CITY PLANNER 7944
Apply NowCompany: City of Los Angeles, CA
Location: Los Angeles, CA 90011
Description:
Salary: $112,438.00 - $164,388.00 Annually
Location : CITY OF LOS ANGELES, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 7944 OP 2025/04/04 R
Department: ALL DEPARTMENTS
Opening Date: 04/04/2025
Closing Date: 4/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
DUTIES
$112,438 to $164,388
NOTE:
Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
A City Planner plans, supervises, coordinates and reviews the work of a unit engaged in professional City planning activities such as community and citywide planning, environmental planning, airport planning, land use administration, or zoning administration; applies sound supervisory standards and techniques in building and maintaining an effective work group; and on an exceptional basis some positions may function as a project manager and may personally perform work on the more complex and large planning projects exercising a high degree of authority. A City Planner may also conduct public hearings.
REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S)
Two years of full-time paid experience as a City Planning Associate with the City of Los Angeles; or Four years of full-time paid professional experience at the level of Planning Assistant in long-range or current urban planning with at least 18 months of the four years being with the City of Los Angeles; or Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in urban planning, urban studies, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, geography or a closely-related field and four years of full-time paid professional experience in long-range or current urban planning.
PROCESS NOTES
Applicants who lack six months or less of the required experience at the time of filing may file for this examination. However, they cannot be appointed until the full experience requirement is met. The positions of City Planner in the Planning Department require a valid Class C driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at the time of appointment. Candidates will not be eligible for appointment to these positions if their DMV record within the last 3 months reflects three or more moving violations and//or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation such as DUI. For qualifying work experience, the term "professional experience" applies to positions that require possession of a degree from an accredited four-year college or university in order to obtain that position. Therefore, to be considered "professional," qualifying experience must be gained in positions requiring a four-year degree. Please note that qualifying education must be from a school accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at Candidates completing the examination process may be contacted by the Personnel Department to provide required proof of qualifying degree/coursework. Applicants who wish to expedite this process may attach a copy of their qualifying degree/coursework to their on-line application at the time of filing in the Attachments section.
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION
In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require special skills and/or training in one or more of the following areas. Only persons possessing the following at the time of filing may be considered for appointment to fill such positions.
Two years of full-time paid experience in urban design and/or architecture. An academic degree with a concentration or emphasis specifically focused on urban design or design and development is highly preferred. Two years of full-time paid experience in the field of environmental policy and/or environmental studies. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) experience is highly preferred. Two years of full-time paid experience in the field of historic preservation, including the implementation and application of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as to proposals affecting historic buildings; or an academic degree with a major or concentration specifically focused on historic preservation or historic preservation planning. 18 months of full-time paid experience preparing noise, traffic, air quality, or related environmental studies that address airport planning development using the criteria set forth by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Two years of full-time paid experience performing airport planning or design duties in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration laws and regulations.
NOTE:
Applicants that desire to be considered for Selective Certification criteria as described above, must respond to the Selective Certification Questionnaire at the time of filing. The Selective Certification Questionnaire is located within the Supplemental Questions of the City application. Applicants who fail to complete the Selective Certification Questionnaire will not be considered further in Selective Certification.
WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at
NOTE:
Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025.
In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Los Angeles City promotional applicants who meet the minimum requirements. You must have received a regular appointment to a City position or be on a reserve list to apply for this examination as a promotional candidate; 2) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles on a part-time or exempt basis who meet the minimum requirements; 3) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on a random sampling of those qualified candidates. Applications submitted during the filing period may be kept on file in the event that additional applicants need to be tested to meet hiring needs.
SELECTION PROCESS
Examination Weights:
Essay: Advisory
Multiple-Choice Test: Qualifying
Interview: 100%
The examination will consist of an advisory essay, qualifying multiple-choice test, and a weighted interview. The qualifying multiple-choice test will be administered and proctored on-line, and the following competencies may be evaluated: Supervision; Interpersonal Skills; Customer Service; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: the organization, functions, objectives, and responsibilities within the Planning Department, Los Angeles World Airports, and/or the Department of Recreation and Parks, and their relationship to their respective Commissions, City Council, Mayor's Office, and other City departments; methods used and factors that should be considered in the development of urban designs or planning strategies; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to and clicking on Competencies under City Planner.
