Assistant Planner

City of Carson•Carson, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Carson is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Planner. The Community & Economic Development Department supports the City’s vision by guiding sustainable, safe, and responsive growth. The Department manages building and safety services, land use and planning, economic development, and real property services. The work hours follow a full-time, FLSA Non-Exempt 4/10 schedule, Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including a 1-hour unpaid lunch break. Work hours and the overall schedule may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the department. The City does not currently offer remote or hybrid work options. The Community & Economic Development Department is recruiting for two (2) Assistant Planner positions, supporting distinct functions: Assistant Planner – Planning Division and Assistant Planner – Real Property Services Division. Successful candidates will possess strong analytical, research, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and work effectively in a public sector environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in urban planning, city planning, geography, public administration, real estate and development, environmental studies, economics, business administration, or a related field.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college with specialization in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration or a related field.
Knowledge of applicable state, federal and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues.
Knowledge of administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, including knowledge of government organizations and operations.
Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of effective customer service and collaborative problem solving.
Knowledge of budget development processes and procedures.
Knowledge of external governmental bodies and agencies related to area of assignment.
Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal planning and zoning.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
Knowledge of environmental review policies.
Knowledge of office administrative practices and procedures, such as business letter writing and the operation of standard office equipment.
Knowledge of all computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge of record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
Skill in using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Skill in applying logical thinking to solve problems and accomplish tasks; analyzing, resolving, and/or making recommendations regarding a variety of administrative, financial, and operational issues.
Skill in preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
Skill in communicating orally and in writing with internal staff, the public, and City and government officials in order to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
Skill in using a computer and appropriate computer applications to perform the essential and important functions of the job.
Skill in operation and routine maintenance of general office machines such as copiers, facsimile machines, and telephone systems.
Skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
Skill in preparing and delivering presentations.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing at the appropriate level.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations at the appropriate level.
Ability to read and interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Ability to learn and follow City and departmental policies procedures.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to draft and type correspondence.
Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
Valid California driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Relevant internship, professional experience or certifications in planning, real estate, economic development, land use, or related fields is desirable.
Ideal candidates will have an interest in land use planning, urban design, zoning administration, public policy, economic development, GIS and community engagement.
Ideal candidates will have an interest in real estate development, public finance, housing policy, project management, and community development.

Responsibilities

Reviewing development applications for compliance with zoning and land use regulations.
Assisting with site plan, conditional use permit, variance, and subdivision reviews.
Conducting research and preparing staff reports for Planning Commission and City Council meetings.
Responding to inquiries from residents, developers, businesses, and public agencies.
Assisting with updates to the General Plan, zoning ordinance, and other planning documents.
Supporting environmental review and policy planning initiatives.
Assisting with the planning, implementation, and monitoring of strategic projects involving City-owned properties, redevelopment opportunities, public assets, and community development initiatives.
Supporting the implementation of grant-funded programs and projects, including housing, environmental, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives.
Assisting with brownfields assessment activities, remediation planning, redevelopment strategies, consultant coordination, and regulatory compliance efforts.
Conducting research and providing support for development financing programs, including Development Impact Fees (DIF), Community Facilities Districts (CFD), Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFD), and other public financing mechanisms.
Assisting in the administration and implementation of housing programs, Housing Element objectives, affordable housing initiatives, and related policy efforts.
Maintaining project schedules, grant records, databases, performance metrics, and program documentation; preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for management, commissions, and City Council.
Under supervision, performs entry-level professional work in city planning.
Assists in overseeing and completing various planning programs and functions, including: providing planning information (property development rights, permit processes, zoning regulations, regulatory policies, etc.) to interested parties through regular interaction at the counter; conducting research and disseminating findings; reviewing blueprints, sketches and applications for permit approval; and logging in plans and assuring necessary components are present.
Assists staff in completing various advanced planning projects, including: assisting with planning policy projects; overseeing the work of contractors; processing contracts; scheduling and conducting public meetings; reviewing the work of consultants; and preparing and delivering presentations.
Prepares complex, routine and non-routine reports as requested utilizing a variety of software; receives, sorts, and summarizes material for the preparation of reports; prepares work reports and staff reports.
Manages planning cases and monitoring projects under construction, including: reviewing cases and assuring compliance with ordinances, guidelines, acts, etc.; meeting with interested parties to discuss cases; conducting site visits; corresponding with customers regarding application requirements; rendering decisions regarding planning projects; and presenting cases to governing bodies with recommendations for approval/disapproval.
Conducts research related to policy analysis; compares the policies of various jurisdictions.
Interacts with a variety of high level individuals, both internally and within the community to provide information, disseminate departmental information and assist in resolving administrative issues.
Composes correspondence in accordance with standard policies; answers various inquiries; explains policies and procedures; processes routine and non-routine matters independently.
Performs specialized research and statistical work on assigned subjects for staff and management.
Disseminates a variety of information and/or reports to various agencies, division, or departments via telephone, mail, email or FAX.
May serve as backup for other positions within the department.
Performs related duties as required.