Salary: $7,415.20 - $9,467.47 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number:Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 10/09/2026
DESCRIPTIONWE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY
BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Planning Associate to be part of the Community Development team!The DepartmentThe
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 DivisionThe
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 PositionAs 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 QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Education and ExperienceGraduation 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 CertificatesA 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.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESSInterested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at . 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. SPECIAL NOTESApplicants 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.
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.
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit::
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
03
What is your highest level of education completed?
- High School Diploma or GED
- Some College Coursework
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or above
04
Please specify the degree(s) you possess and the major course of study for each. Example: Bachelor's degree in architecture. Please type "N/A" if not applicable.
05
Please indicate the amount of professional urban planning experience that you possess.
- None
- Less than one year
- More than one year, but less than two years
- More than two years, but less than three years
- More than three years
06
Please indicate which of the following areas you have experience in. Select all that apply.
- General Plan Preparation and Maintenance
- Design/Development Review Administration
- California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administration
- Redevelopment/Housing Administration
07
Please describe your experience in giving oral presentations to a reviewing body or City Council. If none, please type "N/A/".
Required Question