Prior to the qualifying multiple-choice test, candidates will be required to prepare some written material related to the duties and responsibilities of a City Planner. This essay material will not be separately scored, but will be presented to the interview board for review and consideration, which may include discussion, in the overall evaluation of the candidate. Those who do not complete the advisory essay will not be invited to the qualifying multiple-choice test and will be considered to have failed the entire examination. To be considered complete, the advisory essay must include a substantive response for each question or problem included in the advisory essay for which a candidate is required to provide an answer. Please note that candidates must complete the advisory essay and meet the minimum qualifications as stated on this bulletin in order to be considered further in the examination process.
The advisory essay will be administered on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the examination will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the specific steps needed to complete the on-line advisory essay. Candidates will be required to complete the on-line advisory essay between TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 and TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025. Candidates who fail to complete the advisory essay as instructed may be disqualified.
The qualifying multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e. their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the multiple-choice test on-line. It is anticipated that the remote proctored multiple-choice test will be administered between TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025 and TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025. Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time will not be considered further in this examination.
FAQs for on-line testing are available at Candidates who do not have the required equipment may have the option to take the qualifying multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.
Passing Score for the Qualifying Multiple-Choice Test
The passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice will be determined by Personnel Department staff after the qualifying multiple-choice test is administered. Consideration will be given to the number of candidates taking the test and the existing and anticipated number of vacancies, such that there are a sufficient number of eligibles on the list to satisfy current and future vacancies for the next two years. Therefore, the passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test may be set either at, above or below 70%.
Candidates must complete the advisory essay, achieve a passing score on the qualifying multiple-choice test, and meet minimum qualifications in order to be invited to the interview.
The examination score will be based entirely on the interview. In the interview, the following competencies may be evaluated: Judgment and Decision Making; Supervision; Interpersonal Skills; Customer Service; Emotional Maturity; Oral Communication; Written Communication; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: the organization, functions, objectives, and responsibilities within the Planning Department, Los Angeles World Airports, and/or the Department of Recreation and Parks, and their relationship to their respective Commissions, City Council, Mayor's Office, and other City departments; methods used and factors that should be considered in the development of urban designs or planning strategies; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Candidates will be notified by e-mail of the date, time, and location of the interviews, which may be held in Los Angeles or on-line.
NOTES:
This examination is based on a validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin. In conjunction with Civil Service Rules, applicants who have received a regular appointment to a City position or are on a reserve list will be considered Promotional candidates while all other applicants will be considered Open candidates. The promotional list will ordinarily be used ahead of the open competitive list. However, if open competitive candidates receive a higher score, without military credits, than the highest available promotional candidate, after adding 0.25 of a point seniority credit for each year of continuous classified City service, the Civil Service Commission, upon request of the appointing authority, may approve certification of such open competitive candidates ahead of the promotional candidates. A final average score of 70% or higher in the interview portion of the examination is required to be placed on the eligible list.
Notice:
If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.
THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN BOTH ON AN
INTERDEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL AND OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS
The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to:
There are many things to consider in a new employer. Visit the following webpage to view benefits the City of Los Angeles offers its employees:
01
To be PROPERLY AND PROMPTLY notified of the status of my application, I UNDERSTAND that I MUST provide on my City application, the following information:
-Working E-mail address
-Telephone Number
-Official social security number
I UNDERSTAND that I MUST provide a working email address on my application where I will receive notifications regarding the status of my application and the selection process.
I UNDERSTAND that important information regarding the status of my application and the selection process will only be sent via E-MAIL to the email address I provided.
I UNDERSTAND that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that the email address I provided is a working email and that I will check my email regularly to ensure I receive any communication as it relates to the examination promptly.
I UNDERSTAND that the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department is NOT RESPONSIBLE for any lost or redirected emails and that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to add info@governmentjobs.com to my email contact list to avoid email notifications related to this examination from being classified as "spam" or "junk" mail.
02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe, IN DETAIL, my appropriate qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application.
I UNDERSTAND that, if qualifying with my City experience, that I MUST indicate my appropriate job classification in my work history and NOT ANY WORKING TITLE that I believe is designated to me.
I UNDERSTAND that if I attach a resume and/or cover letter IN LIEU of completing the Work Experience Section, my application is INCOMPLETE and WILL NOT be considered for this examination, and my application WILL NOT be further processed.
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 periods of unemployment during my entire work history.
03
I am currently:
04
There are three distinct methods to qualify for the City Planner examination.
