Assistant Planner
Apply NowCompany: City of Lakewood, CA
Location: Lakewood, CA 90712
Description:
Salary : $85,200.00 - $103,560.00 Annually
Location : Lakewood, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-47
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 04/21/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 2:00 PM Pacific
Description
Under general supervision, performs professional planning work and assists other staff related to current and advanced planning activities; responds to public inquiries regarding zoning ordinances, application procedures, Planning and Environment Commission and City Council actions that relate to City planning activities; compiles zoning and planning related data; performs a variety of intermediate level professional planning duties; and performs other related work as required.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
Qualifications
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree with a major in planning, architecture, urban design, or a related field and one year of related municipal planning experience. An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.
License: Possession of a valid Class "C" Operator's license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record.
Knowledge of: Contemporary and historical principles, practices and trends in building, planning and land use; basic planning and zoning laws and regulations; principles, practices, and techniques of drafting and design; general plan contents, implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; application of land use, physical design, business and economic, environmental and/or social concepts to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, practices, techniques and instruments used in municipal planning work; customer service techniques; thorough understanding of the sequence and deadlines associated with the California Environmental Quality Act; and Microsoft Office software. Knowledge of and experience with CorelDraw, Sketchup, and/or ESRI Geographic Information System is highly desirable. Knowledge of and experience with OpenGov software is highly desirable.
Skills & Abilities to: Understand and interpret planning, building, and landscape drawings, maps, specifications, legal descriptions and ordinances; prepare site plans, floor plans, maps, graphs, charts and other descriptive material; research, gather and analyze data pertaining to planning and zoning resolutions; effectively communicate information to the public regarding building, planning, and zoning situations; draw and render base, land use and zoning maps and other planning graphics through use of drafting skills and computer software; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; plan and organize work; prepare and present reports; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; and ability to learn and use OpenGov software, CorelDraw, Sketchup, and/or the ESRI Geographic Information System software.
Physical and Mental Demands: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges and dexterity to read, write, type, operate office equipment such as a computer, telephone, calculator, photocopier, pencils, pens, scissors, paper cutter, stapler; ability to drive vehicle, be at work daily and on time, communicate orally, in writing and over the telephone; understand and fulfill written and verbal directions. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information:
The benefits package associated with regular full-time positions includes:
1. Benefits package information is based on current benefit information and subject to change, based on labor agreements; federal, state and/or local laws or resolutions.
2. For qualified public employees who are "classic" CalPERS members and City employees with membership into CalPERS prior to 1/1/2013 enrollment will be into the 2% at 55 formula. Pension benefits for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013 and are "new" CalPERS members are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act provisions and will be enrolled into the 2% at 62 formula.
Selection Procedure: All properly submitted applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Those candidates appearing to have the best qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process which may require any combination of the following: a written examination, a performance examination and one or more oral interviews. Not all applicants may be tested or interviewed.
Important Information
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications must be filled out completely and clearly show that the qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the Eligible List, or discharge from employment. Resumes may be attached, but will not be accepted in lieu of a standard City application form. All application materials become the property of the City of Lakewood and are not returnable.
COMPENSATION: City employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis, therefore, published monthly salary is for illustration purposes only, rounded to whole dollars. Actual salary is based on hourly rate rounded to four decimal places.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Lakewood does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability status, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, or other protected class in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES: Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are encouraged to apply for City employment. Those who require a reasonable accommodation to take a test as part of the selection process must make such a request to the Personnel Department, in writing, at least three working days prior to the date of the testing procedure. Individuals requesting accommodation in the testing process will be required to provide documentation of such need.
IMMIGRATION REFORM & CONTROL ACT OF 1986: In compliance with the Act, all new employees must verify their identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.
FINGERPRINTING: Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.
