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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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;…