DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT IN ITS
ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
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The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The Department
Advancing a Safe, Accessible and Sustainable Built Environment
The Community Development Department delivers a wide variety of programs and services related to planning, building and safety, code enforcement, affordable housing, neighborhood improvement, and historic preservation to help create and maintain more safe, sustainable, and livable neighborhoods.
Responsibilities of the Community Development Department include:
- Building Permits & Online Permitting
- Code Enforcement/Environmental Quality
- Construction Plan Check and Inspections
- Development Review and Comprehensive Planning
- Engineering Permits and Records
- GIS
- Housing Programs (including Section 8)
- NPDES Administration
- Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Torrance
- Survey Information
- Transportation Planning
The Division
The Neighborhood Services Division provides a number of services that preserve the appearance, character and quality of our neighborhoods and our community. These efforts promote and maintain the high standards that make Torrance such a desirable place to live and do business. Services provided under the Environmental Quality Unit include: Zoning Enforcement, Land Use Codes, Property Maintenance, Noise Codes (Community and Airport), Sign Permits, Plan Checks, and Final Inspections (Residential and Commercial Developments).
The PositionThe Environmental Quality Officer reviews building related permit applications to determine proper land usage; inspects properties and investigates complaints to enforce environmental ordinances and zoning codes; assists in preparing legal prosecutions for zoning and environmental code violations; assists builders in correcting plans to comply with the City planning, environmental and zoning laws and regulations; inspects and monitors new and existing developments to enforce municipal codes and environmental regulations related to matters such as appropriate land use, inoperative vehicles, signs, animal control, community and aircraft noise, oil production and air quality; and makes office and field investigations in response to environmental related complaints and inquiries.
The Environmental Quality Officer also issues notices of code violations; recommends prosecution when appropriate and assists the legal department in preparing cases involving zoning and environmental violations for prosecution; attends Commission meetings and other environmental associated meetings; advises the public and personnel of other City departments on environmental, energy conservation and zoning matters; and performs related work as required.
For a full a job description, click here.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Graduation from a college or university with a Bachelor's degree in planning, civil engineering, architecture, public administration, social sciences or related fields. Additional qualifying experience, which also includes report writing and public speaking, may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.
Two years of public contact experience which includes resolving conflicts and interpreting, applying and enforcing rules, regulations, policies or codes.
License and Certificates
A valid California Class 3 Driver's License.
Ideal Candidate
Successful candidates will possess the following:- Demonstrated experience in the enforcement of Federal, State and local laws, codes, environmental and zoning regulations and related ordinances;
- Proactive mindset with a strong focus on identifying solutions and driving results;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment;
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively at all organizational levels; and
- Ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with individuals encountered in the course of work.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. The application filing period opens Monday, March 2, 2026. First review of applications will be those received by Sunday, March 22, 2026. Ifa sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the testing process, which will consist of the following components:
Oral Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled for March 30, 2026)
Department Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of April 13, 2026.
The tentative test dates will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
SPECIAL NOTES
The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's Office.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date. For further information, clickhere.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