RESTRICTIONS ON NEPOTISM: The employment of relatives can create undesirable results, particularly in connection with performance evaluation, discipline, and general morale of other workers. Therefore, it is the city's policy that no relative of any City officer or employee to which this resolution applies shall be employed, if said City officer or employee is in a supervisory, lead or subordinate position over said relative in the areas of hiring, setting compensation, discipline or termination. "Relatives" for this purpose include son, daughter, mother, father, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, or persons living in the same household. The City does not prohibit employment of two people who are married to each other or who are the registered domestic partners of each other pursuant to the California Family Code (section 297 et seq.). Nonetheless, the City will not employ spouses or registered domestic partners in the same division or facility in situations where such action is determined to be inappropriate because of reasons of supervision, safety, security or morale.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Employment offers are conditional, based upon the successful completion of a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol screening for safety-sensitive positions. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. Candidates are cautioned not to quit their jobs or give notice to their current employer until they are determined to be medically qualified.
TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Candidates selected to work in a position requiring contact with children must submit a certificate or notice documenting that within the last two years they have been examined and found to be free of communicable tuberculosis. The certificate or notice must be signed by a licensed examining physician or public health agency.
POSSESSION OF A VALID CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE: Employees in classifications requiring possession of a valid California driver's license will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice program, which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects the driving record.
LOYALTY OATH OR AFFIRMATION: All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath or affirmation prior to actual employment.
EMERGENCY SERVICE: All City employees are required to perform assigned Emergency Service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Employees appointed to positions in the classified service are required to serve a probationary period of not less than six months. All other employees are considered at-will and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
The benefits package associated with regular full-time positions includes:
1 Benefits package information is based on current benefit information and subject to change, based on labor agreements; federal, state and/or local laws or resolutions.
2 For qualified public employees who are "classic" CalPERS members and City employees with membership into CalPERS prior to 1/1/2013 enrollment will be into the 2% at 55 formula. Pension benefits for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013 and are "new" CalPERS members are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act provisions and will be enrolled into the 2% at 62 formula.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed:
02
Indicate the major of your degree:
03
Indicate the total number of years of experience you possess in municipal planning:
04
Briefly describe the type of work in municipal planning you have completed.
05
Do you possess an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification? If yes, please make sure to attach a copy.
06
Identify the software programs and/or systems in which you have experience in working with:
Required Question
Location : Lakewood, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-47
Department: Community Development
Division: Planning
Opening Date: 04/21/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 2:00 PM Pacific
Description
Under general supervision, performs professional planning work and assists other staff related to current and advanced planning activities; responds to public inquiries regarding zoning ordinances, application procedures, Planning and Environment Commission and City Council actions that relate to City planning activities; compiles zoning and planning related data; performs a variety of intermediate level professional planning duties; and performs other related work as required.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Routinely reviews development proposals ranging from modest to moderate complexity, this includes reviewing plans, and applications for compliance with appropriate municipal and state codes, policies, laws, and regulations
- Responds orally and in writing to inquiries at the planning counter, telephone, and e-mail, which may include interpreting planning policies, state laws and local ordinances and explaining procedures
- Identifies and works with other staff members in resolving municipal code violations and prescribing corrective actions
- Conducts assigned planning projects involving land use, graphics and maps, ordinances, state laws, populations, economic activities, housing, transportation, and related subjects
- Conducts basic research, and confers with applicants and agency representatives to identify problems and propose solutions
- Researches and assists in preparing ordinances for reviews, this includes analyzing data with respect to relevant laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies and determining methods to reconcile project conflicts with applicable zoning requirements and state laws
- Serves as staff to the Development Review Board and the Planning and Environment Commission, as well as other commissions and committees
- Prepares professional staff reports of summarized data, conclusions, and recommendations
- Makes oral presentations to the Planning and Environment Commission and City Council
- Performs project management and administration tasks such as completing technical assessments and preparing written project analysis; providing environmental review and project analysis pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
- Receives and reviews permit applications, assesses fees and records payments
- Develops and maintains databases for use in daily planning activities
- Performs related duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree with a major in planning, architecture, urban design, or a related field and one year of related municipal planning experience. An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is desirable.