Requirement #1: Two years of full-time paid experience as a City Planning Associate with the City of Los Angeles
Requirement #2: Four years of full-time paid professional experience at the level of Planning Assistant in long-range or current urban planning with at least 18 months of the four years being with the City of Los Angeles
Requirement #3: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in urban planning, urban studies, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, geography or a closely-related field and four years of full-time paid professional experience in long-range or current urban planning
05
REQUIREMENT #1:
Question 1 of 1
I have the following amount of full-time paid experience as a City Planning Associate with the City of Los Angeles:
NOTE: You MUST provide detailed information of this experience in the Work History Section of your application. Failure to provide this information may result in your disqualification from this examination.
06
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
For qualifying work experience, the term "professional experience" applies to positions that require possession of a degree from an accredited four-year college or university in order to obtain that position. Therefore, to be considered "professional," qualifying experience must be gained in positions requiring a four-year degree.
07
REQUIREMENT #2:
Question 1 of 4
I have the following amount of full-time paid professional experience at the level of Planning Assistant in long-range or current urban planning:
NOTE: You MUST provide detailed information of this experience in the Work History Section of your application. Failure to provide this information may result in your disqualification from this examination.
08
REQUIREMENT #2:
Question 2 of 4
The the full-time paid professional experience at the level of Planning Assistant in long-range or current urban planning that I am claiming in the previous question, includes the following amount of paid professional experience with the City of Los Angeles:
NOTE: You MUST provide detailed information of this experience in the Work History Section of your application. Failure to provide this information may result in your disqualification from this examination.
09
REQUIREMENT #2:
Question 3 of 4
In the text box below, enter your qualifying job title(s) and employer(s) which you are claiming qualifying experience in the previous two questions.
Example:
Planning Assistant - City of Los Angeles
Regional Planning Assistant - City of Springfield
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
10
REQUIREMENT #2:
Question 4 of 4
For the job titles that you listed in the previous question, please describe your experience in long-range or current urban planning.
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
11
REQUIREMENT #3:
Question 1 of 5
I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in urban planning, urban studies, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, geography or a closely-related field:
NOTE: Qualifying education must be from a school accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at http://per.lacity.org/Accredited%20Institutions%2008-21-08.pdf.
12
REQUIREMENT #3:
QUESTION 2 OF 5
in the text box below, list your school name, type of degree earned, qualifying major and graduation date.
Example:
University of Southern California - B.S. - Urban Studies and Planning - May 2018
PLEASE NOTE THAT A "MINOR" DOES NOT PROVIDE QUALIFYING EDUCATION FOR REQUIREMENT #3.
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
13
REQUIREMENT #3:
Question 3 of 5
I have the following amount of full-time paid professional experience in long-range or current urban planning:
NOTE: You MUST provide detailed information of this experience in the Work History Section of your application. Failure to provide this information may result in your disqualification from this examination.
14
REQUIREMENT #3:
Question 4 of 5
In the text box below, enter your qualifying job title(s) and employer(s) which you are claiming qualifying experience in the previous question.
Example:
Assistant Planner - Capital City
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
15
REQUIREMENT #3:
Question 5 of 5
For the job title(s) that you listed in the previous question, please describe your experience in long-range or current urban planning.
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
16
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION:
In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require special skills and/or training in specific areas. Only persons possessing the required special skills and/or training in the areas identified on the job bulletin at the time of filing may be considered for appointment to fill such positions.
The examination bulletin for City Planner states that all applicants who wish to be considered for Selective Certification 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5 MUST respond to the Selective Certification Questionnaire at the time of filing in order to be considered for Selective Certification.
In preparing your responses, you should seek to demonstrate that your training and experience provide the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to meet the Selective Certification Areas. Before preparing your responses, read all the information requested and consider what information you would like to present. Try to avoid repeating information and be as detailed as possible. Write in a narrative form using complete sentences and limit your responses to a maximum of 1000 words per question. Leaving any answer blank or not answering the question asked is considered an incomplete answer. No attachments or additional documents will be considered for submission to the Expert Review Panel. It is recommended that you use MS Word or equivalent to create your answers, then cut and paste your response.
Your responses to the Selective Certification Questionnaire will be presented to an Expert Review Panel for an assessment of your eligibility for City Planner positions that require special skills and/or training. Only persons who meet the Selective Certification criteria will be eligible to be considered for appointment to specific positions.
