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Community Development Planning Jobs in California

... planning, designing, permitting, construction administration, and close-out phases. As a motivated ... and Community Development leadership. * Review and approve all invoices and change orders ...

... planning, designing, permitting, construction administration, and close-out phases. As a motivated ... and Community Development leadership. * Review and approve all invoices and change orders ...

Planning Manager

Beaumont, CA · On-site

$11K - $14K/mo

Community Development Opening Date: 06/11/2026 Closing Date: 6/25/2026 5:00 PM Pacific Summary ... Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to the Planning ...

Senior Planner

Salinas, CA · On-site

$7.3K - $10K/mo

The County of Monterey Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department is composed of four Divisions, including Development Services, Planning Services, Permit Center, and Administration. The ...

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Community Development Planning information

See California salary details

$38K

$72.1K

$99.7K

How much do community development planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development planning in California is $72,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a community development planner do?

A community development planner designs and implements strategies to improve local neighborhoods, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and public spaces. They analyze community needs, collaborate with stakeholders, and use planning tools like GIS to develop sustainable growth plans. Strong communication and knowledge of zoning laws are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Community Development Planning vs Urban Planning?

AspectCommunity Development PlanningUrban Planning
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Community Development, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, non-profits, community organizationsMunicipal governments, private consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on community needs, social programs, and local development projectsFocuses on city-wide land use, zoning, and infrastructure planning

Community Development Planning and Urban Planning share overlapping skills and work environments, but differ in scope. Community Development Planning emphasizes local community needs and social programs, while Urban Planning focuses on city-wide land use and infrastructure. Both roles are vital in shaping sustainable, livable communities but serve distinct functions within the planning industry.

What is community development planning?

Community development planning is a process that involves assessing the needs of a community and creating strategic plans to improve its social, economic, and physical well-being. Professionals in this field work with local stakeholders, government agencies, and organizations to develop initiatives and projects that address issues such as housing, infrastructure, economic growth, and public services. The goal is to foster sustainable development that benefits all members of the community while encouraging participation and inclusion. Community development planners often use data analysis, policy research, and public engagement to guide their decisions.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, high-level consultants, and experienced legal professionals. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, and sometimes certifications or licenses, and may involve demanding schedules or high responsibility levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Development Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, community engagement, and policy analysis, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and planning frameworks is often required, along with certifications like AICP. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and facilitation skills help build consensus and foster collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure effective project implementation, sustainable community growth, and positive stakeholder outcomes.

What jobs can you do with community development?

Community development professionals can work in roles such as urban planners, community organizers, economic development specialists, and policy analysts. These jobs often involve project management, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge of local government processes, with some positions requiring relevant certifications or degrees in urban planning, public administration, or related fields.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in Community Development Planning, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Community Development Planning often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of stakeholders, securing adequate funding, and navigating regulatory requirements. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills to facilitate community engagement, creative problem-solving to develop feasible project proposals, and staying informed about relevant policies and grant opportunities. Collaborating closely with local government officials, non-profit organizations, and residents helps ensure that development plans are both practical and broadly supported.

Where do urban planners get paid the most?

Urban planners tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with strong economic activity, such as major metropolitan areas or states with high living costs. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of projects they manage, with private sector roles often paying more than public sector positions.
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Planning jobs in California? For Community Development Planning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Planning jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Planning jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Community Development Planning job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,057 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
ASSOCIATE ENGINEER (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT)

ASSOCIATE ENGINEER (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT)

City of Torrance, CA

Torrance, CA • On-site

$9.0K - $11K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary: $9,082.67 - $11,043.07 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 26053132
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for an Associate Engineerto 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 69.5 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 provides plan checking and permitting services for construction work proposed in the public right of way to ensure high quality public improvements (specifically non-capital improvement related work). The Engineering Division processes land development documentation (certificates of compliance, easements, easement vacations, lot tie agreements, subdivision maps and certificates of correction); and also provides field inspection for non-capital improvement work in the public right of way.
The Engineering Division is supported by our GIS team which provides infrastructure information, aerial imagery and geographic information.
The Position
The Associate Engineer plays an integral part within the Engineering Division. This position will collaborate with different City departments including Public Works, Transportation, and Community Services; as well as the Current Development, Planning, and Building divisions of Community Development. The Associate Engineer manages municipal engineering projects, prepares and presents reports and agenda items for the City Council and City commissions, prepares and administers professional engineering and professional service contracts, plans and directs the work of lower-level professional and technical engineering staff, and performs related duties as required.
For more information about the duties of the position, click .
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education andExperience
Any combination of education and experience that would have provided the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be:
Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in engineering and three years professional engineering field and office experience.
Experience or training in engineering computer applications is desirable.
License and/or Certificates
Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
A valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers is desirable.
Ideal Candidate
Successful candidates will possess the following:
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the nuances and complexities of civil engineering in a municipal context;
  • Strong ability to create maps, reports, and presentations;
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows software applications, such as spreadsheets, databases, and engineering computing applications, AutoCAD and ESRI GIS software;
  • Proven capability to read and understand construction plans, technical reports and specifications;
  • Ability to perform field inspections to gather or verify utility and feature locations and data, as well as research and evaluate information relevant to the GIS;
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and make well-reasoned, logical decisions;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to represent the City in meetings and presentations to a variety of audiences, including community groups, other governmental agencies, and the public, while using tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to effectively communicate and address concerns;
  • Ability to independently manage and complete assignments in a fast-paced, high-demand environment, demonstrating initiative and proactive problem-solving when needed; and
  • Natural aptitude for thriving in a team environment that encourages cooperation, open communication, and the shared management of risk, responsibility, and rewards.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/JobsApplication submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled.The first review of applications will be of those received by Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the 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 component:
Panel Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on Thursday, June 25, 2026.)
Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled for the week of July 13, 2026.
The tentative test date(s) will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
SPECIAL NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Govto find out more information about the City of Torrance.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 no later than five (5) business days before the test date. For further information, click here.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check and a pre-employment medical examination.
In addition, the City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.
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!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Engineers and Torrance Fiscal Employees bargaining unit, visit::
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
  • Yes
  • No

02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. 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 volunteer experience during my entire work history. I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job. I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application. I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application. I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest.
  • Yes
  • No

03
What is your highest level of education completed?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Some College Coursework
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher

04
Indicate your number of years of professional engineering field and office experience.
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • More than one year, but less than two years
  • More than two years, but less than three years
  • Three years or more

05
Please specify the degree(s) you possess and the major course of study for each. Example: Bachelors Degree in Engineering. Please type "N/A" if not applicable.
06
Indicate your years of experience utilizing ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Pro.
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • More than one year, but less than two years
  • More than two years, but less than three years
  • Three years or more

07
Indicate your years of experience utilizing AutoCAD or computer aided drafting and design.
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • More than one year, but less than two years
  • More than two years, but less than three years
  • More than three years

08
Do you possess a valid certificate of registration issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question