Assistant Planner

ABOUT THE POSITION

Please thoroughly review the entire job flyer including the application instructions. Failure to submit a completed application and provide required documentation may result in an application being removed from further consideration.

Come take a look at Downey! Our town is brimming with new retail, office and residential development. This position supports a very busy planning division that is an integral component to the City's development. We're seeking an individual with a business-friendly approach, a focus on quality customer service that enjoys working with the public and thrives in a team environment.

Under general supervision, performs professional work in the field of current and advanced planning and environmental analysis.

An Eligible List of qualified applicants will be established from this recruitment. Eligible List may be utilized to fill other full and part -time vacancies as needed. Generally, a valid Eligible List is in effect for up to one year.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Research, analyze and interpret social, economic, population and land use data and trends; prepare written reports on various planning matters and elements of the General Plan.
• Review commercial, industrial and various residential development plans with developers to discuss proposed architectural design, efficient land utilization, parking, etc.
• Review building plans, parcel maps and subdivisions for compliance to appropriate regulations, prepare public notices, graphics, analyses, reports of recommendations; and prepare appropriate environmental documents.
• Prepare staff reports, environmental documents, graphics, resolutions and ordinances for conditional use permits, zone variances, zone changes, zoning codes and general plan amendments, and make presentations to the Planning Commission and advisory boards as directed.
• Receive and answer public inquiries regarding zoning, legal descriptions and zoning violations, and other related matters, either on the telephone or over the public counter.
• Confer with and advises architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers and the general public regarding City development policies and standards.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: One (1) year responsible experience in a public or private planning organization.

Experience in a municipal environment is highly desirable.

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Economics, Geography, Public Administration or related field.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of urban planning; site planning and architectural design; information sources, and research techniques in the field of urban planning; building and engineering practices.

Ability to: Understand laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions; learn applicable environmental laws and regulations and methods of assessment; analyze and compile technical and statistical information and prepare reports; work effectively with architects, engineers, contractors and the general public; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.

License Requirement: a valid California Class C Driver's License and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Tasks/Abilities and Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in an office environment and occasionally on-site in open areas and may require sitting for periods of time using a computer keyboard and screen. An incumbent stands, walks and may, reach, bend, crouch, kneel, grasp, move, push, pull, drag, lift and carry boxes of files and other items weighing 25 pounds or less. When on-site an incumbent may climb stairs and inclines and walk on slippery, uneven surfaces and slopes. An incumbent must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

Selection/Testing Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated to determine those applicants who most closely meet the desired qualifications for the position. All information supplied by an applicant is subject to verification. Failure to provide all the information required in the application process will result in an application being incomplete and will be disqualified from consideration. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application.

In the space provided for education, include the names and addresses of schools attended, and number of credits, degree, and/or certificate(s) earned.

For each job held, provide the name and address of your employer, your job title, beginning and ending dates, description of work performed, and reason for leaving. Failure to provide all the information may result in your application being removed from consideration.

This is an open/competitive recruitment. Those applicants who more closely meet the desired qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in selection testing which will consist of an appraisal exam (weighted 100%) before a panel of subject matter experts. The appraisal exam may consist of additional performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligibility List to be considered by the Department's hiring authority. An employment offer is contingent upon acceptable results from a completed background review, including a fingerprint check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ). A pre-placement medical exam will be scheduled after the issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

To view the benefit summary for this positionplease click HERE.

The City of Downey is proudly committed to continuously improving the quality of life for the Downey community by providing excellent service in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.Our values includeIntegrity, Commitment, Respect, Teamwork, Engagement, Passion, and Excellence.

Closing Date/Time: 11/12/2025 5:30 PM Pacific

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• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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