All examination materials are the property of the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department. You may keep a copy of your response if you so desire. You will not be able to obtain a copy from the Personnel Department.
You must submit your Selective Certification Questionnaire online only. Hard copies of this form will not be accepted.
17
Certification Statement:
Please read each of the following statements carefully and indicate your agreement by checking each statement below.
18
Selective Certification 1:
I have two years of full-time paid experience in urban design and/or architecture.
19
Selective Certification 1:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in urban design and/or architecture or indicate your graduation date (month/year) for an academic degree with a concentration or emphasis specifically focused on urban design or design and development is highly preferred.
20
Selective Certification 1:
Describe a project or assignment you have been personally involved in that best demonstrates your ability to implement urban design or architecture principles.
Include in your response:
A brief description of the project or assignment.
What was your specific role in the project?
What type of new policy, standard, or guidelines did you develop or implement through a design solution? Include a brief description of the purpose for each policy, standard, guidelines or architectural implementation measure.
List the steps you took to test the new policy, standard, guidelines, or design solution and interpret the results.
What criteria did you use to evaluate the appropriateness and suitability of the new policy, standard, guidelines or design solution?
What was the outcome?
What did you learn from the experience?
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
21
Selective Certification 2:
I have two years of full-time paid experience in the field of environmental policy and/or environmental analysis.
22
Selective Certification 2:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in the field of environmental policy and/or environmental analysis. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) experience is highly preferred.
23
Selective Certification 2:
Describe a project or assignment you have personally worked on that required you to apply environmental policy or analysis.
Include in your response:
A brief description of the project or assignment.
What was your specific role on the project or assignment?
What impact did the environmental review have on your project? Please be specific.
What steps did you take to implement environmental policy and regulations? Please be specific.
What types of environmental clearances did you process? Please be specific.
Briefly summarize your research methodology and any data collection tasks associated with processing environmental clearances, if any.
What resources did you use? Please be specific.
List the main components of the administrative record. Briefly describe your most relevant experience maintaining the administrative record.
What challenges did you encounter, if any? How did you address these challenges?
What was the outcome?
What did you learn from the experience?
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
24
Selective Certification 3:
I have two years of full-time paid experience in the field of historic preservation, including the implementation and application of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as to proposals affecting historic buildings.
25
Selective Certification 3:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in the field of historic preservation, including the implementation and application of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as to proposals affecting historic buildings or indicate your graduation date (month/year) for an the academic degree with a major or concentration specifically focused on historic preservation or historic preservation planning.
26
Selective Certification 3:
Briefly describe your most relevant work experience in the field of historic preservation.
Include in your response:
Your most relevant experience interpreting and applying the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Please indicate your role in each project discussed, and the length of time of your involvement in each project.
Your most relevant experience conducting or reviewing historic resource surveys. Please indicate your role in each project discussed, and the length of time of your involvement in each project.
Your most relevant experience reviewing or overseeing complex historic rehabilitation projects. Please indicate your role in each project discussed, and the length of time of your involvement in each project.
What challenges did you encounter during these projects, if any?
How did you resolve these challenges?
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
27
Selective Certification 4:
I have 18 months of full-time paid experience preparing noise, traffic, air quality, or related environmental studies that address airport planning development using the criteria set forth by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
28
Selective Certification 4:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of 18 months of full-time paid experience preparing noise, traffic, air quality, or related environmental studies that address airport planning development using the criteria set forth by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
29
Selective Certification 4:
Briefly describe your most relevant work experience preparing noise, traffic, air quality, or related environmental studies that address airport planning development using the criteria set forth by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Include in your response:
The specific studies you prepared, and what was the purpose and objective of each.
What steps did you take to complete the task.
What was the outcome of each.
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
30
Selective Certification 5:
I have two years of full-time paid experience performing airport planning or design duties in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration laws and Regulations.
31
Selective Certification 5:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience performing airport planning or design duties in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration laws and Regulations.
32
Selective Certification 5:
Briefly describe your most relevant work experience in airport planning or design duties in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration laws and Regulations.
Include in your response:
Your role and level of responsibility.
What specific activities did you perform.
The methods or techniques you used to complete the task.
What was the outcome?
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
33
IMPORTANT NOTE:I have read the above questions carefully and answered each one accurately. I understand that if I do not provide correct information that my application will be disqualified and will not be considered further for this examination.
