urban planning.
- Current literature, information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning.
- Personal computer operation and relevant software applications.
- State laws, legal decisions, and legal basis of planning, zoning, and building development.
- Customer service and etiquette.
Skill in:
- Analyzing, organizing, and systematically compiling technical and statistical information.
- Reading building plans, site plans, building elevation plans, and grading plans.
- Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Working effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Operating a personal computer and applicable software programs.
- Understanding and following oral and written instructions.
- Preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence and reports.
- Working effectively with other employees.
- Establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
Recruitment Timeline
This recruitment will close on Sunday, April 20, 2025, or until a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Applications review: Week of Monday, April 21, 2025
1st Interview: Week of April 28, 2025, or agreed upon date by both HR recruiter & Dept (TENTATIVE)
2nd Interviews: Week of May 5, 2025, or agree upon date by both HR Recruiter & Dept (TENTATIVE)
**All dates are subject to change at the discretion of the personnel officer**
All applicants are required to submit an online application through the City’s official website at www.sbcity.org. This recruitment will remain open until April 20, 2025 at 11:59 PM or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Applications must be fully completed and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications for the position are met. All information provided is subject to review, investigation, and verification. While resumes may be uploaded as supplemental documentation, they will not be accepted in place of a fully completed City application.
Following the initial screening, the most qualified candidates whose backgrounds best match the needs of the City will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement. Candidates will remain under consideration until a final selection is made and an offer is accepted. The City of San Bernardino reserves the right to close the recruitment at any time and may determine that none of the applicants, including those who meet the minimum qualifications, are suitable for the position.
Successful candidates shall be required to:
- Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
- Degree verification
- Pass a pre-employment medical exam, which includes a Tuberculosis (TB) Exam, and Drug screen.
- Starting salary based on education and/or experience and internal equity.
E-Verify Participation
The City of San Bernardino participates in the E-Verify program. In compliance with federal law, all employers are required to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals hired to work in the United States.
Accordingly, the City will provide information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm authorization to work in the United States.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov
Disclaimers
The City of San Bernardino is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The City follows a nepotism policy, which may impact hiring decisions if an applicant has relatives currently employed by the City.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department directly at (909) 384-5161.
This bulletin is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied. Its contents may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice.
For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Human Resources at Fernandez_Li@sbcity.org. Additional information is available at www.sbcity.org.
Salary : $59,112 - $71,852
