What are the responsibilities and job description for the SENIOR PLANNER (REISSUE) position at City of Torrance?
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
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The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Senior Planner to be part of the Community Development Team!
The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Senior Planner to be part of the Community Development Team!
The Department
The Community Development Department oversees and initiates plans for: economic growth; commercial, industrial, and residential development and re-development; zoning; code enforcement; permitting; and building inspections. The Department has 70 employees over 10 different divisions: Administration, Development Services, Environmental & Noise Abatement, Downtown, Housing, GIS, Plan Check, Building Inspection, Engineering, and Permit Center.
The Division
The Planning Division is committed to urban planning and design to provide an attractive, safe, and enriching environment that assures a high quality of life. The Planning Division is comprised of two sections:
Development Review is focused on reviewing development plans for conformance with land use policies and standards, and is responsible for processing development applications, conducting environmental review, and responding to inquiries on zoning and land use. Development Review also provides staff support to the Planning Commission and to the City Council.
Comprehensive Planning is focused on developing plans, policies and programs to guide development in Torrance, and is responsible for maintaining the General Plan, conducting special studies related to land use, and collaborating with regional and state agencies. Comprehensive Planning also provides staff support to the Historic Preservation Commission, and to the Planning Commission and the City Council.
Development Review is focused on reviewing development plans for conformance with land use policies and standards, and is responsible for processing development applications, conducting environmental review, and responding to inquiries on zoning and land use. Development Review also provides staff support to the Planning Commission and to the City Council.
Comprehensive Planning is focused on developing plans, policies and programs to guide development in Torrance, and is responsible for maintaining the General Plan, conducting special studies related to land use, and collaborating with regional and state agencies. Comprehensive Planning also provides staff support to the Historic Preservation Commission, and to the Planning Commission and the City Council.
The Position
The Senior Planner manages, directs, and participates in highly complex planning projects and activities; plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department; and provides expert and complex support to the Community Development Director, Planning Manager, City Council, Commissions, and other stakeholders. This position represents the department and City to outside agencies, public and private groups, and the general public; negotiates, administers, and manages contracts for services; and contributes to the management of assigned budgets, ensuring proper oversight and administration.
The Senior Planner manages, directs, and participates in highly complex planning projects and activities; plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of professional, technical, and administrative staff in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department; and provides expert and complex support to the Community Development Director, Planning Manager, City Council, Commissions, and other stakeholders. This position represents the department and City to outside agencies, public and private groups, and the general public; negotiates, administers, and manages contracts for services; and contributes to the management of assigned budgets, ensuring proper oversight and administration.
The Senior Planner designs and conducts studies to develop policies, plans, and codes; performs field inspections of planning and development projects to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, rules, and regulations; develops and standardizes procedures and methods to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of division services, projects, and activities; and performs other related work as assigned.
For a full a job description, click here.
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Bachelor’s Degree in regional planning, urban planning, community development, architecture, landscape architecture, geography, business or public administration, engineering, or a closely related field and two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience which includes technical work in at least two (2) of the following areas: General Plan preparation and maintenance, design review administration, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) administration, redevelopment administration, or housing administration.
A Master's Degree in Planning may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
License and/or Certificate
Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Drivers’ License.
Ideal Candidate
Successful candidates will possess the following:
- Extensive experience in land use planning, urban design, and community development;
- In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including environmental review processes, building codes, and other planning-related ordinances, with the ability to interpret and apply them effectively;
- Proven ability to manage complex planning projects;
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across internal departments, external agencies, developers, and the public;
- Expert knowledge of municipal planning principles and practices;
- Strong presentation skills and demonstrated experience delivering clear, engaging, and effective presentations to a variety of audiences; and
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. First review of applications will be those received by Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is a possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Oral Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on August 18, 2026)
Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of August 31, 2026
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about our community.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
Salary : $8,641 - $11,033