City of Bellflower
The City of Bellflower is seeking a full-time Senior Planner with knowledge and experience in Advance Planning to join our dynamic collaborative team! The City recently created its first Advance Planning Division following the adoption of the City’s 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. Candidates should possess professional education and experience in planning and have a strong ability to manage multiple complex projects and policy initiatives.
The Senior Planner will lead the Advance Planning Division, which will predominantly focus on General Plan updates, amending existing and creating new Specific Plans, updating various sections of the Zoning Code, conducting and managing long‑range plans and projects, and collaborating closely with the Economic Development Department on special studies.
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. The first review of applications will be on
Fri
day, November 28,
2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Applications received after November 28, 2025, may not be considered.
This recruitment requires that a cover letter, resume, licenses you hold, and degree be uploaded with your application to be considered complete. Applicants appearing best qualified based upon a review of the application, materials, and responses to supplemental questions will be invited to participate in the testing process.
Responsibilities
Serves as project manager for multiple complex current and/or long‑range planning projects and special planning studies, including in‑depth application and plan review, coordination with applicants to obtain additional information and project changes, preparing legal notices, posting notices on sites, background research, preparing staff reports, attending public hearings and making presentations, monitoring implementation measures and conditions of approval, checking submittals for building plan check, and inspecting development sites at the beginning and upon completion of the project; reviews project applications and plans submitted for Planning Commission, and City Council considerations at public hearings.
May autonomously oversee programs within the department as delegated by the Planning Manager or Director of Planning.
Interprets and applies federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that public and private projects are in compliance, including, without limitation, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, Stormwater Quality Control Act, Public Resource Code, City of Bellflower General Plan, City of Bellflower Municipal Code, Specific Plans, Design Specifications, and Local Guidelines and procedures.
Prepares and evaluates the conclusions of initial studies, mitigated negativdeclarations, environmental impact reports, and uses the evaluation to formulate a recommendation on projects; monitors project compliance with environmental document mitigation measures and conditions of approval.
Performs specialized planning functions such as environmental review.
Conducts plan check of building permit‑level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements; conducts over‑the‑counter plan check of less complex development proposals and land uses; approves minor development plans.
Prepares and releases requests for proposals for technical consultant services; establishes selection criteria; evaluates proposals and conducts interviews in conformance with City policy; negotiates and recommends award of contracts; coordinates with and recommends needed contract management provisions and controls; manages and oversees technical consultants’ work products to ensure adherence to City standards and legal provisions; ensures that deliverables are submitted on time and within budget and that progress and payment requests are consistent with City policy and contract provisions.
Coordinates project reviews by other City departments and outside agencies and consultants.
Interacts and communicates with a variety of individuals and groups at the public service counter, in the field, over the telephone, at public hearings, and in discussion forums, including other City departments and public agencies, elected and appointed City officials, developers, consultants, architects, engineers, attorneys, appraisers, real estate agents, property owners, and the general public for the purpose of obtaining or providing information, coordinating activities, processing projects, negotiating plan changes, and formulating recommendations.
Conducts and supervises planning studies in the community; gathers data for implementing or evaluating current and advance planning projects; makes recommendations.
Prepares General Plan amendments and updates; prepares zone changes and updates; prepares zone ordinance text amendment and updates; participates in and makes recommendations regarding policy development; observes, identifies, and responds to policy and procedure‑related questions and concerns; communicates any observed deficiencies to management; participates in creating new policies and procedures as necessary.
Staffs and assists limited‑duration committees tasked with providing policy direction on advance planning studies.
Conducts site and policy background research to obtain information for the preparation of staff reports, correspondence, memoranda, policy documents, procedure documents, and presentations to supervisory, inter‑departmental staff, or governing bodies; reads, interprets, analyzes, and explains a wide variety of technical documents, studies, and practices related to traffic, transportation planning policies, noise, plant and animal resources, archaeological resources, paleontological resources, cultural resources, geo‑technics, water quality, air quality and legislation that may impact the City’s planning and transportation studies and/or projects.
Plans, organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of professional and administrative Planning Department staff; reviews and controls quality of work; provides input in completing employee evaluations; participates in selection and promotion.
Monitors activities of the work unit; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on activities and projects; recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements policies and procedures.
Determines and recommends staffing needs for assigned activities and projects; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.
Represents the City and presents oral reports at public meetings and hearings as necessary.
Provides staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; provides technical and professional support to departmental management staff and other City departments and the public; advises other departments regarding planning and/or environmental review requirements, budgets, and timelines to facilitate adequate project planning. Assists in the development and administration of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to the division; drafts formalized policies and procedures with supervisory confirmation.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of
Modern principles and practices, technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, and environmental planning and program management.
Geographic, socio‑economic, transportation, political, environmental, and other elements related to city planning.
Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
Site planning and architectural design principles.
General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and transportation planning as they relate to the process of urban planning.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentation, mapping, and database management.
Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
Ability to
Interpret and explain planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
Read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact on and of various City programs and services.
Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
Read, interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and complex Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures.
Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals.
Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, transportation planning or engineering, civil engineering, or a related field.
Experience Five (5) years of professional experience in planning, zoning, transportation, and related community development activities in a public agency setting. One (1) year of supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license and insurability at regular rates for the City’s automobile insurance.
Physical Demands Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
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The Senior Planner will lead the Advance Planning Division, which will predominantly focus on General Plan updates, amending existing and creating new Specific Plans, updating various sections of the Zoning Code, conducting and managing long‑range plans and projects, and collaborating closely with the Economic Development Department on special studies.
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close at any time. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. The first review of applications will be on
Fri
day, November 28,
2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Applications received after November 28, 2025, may not be considered.
