Assistant Planner

Job Description:

Assistant Planner

Description

THE CITY

Culver City is a dynamic, full-service Charter City where creativity, diversity, and innovation shape how public service is delivered. Serving approximately 40,000 residents, the City combines a vibrant, walkable community with a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusive growth. Backed by a $370 million budget and a workforce of over 800 employees, Culver City provides a full range of municipal services that directly impact daily life. As the City continues to invest in infrastructure, housing, mobility, and essential services, this is an opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking organization driving meaningful community impact.

THE POSITION

***Only the first 75 applications submitted will be considered.***
*Please note that the job posting may close without prior notice.*

Assistant Planner - Planning and Development Department

The Assistant Planner is an intermediate professional level position in the planning classification series which reports to the Current Planning Manager or Advance Planning Manager, and may be supervised by a Senior Planner or Associate Planner, as directed. These positions require a current, thorough working knowledge of City codes, ordinances and policies, and State statutes relating to planning, housing, land use development, environmental impact assessment, and zoning. Incumbents in this classification may not perform all of these tasks, or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

• Consistently and clearly communicates, interprets and applies above regulations, codes, ordinances, and polices, etc. in analyzing applications; as liaison to City committees, commissions, councils; in providing service to the public; and to coworkers and City departments.
• Reviews development applications and works with developers to reach agreements on acceptable development plans. Understands and is able to apply the City’s development philosophy.
• Coordinates the review and comment process to assure that the application process is expedited.
• Responds to public requests for information in a professional, courteous, and knowledgeable manner; establishes rapport with the public.
• Prepares graphic layouts in a well-organized manner.
• Prepares planning maps with speed and accuracy; records changes as they occur to ensure the maps contain current status and information.
• Thoroughly checks and reviews business tax certificate applications and property reports to assure compliance with land use and zoning regulations; provides applicants information in a timely manner.
• Performs plan checking, inspections, and certifications of completion; keeps applicants adequately informed of their status in the process and identifies steps they can take to expedite processing.
• Completes various surveys and property sale reports; makes and keeps accurate logs and records which are legible, complete and up-to-date, describing problems encountered, and how they were resolved.
• Prepares factual and complete staff reports and presentations, utilizing various software packages and presents information and recommendations in a clear, concise and understandable fashion to the Planning Commission, City Council, and community meetings as required.

Training and Experience:
Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way, and may not be the only way, to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning or a closely related field, and
• Two years of professional experience in a city, county, or regional planning agency, or in a private consulting firm working on urban planning projects.

GIS and graphic design abilities are highly desirable.

Opportunities for Substitution of Education or Experience
Additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to the extent that the experience has prepared the individual to perform the duties of the classification.

Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid California Class C driver license may be required if assigned to drive.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURES

Applicants must receive a passing score on all the following examination components in order
to be placed on the eligible list.
COMPONENTS AND WEIGHTS
Written Test (weighed at 60%): To evaluate planning knowledge and writing skills. (Tentatively scheduled for week of June 8, 2026).
Appraisal Interview (weighed at 40%): To evaluate experience, training, and personal qualifications. (Tentatively scheduled for June 22, 2026).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The provisions of this job posting does not constitute a contract, express or implied, and any provisions in this posting may be modified or revoked without notice.
  
• Continuation in the examination process and subsequent placement on the eligible list of a person convicted of a crime depends upon the nature of the conviction and the conduct of the applicant subsequent to the offense. Convictions will be evaluated on a job-related basis and will not automatically disqualify someone from further consideration.
  

Application Assistance: For assistance with your online application, please select "Help & Support" from the menu to access an Online Employment Application Guide. If you have technical problems with your online account, you can call GovernmentJobs.com Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Culver City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation/identification.

Conditions of Employment:

• Background/ Reference Check: Upon a conditional job offer, a live scan finger printing must be completed with acceptable results. Your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI). Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be contacted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Upon hire, employee is subject to further reporting from DOJ via subsequent arrest notification.
  
• Pre-placement medical evaluation including drug screen (select positions).
  
• E-Verify: Proof of U.S. citizenship, alien residency or authorization to work in the U.S. will be required at time of appointment.
  

The City of Culver City intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, please contact the Human Resources Department three (3) business days prior to the test at (310) 253-5640.

The City of Culver City offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, and vision.

This position is represented by Culver City Employees' Association (CCEA).

The City of Culver City offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, and vision. For more detailed information regarding the benefits associated with this position please visit the
Culver City Human Resources Department website .

• Refer to the ‘ Employee Benefits ’ page to view the current Benefit Summary Guide.
• Refer to the ‘ Labor and Employee Relations ’ page to view the applicable MOU.

Closing Date/Time: 5/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$6,914.27 - $8,439.60 Monthly