Contract Urban Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $8,900.67 - $11,365.47 Monthly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 26073314
Department: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
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.
The Position
The Senior Plannermanages, 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 Plannerdesigns 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
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
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.

HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at . 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
SPECIAL NOTES
Visit 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!
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's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or above

04
Please specify the degree(s) you possess and the major course of study for each. Example: Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning. Please type "N/A" if not applicable.
05
How many years of progressively responsible professional experience do you have in the following areas: General Plan Preparation and Maintenance, Design Review Administration, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administration, Redevelopment Administration, or Housing Administration?

• 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

06
Indicate which of the following areas you have experience in. Select all that apply.

• General Plan Preparation and Maintenance
• Design Review Administration
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Administration
• Redevelopment Administration
• Housing Administration

Required Question