Assistant Planner

Assistant Planner – Department: Community & Economic Development City of Carson is hiring two Assistant Planner positions to support distinct functions within the department: Planning Division and Real Property Services Division. Both positions are full‑time, FLSA Non‑Exempt with a 4‑10 schedule from Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including a 1‑hour unpaid lunch break. Work hours may be adjusted based on departmental needs. The City does not currently offer remote or hybrid work options. About the Department The Community & Economic Development Department supports the City’s present and long‑term vision by guiding sustainable growth, ensuring quality of life, and collaborating with various agencies. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university in urban planning, city planning, geography, public administration, real‑estate development, environmental studies, economics, business administration, or a related field is required. Relevant internship, professional experience, or certifications in planning, real‑estate, economic development, land use, or related fields are desirable. Assistant Planner – Planning Division Supports 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. 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. 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. The duties include: 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 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 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. Skills 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. Abilities 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 driver's license. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The City will consider all qualified applicants in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act. The City will provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For more information, see Contact: View phone number on click.appcast.io for reasonable accommodations. #J-18808-Ljbffr