Planning Assistant

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION. The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today. Join the City of Torrance as our next Planning Assistant. The Department Advancing a Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Built Environment The Community Development Department (CDD) plays a vital role in the continued development, sustainable growth, and success of Torrance. CDD maintains the Building and Safety, Engineering, Environmental (Code Enforcement), the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Mapping, Housing, and Planning Divisions, which serve the community by overseeing redevelopment, comprehensive planning, zoning, housing programs, project planning, permitting, environmental stewardship, NPDES and building and code enforcement. Responsibilities of the Community Development Department include: Building Permits & Online Permitting Code Enforcement Construction Plan Check and Inspections Development Review and Comprehensive Planning Engineering Permits and Records GIS Housing Programs (including Section 8) NPDES Administration Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Torrance Survey Information Transportation Planning The Division The Planning Division is committed to urban planning and design to provide an attractive, safe, and enriching environment that assures a high quality of life. The Planning Division is comprised of two sections: Development Review and Comprehensive Planning. Development Review is focused on reviewing development plans for conformance with land use policies and standards, and is responsible for processing development applications, conducting environmental review, and responding to inquiries on zoning and land use. Development Review also provides staff support to the Planning Commission and to the City Council. Comprehensive Planning is focused on developing plans, policies and programs to guide development in Torrance, and is responsible for maintaining the General Plan, conducting special studies related to land use, and collaborating with regional and state agencies. Comprehensive Planning also provides staff support to the Historic Preservation Commission, and to the Planning Commission and the City Council. The Position The Community Development Department's Planning Division is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented Planning Assistant to join their team. As part of the team, the Planning Assistant perform entry-level work in municipal planning and environmental review. The incumbent should have experience in compiling, recording, and analyzing data for planning activities; conducting field surveys and conducting project site analysis; preparing maps, charts, graphs, and diagrams for use in planning studies; reviewing proposals and applications for development. For a detailed job description, click here.Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in city or regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, public administration, engineering, or closely related field. Six months of research and writing experience involving municipal planning and/or redevelopment activities specifically related to General Plan and Research, design/development administration or redevelopment and housing activities. License and/or Certificates A valid California Driver's License Class 3 is normally required. Ideal Candidate In addition to the above requirements, the most successful candidate will possess: Strong oral and written communication skills; Ability to make presentations in a public setting; Extensive knowledge of municipal planning principles and practices; Excellent time management skills; High comfort level with technology; and Ability to work occasional weekends and nights. Interested candidates must submit an online City application and supplemental questionnaire at Application submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time. Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components: Oral Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on February 15, 2024) Visit to find out more information about our community. Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at prior to the test date. For further information, click here As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check. The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office. The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice. City of Torrance Inclusion Statement The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact. The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees.