ASSISTANT PLANNER (State)
In New Jersey, Assistant Planner is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.
The stated bar is a master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY 2027 range lands between $60,876 and $88,743, and state payroll currently lists 6 people in the title, led by Community Affairs.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 3 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 3 employers and how to apply →Who employs this title
Assistant Planner appears on the State payroll at 3 departments, most of them at Department of Community Affairs. It is also used at 3 independent authorities.
State departments
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| Department of Community Affairs | 2 |
| Department of State | 2 |
| Department of Transportation | 2 |
Independent authorities
| Employer | Employees |
|---|---|
| New Jersey Transit Corporation | 19 |
| New Jersey Turnpike Authority | 1 |
| South Jersey Transportation Authority | 1 |
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 6 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $65,549. The agencies employing the most are:
- Community Affairs (2)
- State (2)
- Transportation (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under the direction of a Supervising Planner or other supervisor in a state or local government agency, assists in the development of land use plans for municipal, county, regional, and metropolitan land areas or portions thereof; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Conducts preliminary analysis and prepares reports on planning matters. Conducts surveys in an area and gathers information on the residents. Reviews, analyses, interprets and transposes statistical data of various complexities into forms useful in the development and preparation of tables, charts, maps and factual reports. Prepares maps representing existing and proposed land use and other data for submission or presentation to state, municipality, or county. Designs and prepares charts representing economic conditions. Gathers, reviews, and analyzes land use planning data. Assists with the work involved in developing local, regional, and state wide planning projects which involve the consideration of highway systems, railroads, airport facilities, industrial and residential areas, water supplies, sewage systems, and population concentrations. May assist in designing and drafting proposals and prepare graphic information. Assists in the coordination and administration of planning programs and activities. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with agencies and other involved with the land use, planning activities of the unit. Maintains the essential records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of concepts, principles, and techniques of land use planning. Knowledge of the problems involved in planning work. Knowledge of the planning problems presented by population densities, shifts in population, and the attendant demands for utility services of all kinds and other community services. Knowledge of the principles and techniques used to prepare maps. Ability to gather and analyze data. Ability to analyze and interpret drafting, designing and planning problems, organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret basic laws and regulations. Ability to prepare maps, charts, graphs and plans. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those involved in the work of the unit. Ability to identify and define planning goals and objectives. Ability to prepare correspondence. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative planning reports, studies, and surveys containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to maintain records, reports, maps, plans, and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in municipal, county, regional, or state planning including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and planning law and administration. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as the principles of land use planning, history of city planning, planning project design, and planning law and administration; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in planning from an accredited college or university. OR Possession of a current and valid license as a Professional Planner in New Jersey issued by the New Jersey Board of Professional Planners; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a current and valid credential as a Certified Planner Issued by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP); and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions. SCNE19N/AP19-CC401923P20- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 2/17/2018