Job Description

Posting number: 26103312

Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Job classification: PLANNING ASSOCIATE

Posting type: Open Continuous

Categories: Administration, Building & Safety, Code Enforcement, Environmental Services, Housing, Planning and Development, Public Works, Redevelopment, Paraprofessional, Miscellaneous, Land Use, Community Development, Economic Development, Customer Service, Project Management, Historic Preservation, Research, Architecture, Geographic Information Systems

Summary

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.

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Planning Associate to be part of the Community Development team!

The Department

The Community Development Department oversees and initiates plans for: economic growth; commercial, industrial, and residential development and re-development; zoning; code enforcement; permitting; and building inspections. The Department has 70 employees over 10 different divisions: Administration, Development Services, Environmental & Noise Abatement, Downtown, Housing, GIS, Plan Check, Building Inspection, Engineering, and Permit Center.

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 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, the Planning Commission and the City Council.

The Position

As part of the Planning Division team, the Planning Associate performs complex professional planning and housing tasks and interprets and explains zoning and housing regulations. The Planning Associate collects, computes, records and interprets land use, demographic, economic and other data for planning purposes; conducts studies which involve office and field research and the interpretation of data; prepares maps, charts, and other graphic materials to be used in planning studies; writes comprehensive reports on zoning variances, conditional use permits, redevelopment activities and other applications to be submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council; makes oral presentations to the City Council, Redevelopment Agency, City Commissions, and committees; and performs related work as required.

For more information about the duties of the position, click here.

Examples of duties

Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in city or regional planning, architecture, geography, landscape architecture, engineering, public administration, or a closely related field.

Two years of responsible professional urban planning experience which includes technical work in one of the following areas: General Plan Preparation and Maintenance, Design/Development Review Administration, CEQA Administration, or Redevelopment/Housing Administration.

A Master's Degree in Planning may be substituted for one year of required experience.

License and/or Certificates

A valid California Class C Driver's License is normally required.

Ideal Candidate:

Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information, prepare professional written materials, and communicate effectively with a diverse range of audiences;
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently present information, recommendations, and project updates to staff, stakeholders, community members, commissions, and elected officials;
• Extensive knowledge of municipal planning principles, practices, policies, and processes, with the ability to apply this knowledge to a variety of planning, development, and community-related initiative;
• Thorough knowledge of the techniques and processes involved in developing long-term projects and preparing redevelopment plans, including the ability to research, analyze, coordinate, and communicate planning concepts and recommendations;
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize workload, meet established deadlines, and manage multiple assignments and projects concurrently;
• High comfort level and proficiency with technology and digital tools; and
• Flexibility and availability to work occasional evenings and weekends, as required to attend meetings, public hearings, community events, or other work-related activities.

Qualifications

Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. First review of the applications will be those received by Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is a 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:

Panel Interview: 100% (Tentatively scheduled on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.)

Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of November 16, 2026.

Supplemental information

Applicants may test for this position only once in a three month period.

Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about the City of Torrance.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.

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!