I understand that if I submit more than one application, my newest application will be considered and all others will be considered duplicates and will not be reviewed.
You should include in the work experience section of your application any jobs you wish to be considered as you will be unable to add or change your information after submission.
Required Question
Location : CITY OF LOS ANGELES, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 7944 OP 2025/04/04 R
Department: ALL DEPARTMENTS
Opening Date: 04/04/2025
Closing Date: 4/17/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
DUTIES
$112,438 to $164,388
NOTE:
Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
A City Planner plans, supervises, coordinates and reviews the work of a unit engaged in professional City planning activities such as community and citywide planning, environmental planning, airport planning, land use administration, or zoning administration; applies sound supervisory standards and techniques in building and maintaining an effective work group; and on an exceptional basis some positions may function as a project manager and may personally perform work on the more complex and large planning projects exercising a high degree of authority. A City Planner may also conduct public hearings.
REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S)
PROCESS NOTES
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION
In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require special skills and/or training in one or more of the following areas. Only persons possessing the following at the time of filing may be considered for appointment to fill such positions.
NOTE:
Applicants that desire to be considered for Selective Certification criteria as described above, must respond to the Selective Certification Questionnaire at the time of filing. The Selective Certification Questionnaire is located within the Supplemental Questions of the City application. Applicants who fail to complete the Selective Certification Questionnaire will not be considered further in Selective Certification.
WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at
NOTE:
Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025.
In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Los Angeles City promotional applicants who meet the minimum requirements. You must have received a regular appointment to a City position or be on a reserve list to apply for this examination as a promotional candidate; 2) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles on a part-time or exempt basis who meet the minimum requirements; 3) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs based on a random sampling of those qualified candidates. Applications submitted during the filing period may be kept on file in the event that additional applicants need to be tested to meet hiring needs.
SELECTION PROCESS
Examination Weights:
Essay: Advisory
Multiple-Choice Test: Qualifying
Interview: 100%
The examination will consist of an advisory essay, qualifying multiple-choice test, and a weighted interview. The qualifying multiple-choice test will be administered and proctored on-line, and the following competencies may be evaluated: Supervision; Interpersonal Skills; Customer Service; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: the organization, functions, objectives, and responsibilities within the Planning Department, Los Angeles World Airports, and/or the Department of Recreation and Parks, and their relationship to their respective Commissions, City Council, Mayor's Office, and other City departments; methods used and factors that should be considered in the development of urban designs or planning strategies; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to and clicking on Competencies under City Planner.
Prior to the qualifying multiple-choice test, candidates will be required to prepare some written material related to the duties and responsibilities of a City Planner. This essay material will not be separately scored, but will be presented to the interview board for review and consideration, which may include discussion, in the overall evaluation of the candidate. Those who do not complete the advisory essay will not be invited to the qualifying multiple-choice test and will be considered to have failed the entire examination. To be considered complete, the advisory essay must include a substantive response for each question or problem included in the advisory essay for which a candidate is required to provide an answer. Please note that candidates must complete the advisory essay and meet the minimum qualifications as stated on this bulletin in order to be considered further in the examination process.
The advisory essay will be administered on-line. Candidates invited to participate in the examination will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the specific steps needed to complete the on-line advisory essay. Candidates will be required to complete the on-line advisory essay between TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025 and TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025. Candidates who fail to complete the advisory essay as instructed may be disqualified.
The qualifying multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e. their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the multiple-choice test on-line. It is anticipated that the remote proctored multiple-choice test will be administered between TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025 and TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2025. Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time will not be considered further in this examination.
FAQs for on-line testing are available at Candidates who do not have the required equipment may have the option to take the qualifying multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.
Passing Score for the Qualifying Multiple-Choice Test
The passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice will be determined by Personnel Department staff after the qualifying multiple-choice test is administered. Consideration will be given to the number of candidates taking the test and the existing and anticipated number of vacancies, such that there are a sufficient number of eligibles on the list to satisfy current and future vacancies for the next two years. Therefore, the passing score for the qualifying multiple-choice test may be set either at, above or below 70%.
Candidates must complete the advisory essay, achieve a passing score on the qualifying multiple-choice test, and meet minimum qualifications in order to be invited to the interview.
