Bell Gardens
Salary :
$85,764.00 - $104,244.00 Annually Location :
7100 Garfield Ave. Bell Gardens, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
2526-002 Department:
Community Development Opening Date:
07/31/2025 Closing Date:
8/24/2025 11:59 AM Pacific
Position Details POSITION
The Community Development Department is strongly oriented towards quality customer service and is looking to fill the position of Associate Planner with a candidate that is highly motivated and has excellent interpersonal skills. The Associate Planner serves as the intermediate level in the professional series of urban planning job classifications. The City is only accepting online applications for this recruitment. As such, you must complete and submit an online application and completely answer all supplemental questions to be considered for this position.
Examples of Essential Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Associate Planner, under general/limited supervision of the City Planner, serves to provide information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public on planning, zoning, and development related matters. The Associate Planner also prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Commission and City Council, provides staff assistance to the City Planner on both current and advanced planning projects, and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required by the field of urban planning. The Associate Planner confers with and provides consultative advice to architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; Reviews development proposals and applications for compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and consistency with the General Plan; Performs field surveys to identify problems and ensure conformance with project conditions and development standards; Prepares CEQA documentation to evaluate environmental impacts; Reviews, assigns and processes land use entitlements, including site plan reviews, conditional use permits, variances, subdivisions, General Plan amendments, and zoning code amendments; Interprets and applies land use, environmental quality, subdivision, and general planning laws and regulations to ensure compliance of City commercial, industrial and residential development projects with the Zoning Code.
Minimum & Desirable Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful job performance. A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows: Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, architecture, geography, and/or other related field. Experience:
Two years of full-time experience in urban planning, including design, site plan preparation/review, and code interpretation/application. Special Requirements: Valid California Class C driver's license Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable. Knowledge
Well-developed knowledge of planning principles and practices In-depth knowledge of one or more planning specialization, such as economic development, transportation planning, environmental planning, affordable housing, urban design, economic development Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS Skills
Oral communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas.
Other Important Information SELECTION PROCESS
Following a review of all applicants, the best-qualified candidates will be scheduled for further assessment procedures. Those applicants who successfully complete the evaluation process will be further considered. Initial appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a City paid physical examination, drug screening, background check and verification of U.S. Citizenship or right to work in the United States. This position is subject to and dependent on the continued availability of funds and the manpower needs of the City of Bell Gardens. The successful candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete a probationary period before being promoted to "regular" status. NOTICES
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. This position is subject to and dependent on the continued availability of funds and the manpower needs of the City of Bell Gardens. Under the California Government Code, Chapter 8 of Division 4 of Title 1, Section 3100 and the City of Bell Gardens Municipal Code Chapter 2.34, all City employees are designated as official disaster workers in the event of a declared disaster. In a declared disaster City employees may be required to report to work at times other than their regularly scheduled shifts and work extensive overtime during the emergency period. Selected candidate will be designated as a "Disaster Services Worker" and will be required to submit to an Oath of Office. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Bell Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
If you require reasonable accommodation during the examination components due to a qualified disability, you must inform the Human Resources Division at (562) 806-7717 at least 5 days in advance of testing date.
Please contact NEOGOV applicant support at (855) 524-5627 for any technical issues when creating an account or submitting an application. Applicant Support Hours: Monday through Friday 6am - 5pm PST.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive Listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas. Health Insurance
- 100% City-paid medical (HMO), dental and vision coverage for employee and eligible dependents - a small employee contribution may be required when premium plans are selected. Cafeteria Opt Out for cash available.
Supplemental Insurance
- City paid employee assistance program, STD/LTD plans, and life insurance at 1x annual salary (included AD&D).
Retirement
- Enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Formula dependent upon current PERS membership:
2.7% @55 (Tier I Classic Member) 2.0% @55 (Tier II Classic Member) 2.0% @62 (Tier III /New Member/PEPRA)
Leaves
- Competitive Vacation and Sick Leave Plans; along with generous holiday and floating holiday time. Bilingual Pay
- Employees certified as fluent in English/Spanish can receive up to $200 per month.
Educational Incentive
-Incentive paid for degree above minimum job requirement as follows: Associate Degree - $100 per month; Bachelor's Degree - $150 per month; Master's Degree - $200 per month.
Tuition Reimbursement
-The City reimburses for job-related courses with prior approval and satisfactory completion up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Deferred Compensation Plan
- Employees may defer their eligible income not to exceed legally allowed limits.
Optional Benefits
- Supplemental Life / Accidental / Short Term Disability / Cancer Insurance plans available. 01
Are you currently or have you ever been a City of Bell Gardens employee?
Yes No
02
Do you currently have a Bachelor's Degree or higher?
Yes No
03
Do you have at least two years of experience in urban planning, including design, site plan preparation/review, and code interpretation/application?
Yes No
04
Select one of the following that best describes your full-time paid experience writing and presenting staff reports to appointed and elected government bodies.
Some experience with minor reports, providing assistance to other planners. Direct experience with current planning discretionary projects. Direct experience writing current and advanced planning discretionary project reports. No Experience
05
Please describe your experience reviewing environmental documents (i.e. CEQA, IS/ND, IS/MND, EIR, NEPA).
I have no experience in this activity. I have assisted others in doing this. I have done this independently but not extensively. I have done this as a regular part of my job duties. I have trained/coached others in performing this activity.
