Assistant Planner

Assistant Planner

Salary

$88,753.60 - $113,276.80 Annually

Location

CITY OF CARSON, CA

Job Type

FULL-TIME

Job Number

2500295

Department

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Division

PLANNING

Opening Date

06/18/2026

Closing Date

7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

The City of Carson is now accepting applications for the position of Assistant Planner

Applications will be accepted starting June 18, 2026, until July 19, 2026, at 11:59pm.

About The Department

The Community & Economic Development Department supports the City's present and long-term vision by guiding growth that is sustainable, safe, and responsive to the needs of Carson's residents and businesses. Working under the direction of the Mayor and City Council, the Department balances development with quality of life through thoughtful planning, economic vitality, and community engagement.

The Department manages building and safety services, land use and planning, economic development, and real property services that advance citywide priorities and funding opportunities. These efforts are supported through close collaboration across divisions and with the City's Financing Authorities, including the Carson Successor Agency, Carson Housing Authority, and the Carson Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, to help maintain healthy growth and vibrant amenities for the community.

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.

Education and Experience

Bachelors 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.

Relevant internship, professional experience or certifications in planning, real estate, economic development, land use, or related fields is desirable.

The Community & Economic Development Department is recruiting for two (2) Assistant Planner positions. While both positions are classified as Assistant Planner, they support distinct functions within the Department:

Assistant Planner - Planning Division

The Planning Division further develop goals, policies, programs, and plans that direct and guide residential and business development and encourage land uses that are compatible, sustainable, and most beneficial to the community. The division's goal is to administer and fulfill the objectives of the General Plan, provide applicants with efficient permit processing services, and provide citizens the appropriate opportunities to participate in land use decisions.

The Planning Division position will support current and long-range planning activities that guide community growth and development. Responsibilities may include:

• 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.

Ideal candidates will have an interest in land use planning, urban design, zoning administration, public policy, economic development, GIS and community engagement.

Assistant Planner - Real Property Services Division

The Real Property Services Division advances City priorities through housing implementation, redevelopment initiatives, public-private partnerships, grant-funded projects, and innovative financing tools that support Carsons long-term economic, environmental, and community development goals. The selected candidate for this new division will have a unique opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects supporting community initiatives, redevelopment efforts, strategic projects and implementation of City priorities while working with a collaborative team committed to making a meaningful impact in the community.

The Real Property Services Division Assistant Planner will support the Citys real estate portfolio, housing initiatives, community investment programs, redevelopment efforts, and other strategic projects. Responsibilities may include:

• 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.

Ideal candidates will have an interest in real estate development, public finance, housing policy, project management, and community development.

The Ideal Candidate

Successful candidates will possess strong analytical, research, communication, and organizational skills. The ability to manage multiple assignments, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and work effectively in a public sector environment is essential.

Candidates may be considered for either vacancy based on their qualifications, experience, and departmental needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Under supervision, performs entry-level professional work in city planning; and to perform related duties as required.

These functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.

• 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 blue prints, 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training:

Bachelors 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.
• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting and implementation.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including knowledge of government organizations and operations.
• Principles, practices, and techniques of effective customer service and collaborative problem solving.
• Budget development processes and procedures.
• External governmental bodies and agencies related to area of assignment.
• Principles and practices of municipal planning and zoning.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report presentation.
• Environmental review policies.
• Office administrative practices and procedures, such as business letter writing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.

Skill in:

• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems and accomplish tasks; analyzing, resolving, and/or making recommendations regarding a variety of administrative, financial, and operational issues.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• 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.
• Using a computer and appropriate computer applications to perform the essential and important functions of the job.
• Operation and routine maintenance of general office machines such as copiers, facsimile machines, and telephone systems.
• Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
• Preparing and delivering presentations.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing at the appropriate level.
• Perform mathematical calculations at the appropriate level.
• Read and interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Learn and follow City and departmental policies procedures.
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Draft and type correspondence.
• Deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
• While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear; and push, pull and/or lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.

