City of Torrance
PLANNING ASSOCIATE
SALARY
$7,415.20 - $9,467.47 Monthly
LOCATION
Torrance, CA
JOB TYPE
Permanent Full-time
JOB NUMBER
26103312
DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
OPENING DATE
10/09/2026
SALARY
$7,415.20 - $9,467.47 Monthly
LOCATION
Torrance, CA
JOB TYPE
Permanent Full-time
JOB NUMBER
26103312
DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
OPENING DATE
10/09/2026
DESCRIPTION
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 .
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
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.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
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 Sund ay, 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 Wedne sday , November 4, 2026.)
Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of November 16, 2026.
SPECIAL NOTES
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!
EmployerCity of Torrance
Address
3231 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, California, 90503
Phone 310-618-2915
Websitehttp://www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs
EmployerCity of TorrancePhone 310-618-2915 Websitehttp://www.TorranceCA.Gov/JobsAddress
3231 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, California, 90503
PLANNING ASSOCIATE Supplemental Questionnaire* QUESTION 1 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?
Yes
No
- QUESTION 2 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.
Yes
No
- QUESTION 3 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
-
QUESTION 4 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.
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QUESTION 5 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
- QUESTION 6 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
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QUESTION 7 Please describe your experience in giving oral presentations to a reviewing body or City Council. If none, please type "N/A/".
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Required Question