06
Please describe your work experience related to current and long-range planning. Required Question
$85,764.00 - $104,244.00 Annually Location :
7100 Garfield Ave. Bell Gardens, CA Job Type:
Full-Time Job Number:
2526-002 Department:
Community Development Opening Date:
07/31/2025 Closing Date:
8/24/2025 11:59 AM Pacific
Position Details POSITION
The Community Development Department is strongly oriented towards quality customer service and is looking to fill the position of Associate Planner with a candidate that is highly motivated and has excellent interpersonal skills. The Associate Planner serves as the intermediate level in the professional series of urban planning job classifications. The City is only accepting online applications for this recruitment. As such, you must complete and submit an online application and completely answer all supplemental questions to be considered for this position.
Examples of Essential Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Associate Planner, under general/limited supervision of the City Planner, serves to provide information and assistance to developers, the business community, and the public on planning, zoning, and development related matters. The Associate Planner also prepares and presents staff reports to the Planning Commission and City Council, provides staff assistance to the City Planner on both current and advanced planning projects, and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required by the field of urban planning. The Associate Planner confers with and provides consultative advice to architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding City development policies and standards; Reviews development proposals and applications for compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and consistency with the General Plan; Performs field surveys to identify problems and ensure conformance with project conditions and development standards; Prepares CEQA documentation to evaluate environmental impacts; Reviews, assigns and processes land use entitlements, including site plan reviews, conditional use permits, variances, subdivisions, General Plan amendments, and zoning code amendments; Interprets and applies land use, environmental quality, subdivision, and general planning laws and regulations to ensure compliance of City commercial, industrial and residential development projects with the Zoning Code.
Minimum & Desirable Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for successful job performance. A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows: Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, architecture, geography, and/or other related field. Experience:
Two years of full-time experience in urban planning, including design, site plan preparation/review, and code interpretation/application. Special Requirements: Valid California Class C driver's license Ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable. Knowledge
Well-developed knowledge of planning principles and practices In-depth knowledge of one or more planning specialization, such as economic development, transportation planning, environmental planning, affordable housing, urban design, economic development Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS Skills
Oral communication and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas.
Other Important Information SELECTION PROCESS
Following a review of all applicants, the best-qualified candidates will be scheduled for further assessment procedures. Those applicants who successfully complete the evaluation process will be further considered. Initial appointment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a City paid physical examination, drug screening, background check and verification of U.S. Citizenship or right to work in the United States. This position is subject to and dependent on the continued availability of funds and the manpower needs of the City of Bell Gardens. The successful candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete a probationary period before being promoted to "regular" status. NOTICES
The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. This position is subject to and dependent on the continued availability of funds and the manpower needs of the City of Bell Gardens. Under the California Government Code, Chapter 8 of Division 4 of Title 1, Section 3100 and the City of Bell Gardens Municipal Code Chapter 2.34, all City employees are designated as official disaster workers in the event of a declared disaster. In a declared disaster City employees may be required to report to work at times other than their regularly scheduled shifts and work extensive overtime during the emergency period. Selected candidate will be designated as a "Disaster Services Worker" and will be required to submit to an Oath of Office. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Bell Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
If you require reasonable accommodation during the examination components due to a qualified disability, you must inform the Human Resources Division at (562) 806-7717 at least 5 days in advance of testing date.
Please contact NEOGOV applicant support at (855) 524-5627 for any technical issues when creating an account or submitting an application. Applicant Support Hours: Monday through Friday 6am - 5pm PST.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive Listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas. Health Insurance
- 100% City-paid medical (HMO), dental and vision coverage for employee and eligible dependents - a small employee contribution may be required when premium plans are selected. Cafeteria Opt Out for cash available.
Supplemental Insurance
- City paid employee assistance program, STD/LTD plans, and life insurance at 1x annual salary (included AD&D).
Retirement
- Enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Formula dependent upon current PERS membership:
2.7% @55 (Tier I Classic Member) 2.0% @55 (Tier II Classic Member) 2.0% @62 (Tier III /New Member/PEPRA)
Leaves
- Competitive Vacation and Sick Leave Plans; along with generous holiday and floating holiday time. Bilingual Pay
- Employees certified as fluent in English/Spanish can receive up to $200 per month.
Educational Incentive
-Incentive paid for degree above minimum job requirement as follows: Associate Degree - $100 per month; Bachelor's Degree - $150 per month; Master's Degree - $200 per month.
Tuition Reimbursement
-The City reimburses for job-related courses with prior approval and satisfactory completion up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Deferred Compensation Plan
- Employees may defer their eligible income not to exceed legally allowed limits.
Optional Benefits
- Supplemental Life / Accidental / Short Term Disability / Cancer Insurance plans available. 01
Are you currently or have you ever been a City of Bell Gardens employee?
Yes No
02
Do you currently have a Bachelor's Degree or higher?
Yes No
03
Do you have at least two years of experience in urban planning, including design, site plan preparation/review, and code interpretation/application?
Yes No
04
Select one of the following that best describes your full-time paid experience writing and presenting staff reports to appointed and elected government bodies.
Some experience with minor reports, providing assistance to other planners. Direct experience with current planning discretionary projects. Direct experience writing current and advanced planning discretionary project reports. No Experience
05
Please describe your experience reviewing environmental documents (i.e. CEQA, IS/ND, IS/MND, EIR, NEPA).
I have no experience in this activity. I have assisted others in doing this. I have done this independently but not extensively. I have done this as a regular part of my job duties. I have trained/coached others in performing this activity.
06
Please describe your work experience related to current and long-range planning. Required Question