License or Certificate:

• Valid California drivers license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Positions in this class normally:

• Require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print.
• Perform lifting, pushing and/or pulling which does not exceed 50 pounds and is an infrequent aspect of the job.
• Is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
• May be required to use personal vehicle in the course of employment.
• May be required to attend periodic evening meetings and/or to travel within and out of District boundaries to attend meetings.

Recruitment Process:

This recruitment is open until July 19, 2026, at 11:59 pm. To be considered, please submit an online application and required attachments. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:

• Supplemental Questionnaire, no weight
• Written exam, weighted at 100%
• Final Selection Interview

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights. Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant's indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.

Appointment:

Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing pre-employment physical, background check and other required tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.

Other Information:

The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the vibrant diversity of our community. This commitment is embraced at all levels of our organization, from our management staff to our policymakers. We partner with our staff and community organizations to ensure our policies and practices remain transparent and equitable. As part of this commitment, we regularly publish updated demographic information on our workforce, including data on diversity and pay equity by race and gender.

In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Carson will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history. Applicants are not required to disclose their criminal history or undergo a background check until receiving a conditional job offer. If any concerns arise from a background check, and the conviction is directly related to the role, applicants will have the opportunity to provide context, present mitigating evidence, or dispute the reports accuracy. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

The City of Carson intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need a special accommodation during the recruitment process or would like this information in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources at (310) 952-1736.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This recruitment is Open

CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES: Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communication and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.

For more information, please click on the link below.

CPSA_MOU

01

The following supplemental questions will be used to assist us in screening your application. You are required to answer each of the following questions truthfully and completely. This questionnaire will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Your responses to this questionnaire may also be used to evaluate your qualifications beyond the minimum requirements, as part of the application screening process. As such, please take the time necessary to answer the questions thoroughly. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire, or those that say see resume or application, may not be considered. It is imperative that your responses to the questionnaire provide a true and accurate reflection of your background. Additionally, your answers MUST be supported by the information you have entered in your general application. Responses which cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application will be deemed invalid. Falsification, exaggeration and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification. Your responses will be evaluated as submitted. Do you agree to answer the following questions truthfully and completely AND understand that falsification or overstatement of your qualifications is grounds for disqualification of your application?

• Yes
• No

02

1. The Assistant Planner position requires possession of a Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university with specialization in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public administration, or a related field. Examples of related fields may include, but are not limited to: real estate and development, geography, economics, sustainable environmental design, and related disciplines. Do you currently possess a qualifying Bachelors degree? (Proof of degree is required and must be attached at the time of application submission.)

• Yes
• No

03

If your response above was "Yes," please specify your major.

04

Describe your educational background, coursework, internship experience, or training related to urban planning, municipal planning, public administration, real estate and development, environmental review, or a related field. How has your background prepared you to be successful in this role?

05

What interests you most about a planning position that focuses on development finance, housing programs, property-related initiatives, and publicly funded projects, and how have your education, training, and experience prepared you to be successful in this role?

06

Describe any experience you have reviewing or analyzing projects, reports, maps, financial information, technical documents, or public agency materials. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and organization when working with detailed information?

07

Describe your experience researching, interpreting, and applying municipal codes, zoning ordinances, state regulations, and federal regulations. Provide a specific example of a project or assignment where you had to analyze regulatory requirements and explain your conclusions.

08

Planning professionals frequently interact with residents, developers, consultants, and public agencies. Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex regulation, policy, or technical issue to someone unfamiliar with the subject matter. What approach did you take?

09

Please describe your experience using computer software related to research, reporting, presentations, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), on-line application, permit tracking and land management, or GIS.

Required Question

Employer City of Carson

Address 701 E. Carson Street

Carson, California, 90745

Phone (310) 952-1736

Website http://ci.carson.ca.us