License: Possession of a valid Class "C" Operator's license issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles and a good driving record.
Knowledge of: Contemporary and historical principles, practices and trends in building, planning and land use; basic planning and zoning laws and regulations; principles, practices, and techniques of drafting and design; general plan contents, implementation of zoning and other municipal ordinances; application of land use, physical design, business and economic, environmental and/or social concepts to the planning process; terminology, symbols, methods, practices, techniques and instruments used in municipal planning work; customer service techniques; thorough understanding of the sequence and deadlines associated with the California Environmental Quality Act; and Microsoft Office software. Knowledge of and experience with CorelDraw, Sketchup, and/or ESRI Geographic Information System is highly desirable. Knowledge of and experience with OpenGov software is highly desirable.
Skills & Abilities to: Understand and interpret planning, building, and landscape drawings, maps, specifications, legal descriptions and ordinances; prepare site plans, floor plans, maps, graphs, charts and other descriptive material; research, gather and analyze data pertaining to planning and zoning resolutions; effectively communicate information to the public regarding building, planning, and zoning situations; draw and render base, land use and zoning maps and other planning graphics through use of drafting skills and computer software; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work; plan and organize work; prepare and present reports; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; and ability to learn and use OpenGov software, CorelDraw, Sketchup, and/or the ESRI Geographic Information System software.
Physical and Mental Demands: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges and dexterity to read, write, type, operate office equipment such as a computer, telephone, calculator, photocopier, pencils, pens, scissors, paper cutter, stapler; ability to drive vehicle, be at work daily and on time, communicate orally, in writing and over the telephone; understand and fulfill written and verbal directions. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
Supplemental Information
Supplemental Information:
The benefits package associated with regular full-time positions includes:
- Retirement Formula - The City participates in the CalPERS retirement system 2% at 55 for "classic" CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for "new" CalPERS members 2. The City does not participate in Social Security
- Generous Leave Programs - 13 paid holidays; sick leave; and two weeks annual vacation (three weeks after three years, four weeks after 15 years)
- Health Insurance - Cafeteria benefit plan includes medical and dental options (City participates in the CalPERS medical insurance plans). Employee cafeteria allowance for single employee only coverage is $1,359.02 per month; for employee +1 eligible dependent coverage is $1,590.00; and for employee + 2 or more eligible dependents coverage is $1,775.00. City paid life insurance, long-term disability and vision insurance for the employee.
- Other Benefits: Longevity pay beginning at the completion of 10 years of qualified service; career medical retiree benefit programs
1. Benefits package information is based on current benefit information and subject to change, based on labor agreements; federal, state and/or local laws or resolutions.
2. For qualified public employees who are "classic" CalPERS members and City employees with membership into CalPERS prior to 1/1/2013 enrollment will be into the 2% at 55 formula. Pension benefits for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013 and are "new" CalPERS members are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act provisions and will be enrolled into the 2% at 62 formula.
Selection Procedure: All properly submitted applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Those candidates appearing to have the best qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process which may require any combination of the following: a written examination, a performance examination and one or more oral interviews. Not all applicants may be tested or interviewed.
Important Information
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications must be filled out completely and clearly show that the qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, removal from the Eligible List, or discharge from employment. Resumes may be attached, but will not be accepted in lieu of a standard City application form. All application materials become the property of the City of Lakewood and are not returnable.
COMPENSATION: City employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis, therefore, published monthly salary is for illustration purposes only, rounded to whole dollars. Actual salary is based on hourly rate rounded to four decimal places.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: The City of Lakewood does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability status, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, or other protected class in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES: Qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are encouraged to apply for City employment. Those who require a reasonable accommodation to take a test as part of the selection process must make such a request to the Personnel Department, in writing, at least three working days prior to the date of the testing procedure. Individuals requesting accommodation in the testing process will be required to provide documentation of such need.
