There is currently one vacancy located in the Planning Division of the Community Development Department.

The Community Development Department oversees the orderly growth of the community through implementation of the City's General Plan, Zoning, and Building Regulation.  The department is comprised of the Planning Division, as well as the Building and Safety Division.

Work Hours: Hours are flexible for an average of twenty (20) hours per week Monday through Friday.

Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification.

• Provide general information and referrals to the public regarding City Services, including plan review.
• Assist Planning staff with public counter inquires, site inspections, research projects, plan checks, and report preparation.
• Provide administrative assistance such as answering the phone, making copies, faxing, document delivery and data entry.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

A combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying:

Education: High school graduate or equivalent AND current enrollment in an accredited college or university with at least Senior Standing or Graduate Student*, in a program leading to a degree in Public Planning, Urban Planning and Development, or a related field.  Recent graduates are welcome to apply.  Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

*Accredited institutions are those listed in the publications of regional, national or international accrediting agencies which are accepted by the Human Resources.  Publications such as American Universities and Colleges and International Handbook of Universities are acceptable references. The publications are available for review in the City of Downey's Library. 

**Applicants must provide copies of their college/university transcripts or degree.  Copies must be uploaded and submitted with the on-line employment application.  Applications received without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and removed from consideration.  

Experience: None required.  General office and customer service experience is desirable.  Bilingual skills are desirable.

Knowledge of: English language, spelling, grammar and punctuation; arithmetic, computer applications including practical experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Access, utilizing various office equipment.

The ability to read and interpret building plans is highly desirable.

Ability to: Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing and establish and maintain effective relationships; perform complex work with a minimum of instruction and supervision; understand and correctly follow oral and written directions; assemble and track data and compile report information; and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to the office or work area.

The ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable.  

License Requirement: Due to the performance of field duties a valid California Class C Drivers License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.  An acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment is required.  

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles. 

Physical Tasks/Abilities and Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in an office environment and occasionally on-site in open areas and may require sitting for periods of time using a computer keyboard and screen. An incumbent stands, walks and may, reach, bend, crouch, kneel, grasp, move, push, pull, drag, lift and carry boxes of files and other items weighing 25 pounds or less. When on-site an incumbent may climb stairs and inclines and walk on slippery, uneven surfaces and slopes. An incumbent must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications materials will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of information submitted to determine the level and scope of the candidate's preparation for the position. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

Examination Process:  Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%.

The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to an employment offer, a comprehensive background investigation is conducted, including fingerprinting. A pre-placement medical exam, including a drug screen will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.