The examination score will be based entirely on the interview. In the interview, the following competencies may be evaluated: Judgment and Decision Making; Supervision; Interpersonal Skills; Customer Service; Emotional Maturity; Oral Communication; Written Communication; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: the organization, functions, objectives, and responsibilities within the Planning Department, Los Angeles World Airports, and/or the Department of Recreation and Parks, and their relationship to their respective Commissions, City Council, Mayor's Office, and other City departments; methods used and factors that should be considered in the development of urban designs or planning strategies; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Candidates will be notified by e-mail of the date, time, and location of the interviews, which may be held in Los Angeles or on-line.
NOTES:
Notice:
If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.
THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN BOTH ON AN
INTERDEPARTMENTAL PROMOTIONAL AND OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS
The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to:
There are many things to consider in a new employer. Visit the following webpage to view benefits the City of Los Angeles offers its employees:
01
To be PROPERLY AND PROMPTLY notified of the status of my application, I UNDERSTAND that I MUST provide on my City application, the following information:
-Working E-mail address
-Telephone Number
-Official social security number
I UNDERSTAND that I MUST provide a working email address on my application where I will receive notifications regarding the status of my application and the selection process.
I UNDERSTAND that important information regarding the status of my application and the selection process will only be sent via E-MAIL to the email address I provided.
I UNDERSTAND that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to ensure that the email address I provided is a working email and that I will check my email regularly to ensure I receive any communication as it relates to the examination promptly.
I UNDERSTAND that the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department is NOT RESPONSIBLE for any lost or redirected emails and that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to add info@governmentjobs.com to my email contact list to avoid email notifications related to this examination from being classified as "spam" or "junk" mail.
- I have read these statements to their fullest and will provide a working e-mail address on my application in order to receive status of my application regarding this examination.
02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe, IN DETAIL, my appropriate qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application.
I UNDERSTAND that, if qualifying with my City experience, that I MUST indicate my appropriate job classification in my work history and NOT ANY WORKING TITLE that I believe is designated to me.
I UNDERSTAND that if I attach a resume and/or cover letter IN LIEU of completing the Work Experience Section, my application is INCOMPLETE and WILL NOT be considered for this examination, and my application WILL NOT be further processed.
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 periods of unemployment during my entire work history.
- I have read these statements to their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
03
I am currently:
- A City of Los Angeles employee having received a regular appointment.
- An exempt or emergency City of Los Angeles employee, but have civil service status.
- An exempt or emergency City of Los Angeles employee without receiving civil service status.
- A City of Los Angeles employee in a temporary training position.
- A City of Los Angeles employee on a part-time basis.
- On a regular reserve list for the City of Los Angeles.
- Not employed with the City of Los Angeles.
04
There are three distinct methods to qualify for the City Planner examination.
Requirement #1: Two years of full-time paid experience as a City Planning Associate with the City of Los Angeles
Requirement #2: Four years of full-time paid professional experience at the level of Planning Assistant in long-range or current urban planning with at least 18 months of the four years being with the City of Los Angeles
Requirement #3: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in urban planning, urban studies, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, geography or a closely-related field and four years of full-time paid professional experience in long-range or current urban planning
- I understand the three distinct methods to qualify for the City planner examination.
05
REQUIREMENT #1:
Question 1 of 1
I have the following amount of full-time paid experience as a City Planning Associate with the City of Los Angeles:
NOTE: You MUST provide detailed information of this experience in the Work History Section of your application. Failure to provide this information may result in your disqualification from this examination.
- Between 1 month and 17 months
- Between 18 months and 23 months
- 24 months or more
- NONE OF THE ABOVE
06
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
For qualifying work experience, the term "professional experience" applies to positions that require possession of a degree from an accredited four-year college or university in order to obtain that position. Therefore, to be considered "professional," qualifying experience must be gained in positions requiring a four-year degree.
- I understand the information provided above.
07
REQUIREMENT #2:
Question 1 of 4
I have the following amount of full-time paid professional experience at the level of Planning Assistant in long-range or current urban planning:
NOTE: You MUST provide detailed information of this experience in the Work History Section of your application. Failure to provide this information may result in your disqualification from this examination.
- Between 1 months and 41 months
- Between 42 months and 47 months
- 48 months or more
- NONE OF THE ABOVE
08
REQUIREMENT #2:
Question 2 of 4
The the full-time paid professional experience at the level of Planning Assistant in long-range or current urban planning that I am claiming in the previous question, includes the following amount of paid professional experience with the City of Los Angeles:
NOTE: You MUST provide detailed information of this experience in the Work History Section of your application. Failure to provide this information may result in your disqualification from this examination.
