Assistant Planner

Assistant Planner 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

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.

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 Carson's 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 City's 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Conducts research related to policy analysis; compares the policies of various jurisdictions.
6. 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.
7. Composes correspondence in accordance with standard policies; answers various inquiries; explains policies and procedures; processes routine and non-routine matters independently.
8. Performs specialized research and statistical work on assigned subjects for staff and management.
9. Disseminates a variety of information and/or reports to various agencies, division, or departments via telephone, mail, email or FAX.
10. May serve as backup for other positions within the department.
11. Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education/Training: 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.
• 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: