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Assistant Planner
City of Simi Valley / Simi Valley, CA
Posted on: September 26, 2026
Application Deadline: Until 50 candidates have been received
Job Description
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties
performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all
duties performed within the job.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, performs professional work in the field of current and/or
comprehensive planning; and provides information and assistance to developers, the
business community and the public on planning and development related matters.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry level class in the professional Planner series. This class is
distinguished from the Associate Planner by the performance of the more routine tasks
and duties assigned to positions within the series including preparation of
correspondence, processing of routine permits and providing information on municipal
codes. Typically, employees have completed a college degree in the field but have
limited experience in the planning field. An acute awareness of customer service will be
a necessary characteristic of this class.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of
the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from
those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
1. Provide assistance at the public service counter; process zoning clearances,
home occupation, temporary use and sign permits; verify uses for business tax
certificate applications; calculate parking analyses for tenant improvements;
receive planning applications.
2. Answer questions regarding the municipal code, the general plan, map act,
permit or application processing and compliance issues.
3. Answer phone inquiries from developers, contractors and the public; provide
information on flood insurance rate maps, current and approved projects.
4. Prepare correspondence to property or business owners regarding zoning
violations; meet with property or business owners and the Compliance Division
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
Assistant Planner (Continued)
staff to resolve complaints; conduct site inspections to ensure violations are
corrected.
5. Review development proposals and applications for compliance with appropriate
regulations and policies; prepare reports on recommendations.
6. Participate in the environmental review process of proposed development;
ensure compliance with California Environmental Quality Act.
7. Prepare less complex staff reports for the Planning Commission, various
committees and advisory boards as directed; undertake research; prepare
reports and maps.
8. Collect, record and summarize statistical and demographic information; establish
and maintain a comprehensive database.
9. Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints
and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints concerning
the City’s planning function.
10. Perform site visits of proposed projects; survey neighborhoods for land uses.
11. Research and prepare a variety of documents, briefs, and correspondence on
planning activities.
12. Attend a variety of meetings as required including Planning Commission and City
Council Public Hearings.
13. May make public presentations and present oral reports to community groups,
Planning Commission and City Council on planning information and activities.
14. Assist technical staff with research as required.
15. Perform related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job
and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the
assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of urban planning and development.
Laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions.
Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Basic site planning and architectural design techniques and methods.
Basic computer functions including spreadsheet and word processing software.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Modern office methods, practices, procedures and computer equipment.
Ability to:
Required Experience / Skills / Education
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job
and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the
assigned duties.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of urban planning and development.
Laws underlying general plans, zoning and land divisions.
Applicable environmental laws and regulations.
Basic site planning and architectural design techniques and methods.
Basic computer functions including spreadsheet and word processing software.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Modern office methods, practices, procedures and computer equipment.
Ability to:
Interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.
Interpret and utilize current literature, information sources and research techniques
in the field of urban planning.
Perform basic plan checking activities.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Learn applicable software programs.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the
course of work.
Education and Experience Guidelines – Any combination of education and
experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is
qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education/Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
with major course work in planning, geography, public administration,
environmental science or a related field.
Experience:
One year of planning experience is desirable.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Application Instructions
Special Instructions:
To apply, click Apply and upload your current resume. Only the fields marked with an asterisk (*) and the supplemental questionnaire are required.
Applications are reviewed as they come in. The first formal review will take place after October 2nd, 2026.
This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled or 50 applications are received, so applying early is encouraged.
What to Expect in the Selection Process:
- Applications will be evaluated based on education, training, and experience
- Oral Board results determine placement on the eligibility list
- Additional testing may include written exams, oral boards, and department interviews
- Veteran’s Preference requires submission of a DD214
Before You’re Officially Hired:
All job offers are contingent on completing the following:
- Passing a background check
- Passing a pre‑employment physical and/or drug screen (if required)
- Providing three professional references, including one direct supervisor
- Submitting copies of any degrees, certifications, or licenses listed on your application
- Completing a 5‑year employment verification
Need an Accommodation?
If you need assistance during any part of the hiring process, you may request a reasonable accommodation in writing from the Human Resources Division.
City of Simi Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer Encouraging Workforce Diversity.