- Between 1 month and 11 months
- Between 12 months and 17 months
- 18 months or more
- NONE OF THE ABOVE
09
REQUIREMENT #2:
Question 3 of 4
In the text box below, enter your qualifying job title(s) and employer(s) which you are claiming qualifying experience in the previous two questions.
Example:
Planning Assistant - City of Los Angeles
Regional Planning Assistant - City of Springfield
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
10
REQUIREMENT #2:
Question 4 of 4
For the job titles that you listed in the previous question, please describe your experience in long-range or current urban planning.
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
11
REQUIREMENT #3:
Question 1 of 5
I have graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in urban planning, urban studies, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, geography or a closely-related field:
NOTE: Qualifying education must be from a school accredited by a City of Los Angeles recognized agency. A list of approved accrediting agencies can be found at http://per.lacity.org/Accredited%20Institutions%2008-21-08.pdf.
- Yes
- No
12
REQUIREMENT #3:
QUESTION 2 OF 5
in the text box below, list your school name, type of degree earned, qualifying major and graduation date.
Example:
University of Southern California - B.S. - Urban Studies and Planning - May 2018
PLEASE NOTE THAT A "MINOR" DOES NOT PROVIDE QUALIFYING EDUCATION FOR REQUIREMENT #3.
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
13
REQUIREMENT #3:
Question 3 of 5
I have the following amount of full-time paid professional experience in long-range or current urban planning:
NOTE: You MUST provide detailed information of this experience in the Work History Section of your application. Failure to provide this information may result in your disqualification from this examination.
- Between 1 month and 41 months
- Between 42 months and 47 months
- 48 months or more
- NONE OF THE ABOVE
14
REQUIREMENT #3:
Question 4 of 5
In the text box below, enter your qualifying job title(s) and employer(s) which you are claiming qualifying experience in the previous question.
Example:
Assistant Planner - Capital City
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
15
REQUIREMENT #3:
Question 5 of 5
For the job title(s) that you listed in the previous question, please describe your experience in long-range or current urban planning.
If you are applying under a different requirement, enter "N/A."
16
SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION:
In accordance with Charter Section 1010 (b) and Civil Service Rule 5.31, selective certification will be used for some positions that require special skills and/or training in specific areas. Only persons possessing the required special skills and/or training in the areas identified on the job bulletin at the time of filing may be considered for appointment to fill such positions.
The examination bulletin for City Planner states that all applicants who wish to be considered for Selective Certification 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5 MUST respond to the Selective Certification Questionnaire at the time of filing in order to be considered for Selective Certification.
In preparing your responses, you should seek to demonstrate that your training and experience provide the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to meet the Selective Certification Areas. Before preparing your responses, read all the information requested and consider what information you would like to present. Try to avoid repeating information and be as detailed as possible. Write in a narrative form using complete sentences and limit your responses to a maximum of 1000 words per question. Leaving any answer blank or not answering the question asked is considered an incomplete answer. No attachments or additional documents will be considered for submission to the Expert Review Panel. It is recommended that you use MS Word or equivalent to create your answers, then cut and paste your response.
Your responses to the Selective Certification Questionnaire will be presented to an Expert Review Panel for an assessment of your eligibility for City Planner positions that require special skills and/or training. Only persons who meet the Selective Certification criteria will be eligible to be considered for appointment to specific positions.
All examination materials are the property of the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department. You may keep a copy of your response if you so desire. You will not be able to obtain a copy from the Personnel Department.
You must submit your Selective Certification Questionnaire online only. Hard copies of this form will not be accepted.
- I have read this statement in its entirety and fully understand its contents
17
Certification Statement:
Please read each of the following statements carefully and indicate your agreement by checking each statement below.
- I understand that my Selective Certification Questionnaire must be completed and submitted online at the time of filing for me to be considered for Selective Certification 1, 2, 3, 4, and/or 5
- I certify that the City Planner Selective Certification Questionnaire and all responses to the questions are true and complete, and were authored, written, and prepared in their entirety solely by me
- I understand that false, misleading, or incomplete information shall be sufficient cause for disqualification in this examination or dismissal and other penalties as may be prescribed by law
18
Selective Certification 1:
I have two years of full-time paid experience in urban design and/or architecture.
