Planning Assistant/Technician

Job Description:

Planning Assistant/Technician

Description

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs . Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Pay & Benefits

Whether you're starting your career journey or seeking new opportunities, we welcome all and offer:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Strong supportfor professional development
• Vacation & Holiday Compensation
• Deferred Compensation
• CalPERS Retirement
• Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay
• Eligibility as a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer

Pay (DOQ):

• Planning Assistant - $30.8342- $37.4795 Hourly DOQ
• Planning Technician - $33.8997 - $41.2048 Hourly DOQ

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced and motivated Planning Assistant to join its Community Development Department. Under general supervision, this position provides paraprofessional and technical support in areas such as current and advanced planning, environmental analysis, CDBG/HOME programs, redevelopment and economic development, urban design review, historic preservation, and special projects.

Assistant: This is the entry level classification in the planning paraprofessional job series within the Community Development Department. Under general supervision, incumbents perform a variety of semi-technical work, in addition to clerical/secretarial support duties. Positions in this series are flexibly staffed, and may be filled at the Planning Assistant level, with advancement to the Technician level possible, based upon the qualifications of the employee and the needs of the City.

Technician: This is the journey level classification in the planning paraprofessional job series and is distinguished from the Assistant by the assignment of more complex technical support work. Incumbents independently perform duties related to their assigned area, under the supervision of a Planner.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provides customer service at the public counter, by phone, and in writing; explains planning processes, applications, zoning regulations, environmental review, and housing and redevelopment programs.
• Accepts and reviews planning applications for completeness; schedules projects, maintains records, and assists with plan check and compliance review.
• Supports staff with research, site inspections, environmental analysis, and preparation of maps, graphics, and technical documents.
• Assists with administration of housing, rehabilitation, and economic development programs, including application processing, documentation, and compliance monitoring.
• Compiles and analyzes data; maintains databases; and prepares reports related to planning, permits, and program activities.
• Provides administrative support to commissions and committees, including meeting coordination, agenda preparation, legal notices, and minutes.
• Coordinates with other departments and responds to public, staff, and vendor inquiries; resolves issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications - Required

Assistant: A combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to graduation from high school, and two years of experience performing increasingly responsible secretarial or clerical duties, preferably related to urban planning, CDBG/HOME programs, or redevelopment and economic development.

Technician: In addition to the requirements for Planning Assistant, 18 months experience equivalent to a Planning Assistant with the City of Ventura, including experience at a public counter which issues permits and provides information directly to the public, or performing housing or redevelopment functions.

Licenses: Depending on assignment, possession of a valid California Class C driver license may be required.

About the Department

The Community Development Department is responsible for guiding the City’s growth in a way that is safe, sustainable, and responsive to community needs. The department oversees planning and zoning, permit services, building and safety, code enforcement, housing, and redevelopment activities. Through these functions, Community Development ensures that new development and improvements to existing properties comply with City policies, zoning regulations, and building and safety standards.

Working collaboratively across divisions and with City leadership, commissions, and the public, the department supports economic vitality, protects neighborhood quality, advances affordable housing initiatives, and promotes long-term planning goals. Community Development plays a key role in shaping the built environment while balancing regulatory requirements, public safety, and community values.

How to Apply & Selection Process

Submit your online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Resumes may be attached but will not replace a completed application or supplemental questionnaire. All communication regarding your application will be via email, so please check your inbox regularly and ensure your contact information is current.

Application Deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Selection Process Timeline:

• Week of May 18, 2026 - Oral Panel Interviews
• Week of May 25, 2026 - Department Interviews

Learn more about the Planning Technician on the job description here .

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

Additional Information

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page .

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:
[email protected]

(805) 654-7802

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: [email protected].

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!