IMMIGRATION REFORM & CONTROL ACT OF 1986: In compliance with the Act, all new employees must verify their identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.
FINGERPRINTING: Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.
RESTRICTIONS ON NEPOTISM: The employment of relatives can create undesirable results, particularly in connection with performance evaluation, discipline, and general morale of other workers. Therefore, it is the city's policy that no relative of any City officer or employee to which this resolution applies shall be employed, if said City officer or employee is in a supervisory, lead or subordinate position over said relative in the areas of hiring, setting compensation, discipline or termination. "Relatives" for this purpose include son, daughter, mother, father, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, or persons living in the same household. The City does not prohibit employment of two people who are married to each other or who are the registered domestic partners of each other pursuant to the California Family Code (section 297 et seq.). Nonetheless, the City will not employ spouses or registered domestic partners in the same division or facility in situations where such action is determined to be inappropriate because of reasons of supervision, safety, security or morale.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Employment offers are conditional, based upon the successful completion of a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol screening for safety-sensitive positions. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. Candidates are cautioned not to quit their jobs or give notice to their current employer until they are determined to be medically qualified.
TUBERCULOSIS TESTING: Candidates selected to work in a position requiring contact with children must submit a certificate or notice documenting that within the last two years they have been examined and found to be free of communicable tuberculosis. The certificate or notice must be signed by a licensed examining physician or public health agency.
POSSESSION OF A VALID CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE: Employees in classifications requiring possession of a valid California driver's license will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice program, which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects the driving record.
LOYALTY OATH OR AFFIRMATION: All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath or affirmation prior to actual employment.
EMERGENCY SERVICE: All City employees are required to perform assigned Emergency Service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Employees appointed to positions in the classified service are required to serve a probationary period of not less than six months. All other employees are considered at-will and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
The benefits package associated with regular full-time positions includes:
- Retirement Formula - The City participates in the CalPERS retirement system 2% at 55 for "classic" CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for "new" CalPERS members 2. The City does not participate in Social Security
- Generous Leave Programs - 11 paid holidays; sick leave; and two weeks annual vacation (three weeks after three years, four weeks after 15 years)
- Health Insurance - Cafeteria benefit plan includes medical and dental options (City participates in the CalPERS medical insurance plans). Employee cafeteria allowance for single employee only coverage is $1,359.02 per month; for employee +1 eligible dependent coverage is $1,590.00; and for employee + 2 or more eligible dependents coverage is $1,775.00. City paid life insurance, long-term disability and vision insurance for the employee
- Other Benefits: Longevity pay beginning at the completion of 10 years of qualified service; career medical retiree benefit programs
1 Benefits package information is based on current benefit information and subject to change, based on labor agreements; federal, state and/or local laws or resolutions.
2 For qualified public employees who are "classic" CalPERS members and City employees with membership into CalPERS prior to 1/1/2013 enrollment will be into the 2% at 55 formula. Pension benefits for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013 and are "new" CalPERS members are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act provisions and will be enrolled into the 2% at 62 formula.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed:
- Some high school, did not graduate
- High School Graduate or G.E.D.
- Less than 2 years of college
- 2+ years of college
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
02
Indicate the major of your degree:
- N/A
- Planning
- Architecture
- Urban Design
- Other related field
- Other non-related field
03
Indicate the total number of years of experience you possess in municipal planning:
- None
- Less than 6 months
- 6 months - 1 year
- 1 - 2 years
- 3+ years
04
Briefly describe the type of work in municipal planning you have completed.
05
Do you possess an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification? If yes, please make sure to attach a copy.
- Yes
- No
06
Identify the software programs and/or systems in which you have experience in working with:
- N/A
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Power Point
- CorelDraw
- Sketchup
- ESRI Geographic Information System
- OpenGov software
Required Question