This recruitment requires that a cover letter, resume, licenses you hold, and degree be uploaded with your application to be considered complete. Applicants appearing best qualified based upon a review of the application, materials, and responses to supplemental questions will be invited to participate in the testing process.
Responsibilities
Serves as project manager for multiple complex current and/or long‑range planning projects and special planning studies, including in‑depth application and plan review, coordination with applicants to obtain additional information and project changes, preparing legal notices, posting notices on sites, background research, preparing staff reports, attending public hearings and making presentations, monitoring implementation measures and conditions of approval, checking submittals for building plan check, and inspecting development sites at the beginning and upon completion of the project; reviews project applications and plans submitted for Planning Commission, and City Council considerations at public hearings.
May autonomously oversee programs within the department as delegated by the Planning Manager or Director of Planning.
Interprets and applies federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations to ensure that public and private projects are in compliance, including, without limitation, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Subdivision Map Act, Stormwater Quality Control Act, Public Resource Code, City of Bellflower General Plan, City of Bellflower Municipal Code, Specific Plans, Design Specifications, and Local Guidelines and procedures.
Prepares and evaluates the conclusions of initial studies, mitigated negativdeclarations, environmental impact reports, and uses the evaluation to formulate a recommendation on projects; monitors project compliance with environmental document mitigation measures and conditions of approval.
Performs specialized planning functions such as environmental review.
Conducts plan check of building permit‑level plan submittals associated with complex projects to verify compliance with project approvals and zoning requirements; conducts over‑the‑counter plan check of less complex development proposals and land uses; approves minor development plans.
Prepares and releases requests for proposals for technical consultant services; establishes selection criteria; evaluates proposals and conducts interviews in conformance with City policy; negotiates and recommends award of contracts; coordinates with and recommends needed contract management provisions and controls; manages and oversees technical consultants’ work products to ensure adherence to City standards and legal provisions; ensures that deliverables are submitted on time and within budget and that progress and payment requests are consistent with City policy and contract provisions.
Coordinates project reviews by other City departments and outside agencies and consultants.
Interacts and communicates with a variety of individuals and groups at the public service counter, in the field, over the telephone, at public hearings, and in discussion forums, including other City departments and public agencies, elected and appointed City officials, developers, consultants, architects, engineers, attorneys, appraisers, real estate agents, property owners, and the general public for the purpose of obtaining or providing information, coordinating activities, processing projects, negotiating plan changes, and formulating recommendations.
Conducts and supervises planning studies in the community; gathers data for implementing or evaluating current and advance planning projects; makes recommendations.
Prepares General Plan amendments and updates; prepares zone changes and updates; prepares zone ordinance text amendment and updates; participates in and makes recommendations regarding policy development; observes, identifies, and responds to policy and procedure‑related questions and concerns; communicates any observed deficiencies to management; participates in creating new policies and procedures as necessary.
Staffs and assists limited‑duration committees tasked with providing policy direction on advance planning studies.
Conducts site and policy background research to obtain information for the preparation of staff reports, correspondence, memoranda, policy documents, procedure documents, and presentations to supervisory, inter‑departmental staff, or governing bodies; reads, interprets, analyzes, and explains a wide variety of technical documents, studies, and practices related to traffic, transportation planning policies, noise, plant and animal resources, archaeological resources, paleontological resources, cultural resources, geo‑technics, water quality, air quality and legislation that may impact the City’s planning and transportation studies and/or projects.
Plans, organizes, assigns, and reviews the work of professional and administrative Planning Department staff; reviews and controls quality of work; provides input in completing employee evaluations; participates in selection and promotion.
Monitors activities of the work unit; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on activities and projects; recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; implements policies and procedures.
Determines and recommends staffing needs for assigned activities and projects; participates in the annual budget preparation; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications, as required; maintains a variety of records and prepares routine reports of work performance.
Represents the City and presents oral reports at public meetings and hearings as necessary.
Provides staff support to a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; provides technical and professional support to departmental management staff and other City departments and the public; advises other departments regarding planning and/or environmental review requirements, budgets, and timelines to facilitate adequate project planning. Assists in the development and administration of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures related to the division; drafts formalized policies and procedures with supervisory confirmation.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge of
Modern principles and practices, technical and legal issues of urban and regional planning, zoning, urban economics, demographics, and environmental planning and program management.
Geographic, socio‑economic, transportation, political, environmental, and other elements related to city planning.
Comprehensive plans and current planning processes and the development process.
Site planning and architectural design principles.
General concepts of architecture, landscaping, grading, drainage, and transportation planning as they relate to the process of urban planning.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Project management and contract administration principles and techniques.
Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to planning, zoning, and environmental review.
Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer hardware and software necessary for graphic presentation, mapping, and database management.
Practices of researching planning and land use issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to planning work.
Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation.
English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
Ability to
Interpret and explain planning and zoning programs to the general public; identify and respond to issues and concerns of the public, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
Read plans and specifications and make effective site visits.
Assess, monitor, and report environmental impact on and of various City programs and services.
Analyze site design, terrain constraints, land use compatibility, utilities, and other urban services.
Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
Read, interpret, apply, and explain technical written material and complex Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations, ordinances, and City planning policies and procedures.
Read and understand technical drawings and specifications.
Perform mathematical and planning computations with precision.
Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals.
Coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and agencies as required.
Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines.
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, community development, business or public administration, transportation planning or engineering, civil engineering, or a related field.
Experience Five (5) years of professional experience in planning, zoning, transportation, and related community development activities in a public agency setting. One (1) year of supervisory experience is highly desirable.
Licenses and Certifications
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license and insurability at regular rates for the City’s automobile insurance.
Physical Demands Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
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