- Yes
- No
19
Selective Certification 1:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in urban design and/or architecture or indicate your graduation date (month/year) for an academic degree with a concentration or emphasis specifically focused on urban design or design and development is highly preferred.
20
Selective Certification 1:
Describe a project or assignment you have been personally involved in that best demonstrates your ability to implement urban design or architecture principles.
Include in your response:
A brief description of the project or assignment.
What was your specific role in the project?
What type of new policy, standard, or guidelines did you develop or implement through a design solution? Include a brief description of the purpose for each policy, standard, guidelines or architectural implementation measure.
List the steps you took to test the new policy, standard, guidelines, or design solution and interpret the results.
What criteria did you use to evaluate the appropriateness and suitability of the new policy, standard, guidelines or design solution?
What was the outcome?
What did you learn from the experience?
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
21
Selective Certification 2:
I have two years of full-time paid experience in the field of environmental policy and/or environmental analysis.
- Yes
- No
22
Selective Certification 2:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in the field of environmental policy and/or environmental analysis. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) experience is highly preferred.
23
Selective Certification 2:
Describe a project or assignment you have personally worked on that required you to apply environmental policy or analysis.
Include in your response:
A brief description of the project or assignment.
What was your specific role on the project or assignment?
What impact did the environmental review have on your project? Please be specific.
What steps did you take to implement environmental policy and regulations? Please be specific.
What types of environmental clearances did you process? Please be specific.
Briefly summarize your research methodology and any data collection tasks associated with processing environmental clearances, if any.
What resources did you use? Please be specific.
List the main components of the administrative record. Briefly describe your most relevant experience maintaining the administrative record.
What challenges did you encounter, if any? How did you address these challenges?
What was the outcome?
What did you learn from the experience?
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
24
Selective Certification 3:
I have two years of full-time paid experience in the field of historic preservation, including the implementation and application of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as to proposals affecting historic buildings.
- Yes
- No
25
Selective Certification 3:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience in the field of historic preservation, including the implementation and application of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as to proposals affecting historic buildings or indicate your graduation date (month/year) for an the academic degree with a major or concentration specifically focused on historic preservation or historic preservation planning.
26
Selective Certification 3:
Briefly describe your most relevant work experience in the field of historic preservation.
Include in your response:
Your most relevant experience interpreting and applying the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Please indicate your role in each project discussed, and the length of time of your involvement in each project.
Your most relevant experience conducting or reviewing historic resource surveys. Please indicate your role in each project discussed, and the length of time of your involvement in each project.
Your most relevant experience reviewing or overseeing complex historic rehabilitation projects. Please indicate your role in each project discussed, and the length of time of your involvement in each project.
What challenges did you encounter during these projects, if any?
How did you resolve these challenges?
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
27
Selective Certification 4:
I have 18 months of full-time paid experience preparing noise, traffic, air quality, or related environmental studies that address airport planning development using the criteria set forth by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- Yes
- No
28
Selective Certification 4:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of 18 months of full-time paid experience preparing noise, traffic, air quality, or related environmental studies that address airport planning development using the criteria set forth by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
29
Selective Certification 4:
Briefly describe your most relevant work experience preparing noise, traffic, air quality, or related environmental studies that address airport planning development using the criteria set forth by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Include in your response:
The specific studies you prepared, and what was the purpose and objective of each.
What steps did you take to complete the task.
What was the outcome of each.
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
30
Selective Certification 5:
I have two years of full-time paid experience performing airport planning or design duties in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration laws and Regulations.
- Yes
- No
31
Selective Certification 5:
Indicate the specific dates (month/year - month/year) in which you have a minimum of two years of full-time paid experience performing airport planning or design duties in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration laws and Regulations.
32
Selective Certification 5:
Briefly describe your most relevant work experience in airport planning or design duties in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration laws and Regulations.
Include in your response:
Your role and level of responsibility.
What specific activities did you perform.
The methods or techniques you used to complete the task.
What was the outcome?
Limit your response to a maximum of 1000 words.
33
IMPORTANT NOTE:I have read the above questions carefully and answered each one accurately. I understand that if I do not provide correct information that my application will be disqualified and will not be considered further for this examination.
I understand that if I submit more than one application, my newest application will be considered and all others will be considered duplicates and will not be reviewed.
You should include in the work experience section of your application any jobs you wish to be considered as you will be unable to add or change your information after submission.
- Yes, I have read the above statements carefully and understand them to their fullest.
Required Question