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.

Join the City of Torrance as our next Planning Manager!

The current vacancy is in Development Review.

The Department

Advancing a Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Built Environment

The Community Development Department plays a vital role in the continued development, sustainable growth, and success of Torrance. CDD maintains the Building and Safety, Engineering, Environmental (Code Enforcement), the Geographic Information System (GIS) and Mapping, Housing, and Planning Divisions, which serve the community by overseeing redevelopment, comprehensive planning, zoning, housing programs, project planning, permitting, environmental stewardship, NPDES and building and code enforcement.

Responsibilities of the Community Development Department include:

• Building Permits & Online Permitting
• Code Enforcement
• Construction Plan Check and Inspections
• Development Review and Comprehensive Planning
• Engineering Permits and Records
• GIS
• Housing Programs (including Section 8)
• NPDES Administration
• Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Torrance
• Survey Information
• Transportation Planning

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 and Comprehensive Planning.

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, and to the Planning Commission and the City Council.

The Position

The Community Development Department's Planning Division is seeking a dedicated, results-oriented Planning Manager to join their team! Planning Managers organize and manage the programs, activities, and services of the Division including research, analysis and design in the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive long-range General Plan for the physical development of the City; development review programs; environmental review; administration of the zoning ordinance and City codes; administration of City redevelopment and housing projects; and performs other related work as required.

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

Monthly Salary Range

$11,345 (Minimum) - $14,598 (Reference) - $16,788 (Maximum)
Appointments are typically made between the minimum and the reference point of the range, depending on qualifications.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:

Bachelor’s Degree in City or regional planning, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, public administration, engineering, or closely related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible professional urban planning in a local government office which includes technical work in at least two of the following areas: General Plan preparation and maintenance, design review administration, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) administration, redevelopment administration or housing administration.

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

License and/or Certificates

Must possess a valid State of California Class C Driver's License.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate, in addition to the minimum requirements, will possess:

• Supervisory skills and experience including staff selection, training, and development;
• Ability to make presentations in a public setting;
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation;
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, the public, and public agencies;
• Thorough understanding of City Council, related Commissions, and public relations;
• High comfort level with technology;
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS

Interested candidates must submit an online application at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. The first review of applications will be those received by Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

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:

Performance Test: Weighted 40% (Tentatively scheduled for December 19, 2024.)

Panel Interview: Weighted 60% (Tentatively scheduled for December 19, 2024.)

SPECIAL NOTES

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

In addition, 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!