Assistant/Associate Planner

Job Information

Job Category

Land Use

Company Name

City of Cathedral City

Position Level

Entry

Job Description

THE CITY OF CATHEDRAL CITY IS HIRING:

ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE PLANNER (DOQ) Shape the Places Where People Live, Work, and Play This position is continuous and may close without prior notice. Applications will be reviewed as submitted. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply immediately. ANNUAL SALARY Assistant Planner - $82,468 - $107,984 Associate Planner - $100,753 - $131,882   WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE
  • Flexible work schedules — 4/10 or 9/80 options available
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid health, dental, and vision
  • CalPERS retirement system
  • Deferred compensation match
  • Paid holiday, sick, and vacation time
  • Educational reimbursement
  • Wellness reimbursement
  • Meaningful work shaping housing, business, and public spaces
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Review and process applications for rezoning, general/specific plan amendments, use permits, variances, subdivisions, and environmental review
  • Guide developers, property owners, and the public through planning laws, policies, and application requirements
  • Research and prepare reports on land use, zoning, urban design, housing, and community needs
  • Analyze data and prepare graphics, presentations, and materials for commissions and community groups
  • Associate Planner: may provide project direction to others and serve as staff liaison to a board or commission
  TO VIEW A COPY OF THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, CLICK HERE.   WHAT YOU'LL NEED
  • Bachelor's degree in urban/regional planning, urban design, architecture, environmental studies, or a closely related field
  • Assistant Planner: 1–2 years of professional municipal or regional planning experience
  • Associate Planner: 2+ years of progressively responsible municipal planning experience at the Assistant Planner level or above
  • Valid California driver's license
ABOUT CATHEDRAL CITY
  • Second-largest city in the Coachella Valley, home to roughly 53,000 residents
  • Nestled between Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, framed by the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains
  • A growing, diverse desert community with year-round sunshine, golf courses, arts, and family-friendly festivals
CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCESS Application Review: A complete City of Cathedral City employment application is required. Resumes may be attached but are not accepted in lieu of application. Incomplete applications may result in disqualification. Application review will begin immediately and will be screened on basis of relevant education, training, and experience. Examination Phase: Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. Candidates must be successful in each of the test components. Establishment of Eligibility List: Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the eligibility list pending further review by the department head and other qualifying procedures. This eligibility list may be used for future vacancies in other departments. Notifications will be sent via email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the online application process) to the email address listed on your on-line application. All employment offers made the City are contingent upon establishing proof of prospective candidate’s legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (live scan fingerprint check), and post-offer medical evaluation with a drug screen.   AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT The City of Cathedral City is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Individuals with qualified disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the selection process must specify the accommodations needed, in writing, at the time when the employment application is submitted.  

Planning Division, Community Development Department  •  Reports to the Planning Manager

US Citizenship Required?

Yes

Will security clearance be required?

No

Application Deadline

08/21/2026

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Travel

None

Primary Language Required

English

Job Location

Location Address

68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, California
92234

Contact Information

Hiring Contact Name

Lidia A Buelna

Email

[email protected]

Phone Number

(760) 770-0352

Website

https://www.cathedralcity.gov/home