Assistant Planner

The City of West Hollywood has an ideal opportunity for a planner who is passionate about creating vibrant urban communities. The Long Range Planning Division seeks an Assistant Planner who will contribute to a wide range of innovative land use planning and housing policy programs. The right candidate will have an understanding of housing and land use policy, sustainability, zoning regulations, environmental review processes, and municipal planning principles and is prepared to engage in complex technical analysis, policy research, and public presentation as part of a dynamic team of municipal government professionals.

Why WeHo

The City of West Hollywood is like no other city in the world. Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles and only 1.9 square miles, the City of West Hollywood was incorporated in 1984 by a unique collaboration of people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activists, seniors, and advocates for affordable housing. West Hollywood is an international tourism destination with a diverse population and is also the location of many entertainment, design, technology, and hospitality-based businesses. The City is a robust economic and cultural center instilled with idealism, creativity, and innovation. A spirit of community activism and civic pride thrives in West Hollywood for many of its approximately 36,500 residents. The City of West Hollywood has a strong progressive voice, is a leader among communities, and is filled with a rich history. The City prides itself on strong core values: Respect and Support for People; Responsiveness to the Public; Idealism, Creativity, and Innovation; Quality of Residential Life; Promotion of Economic Development; Public Safety; and Responsibility for the Environment – as well as being proactive in responding to the needs of its diverse community.

How We Serve

The Long Range Planning (LRP) Division works with the community to set a clear vision through the City’s General Plan to enhance and preserve West Hollywood’s special built environment. The division creates more inclusive, affordable, sustainable, connected, vibrant, and opportunity-rich West Hollywood neighborhoods by balancing the goals of the City’s diverse communities with its needs for the future. Long Range Planning manages policy development and strategic planning activities for Sustainability, Housing, Land Use, and special strategic planning projects. Coordination and collaboration with the West Hollywood community and our neighboring cities is a critical element of LRP work. The LRP Division also works closely with local residents, businesses, and community groups, and the City’s commissions, boards, and elected officials, as well as with regional planning agencies such as Southern California Association of Governments, Urban Sustainability Directors Network, Los Angeles Regional Collaborative for Climate Action and Sustainability, and the Westside Cities Council of Governments.

What You’ll Contribute

Join our growing team of creative planning professionals engaged in a wide range of innovative planning and policy programs. This position requires excellent project management skills, a passion for community engagement, excellent communication skills, and demonstrated (or potential) expertise in various facets of housing and land use policy. This position will coordinate projects with internal and external partners and be responsible for completing complex, politically sensitive projects. Active Long Range Planning Division projects include: implementing the 6^th Cycle Housing Element, including addressing the housing crisis through zoning and policy changes, and managing the Climate Adaptation and Action Plan, among many others.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Understanding of housing policy, affordable housing strategies, zoning, and land use planning.
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and applying regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of policy development, environmental protection, and sustainable planning practices.
• Proven ability to manage and support multiple projects with attention to detail, delivering planning solutions on time and within budget.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for graphic design.
• Experience designing creative and innovative public engagement strategies and facilitating stakeholder meetings to build consensus.
• Interest or background in architecture or urban design with strong design skills.

For full position details, please click the job description: Assistant Planner Job Description.

This position is eligible to work remotely for up to 50% of its time, subject to approval and based on the ongoing operational needs of the City.

Reports to: Long Range Planning Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field; and, 
• One to two years of progressively responsible experience; or, 
• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Licenses and Certifications:

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification (desirable)