EXAM NUMBER
54430B-R
TYPE OF RECRUITMENT
We welcome applications from everyone.
We will be accepting online applications from Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) until Thursday, August 27, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (PT). All applications must be received before 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Thursday, August 27, 2026, to be accepted.
Why work for us?
With more than 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California, over 116,000 employees in more than 38 Departments, we provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities and many more
We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. The County has more than 2,300 different job descriptions, offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We offer one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the country. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options, robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work, relax, and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.
The team member we are searching for:
An individual who participates in planning and zoning studies, analyses and research; communicates with the public concerning planning issues and engages in other planning and zoning activities.
For more information, please view the classification specification: Regional Planner
Follow us on Social Media!
Participates in the research, writing, and public engagement and discussion regarding the adoption of the County's general plan, area, coastal, community, and neighborhood plan policies, and other specialized plans and studies such as the County’s Sustainability Plan.
Participates in the research and drafting of zoning, subdivision, and other land use regulations.
Participates in the analysis of complex planning problems, the preparation of population and other planning projections, housing needs, and parking studies.
Responds in writing or orally to inquiries from the public on General Plan policy, and subdivision and zoning regulations.
Processes applications for subdivisions, zone changes, variances, and conditional use permits.
Evaluates applications for consistency with General Plan policy, and compliance with zoning and subdivision regulations.
Conducts field inspections, prepares staff reports and public notices, coordinates with other public agencies, and follows all other necessary procedures for public hearings.
Analyzes, reviews and prepares environmental documents including Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, and both the draft and final versions of the Environmental Impact Reports in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Explains County and State environmental regulations to the general public and project applicants.
Investigates and analyzes property ownership, recorded property ownership and zoning histories; gathers and consolidates data from public records and other sources to assist in the development of written staff reports in support of recommendations for official action.
Investigates violations of zoning regulations, and discusses alleged violations with property owners, complainants, community groups, the Board of Supervisors, County Counsel, the District Attorney, and other enforcement agencies, and may make court appearances.
Prepares and makes oral presentations of planning development applications, zoning and other planning related information to the Regional Planning Commission, and civic, community, governmental, professional, and other interest groups.
Prepares graphics, exhibits, maps, and other audio-visual illustrations to present findings and critical issues of planning studies in support of the department's recommendations.
Uses computer programs or planning applications to accept applications and process fees and prepare reports, maps, spreadsheets, data bases and/or graphics in carrying out planning activities.
Works collaboratively with other Sections and Divisions within Regional Planning, other County departments, and public and private organizations in coordinating project activities and resolving problems pertaining to planning matters related to the department such as homelessness, sustainability, climate change, and equity.
REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:
OPTION I:
A bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Planning from an accredited college or university
OPTION II:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with specialization in Environmental Studies, Geography, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Public Policy, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, or Urban Design with 15 semester or 22.5 quarter units of upper division courses in Urban or Regional Planning, Cartography, Urban Geography and/or Environmental Planning.
OPTION III:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of professional urban or regional planning experience applying land use planning principles by interpreting and implementing zoning regulations, advising the public on land use and development requirements, resolving zoning and code compliance issues, and developing or implementing long-range planning policies, General Plans, or other legislative land use initiatives.
WITHOLD INFORMATION:
No withhold will be allowed. Required experience and or education must be fully met by the last day of filing and clearly indicated on the application.
LICENSE:
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
PHYSICAL CLASS:
Physical Class II – Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:
To receive credit for your education, include a legible copy of all relevant official documents. For Option I and III, include a legible copy of your diploma, official transcript, or letter/certificate from an accredited institution demonstrating your specialization. For Option II, you must include a copy of your transcript demonstrating the date the degree was conferred, number of units and the type of unit system used (e.g., semester, quarter). All documents provided must be in English. If not in English, then translation is required. International degrees must be evaluated for equivalency to US standards and indicate the number of units and unit system. Documents marked as unofficial will not be accepted. For more information on our standards for educational documents, please visit: https://file.lacounty.gov/SDSInter/dhr/070812_PPG123.pdf ;
If you are unable to attach the document to your application, please send the document to [email protected] within seven (7) calendar days from the last day of filing and indicate the exam name and number on the subject line.
We do not accept password-protected documents. Ensure documents are unlocked before attaching to your application or sending to the exam analyst.
Once we have identified that you meet our requirements, an invitation regarding the following assessment processes will be sent:
EXAMINATION CONTENT
This examination will consist of TWO (2) parts:
PART I: A multiple choice test weighted 65% measuring:
-
Professional Potential
-
Achievement
-
Coping with Uncertainty
-
Responsibility
-
Working to High Quality Standards
-
Willingness to Learn
-
Working Relationships
-
Analyzing Information
-
Learning Quickly
-
Generating New Ideas
-
Using Time Efficiently
-
Adapting to Change
-
Deductive Reasoning
Applicants must meet the requirements and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on Part I (multiple choice and/or simulation assessments) in order to proceed to Part II (technical writing project).
MULTIPLE CHOICE TEST/SIMULAR ASSESSMENTS ARE NOT REVIEWABLE BY CANDIDATES PER CIVIL SERVICE RULE 7.19.
PART II: A technical writing project weighted 35% measuring:
-
Written Expression
-
Professional/Technical Knowledge
-
Critical Thinking
Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on each part of the examination in order to be placed on the eligible list.
TRANSFER OF TEST COMPONENTS:
If you recently took identical components for other exams, the test responses may be automatically transferred to this examination. This exam contains test components that might be used on future exams, and your responses could be transferred to that exam.
TEST PREPARATION:
We provide study guides and other test preparation resources to help candidates prepare for employment tests. While the guides may help in preparing for the test, we recommend reviewing all related materials that seem necessary. Various information can be found on our website at https://hr.lacounty.gov/job-search-toolkit/. The section dedicated to test preparation is "Employment Test Assistance." Online practice tests are available at https://www.shldirect.com/en-us/practice-tests. You can also visit our Los Angeles County Online Assessment Preparation Series webpage at https://lacounty.attract.neogov.com/la-county-online-assessments-prep-series for information about common online assessment types, sample questions, and test-taking tips.
ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION:
Candidates who passed the assessment are placed on a list in the order of their score group for a period of 12 months. Regional Planning will use this list to fill vacancies as they occur.
APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION:
We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.
Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employer's name and address, job title, beginning and ending dates, number of hours worked per week, and description of work performed.
We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.
We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into Governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.
New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to govermentjobs.com and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.
Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number, so include yours when applying.
For those who do not have access to a computer or the internet, we provide access to complete an application at public libraries throughout the county.
All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family member's or friend's login information may erase a candidate's original application record.
___________________________________________________________________________
Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI):
The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment, selection, and employment practices.
TESTING ACCOMMODATION:
If you require an accommodation to fairly compete in any part of the assessment process, you will be given the opportunity to make a request when completing your application. Please note, you may be required to submit documentation from a qualified medical provider or other qualified professional to support your request for a testing accommodation.
Testing Accommodations Coordinator: [email protected] or appropriate contact info
Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099
Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077
California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922
Department Contact Name: Channon Sears
Department Contact Phone: (213) 738-2008
Department Contact Email: [email protected]
