JOB DESCRIPTION

SENIOR PLANNER - ARCHAEOLOGY

Interviews will take place the week of February 16, 2026

Future Salary Increases:

** June 2026 – 3.80% increase to base pay (3.5% Across-the-Board + .30% Market Adjustment)

** June 2027 – 3.30% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + .30% Market Adjustment) 

This hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided.

Exceptional Professional Planning Career Opportunity! Be part of a Progressive and Recognized Land Use/Environmental Program!

The County of San Diego seeks an experienced Senior Planner – Archaeology, Tribal Consultation and Cultural Resources. In this vital role, you'll lead efforts to preserve San Diego County's tribal and cultural heritage while guiding sustainable land use and environmental planning for our growing communities. This position focuses on strengthening government-to-government relationships through meaningful tribal consultation, ensuring compliance with cultural resources laws, and integrating tribal perspectives into development planning.

The Department - Planning & Development Services

Planning & Development Services (PDS) proudly undertakes the vital role of supporting the long-term health and sustainability of 29 unincorporated communities, home to over 500,000individuals, nestled within the expanse of San Diego County.

PDS is a fast-paced planning department with a vast array of project types in settings ranging from suburban to rural. Planners working for PDS will touch on projects ranging from mixed-use, residential, commercial, affordable housing, renewable energy, and more. PDS consists of nine divisions: Building Services, Code Compliance, Land Development, Long Range Planning, Housing, Project Planning, Support Services, Sustainability and the Policy, Outreach and Data division.

Project Planning

The Project Planning division reviews privately initiated, discretionary projects, specifically the review for compliance and conformance with Federal, State, and Local ordinances and policies including the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and Community plans. The Project Planning Division is responsible for managing all aspects of new development projects in the County, including new affordable and market housing, renewable energy projects like solar and battery storage, and commercial and mixed-use projects. In processing projects, the Project Planning Division engages with the public, management, stakeholders, and consultants and gives presentations to appointed and elected officials, including the Board of Supervisors.

Senior Planners within the Project Planning Division may manage a varied, complex and interesting compelling portfolio of privately initiated development projects through the entitlement process, such as General Plan Amendments, Rezones, Major Use Permits, and Tentative Maps. Primary responsibilities may include reviewing projects for compliance with all applicable policies and regulations; coordinating with other divisions, departments, agencies and permit applicants; managing project schedules and budgets; preparing staff reports; outreach and communication with community groups, interest groups, individuals and many other stakeholders; and presenting to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors and other decision-making bodies. Senior Planners may also provide guidance and professional support to planners at other levels.

The Position

PDS employs Senior Planners who possess extensive expertise and leadership capabilities in overseeing highly advanced, complex, delicate and challenging planning initiatives. Senior Planners may conduct research and prepare plans, reports, studies, and memos on land use, physical, social, and economic issues; and synthesize and present information, report and other findings to internal and external stakeholders, advisory boards, and elected officials.

As an integral part of the fast-paced work environment at PDS, you will find yourself immersed in a diverse range of projects set against the backdrop of unique and charismatic locations, spanning from urban areas to rural landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

• Review environmental documents and consultant assessments for cultural resource impacts; provide expert recommendations.
• Conduct archaeological field investigations — including surveys, testing, excavation, monitoring, artifact analysis — and prepare compliance reports under CEQA, NEPA, NHPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and local tribal laws.
• Facilitate, manage, and sustain government-to-government tribal consultation: plan and attend meetings, negotiate mitigation strategies, and co-develop consultation protocols.
• Promote balanced growth that preserves cultural resources and protects environmental integrity.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Strong written and verbal communications skills, including proven experience in presenting to elected decision- makers, management, community groups, interest groups, and individuals.
• Demonstrated experience in successful, respectful tribal consultation and government-to-government relationship-building with California Native American tribes.
• Skilled in meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, and navigating complex political environments.
• Experience in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and other federal, state, county, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the environment.
• Understanding of tribal histories, traditions, and legal frameworks.
• Applicants with a tribal background are encouraged to apply tribal heritage or lived experience will be considered a valuable asset.

If you believe that you possess these qualities, then the County of San Diego's Planning & Development Services would be an ideal place for your talents.

If you believe that you possess these qualities, then the County of San Diego's Planning & Development Services would be an ideal place for your talents. We have a great culture that values collaboration and teamwork.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archeology, AND three (3) years of professional level archaeological experience as it relates to land use/environmental planning. Experience must be at the level equivalent to a Land Use/Environmental Planner II within the County of San Diego; OR
2. A master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency, in Anthropology with an emphasis in Archeology, AND two (2) years of professional level experience as described above; OR
3. One (1) year of experience as a Land Use/Environmental Planner II with the County of San Diego.

Note: Register of Professional Archeologists (ROPA) Certification is highly desirable.