Planner I Job at City of Oakland, CA, Oakland, CA

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  • City of Oakland, CA
  • Oakland, CA

Job Description

The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.



Why join the City of Oakland Planning & Building Department?
The City of Oakland is looking for dedicated people to contribute to the success of our community. The Bureau of Planning is currently recruiting to fill several Planner I positions. This offers an exciting opportunity to participate in shaping the future of Oakland. The ideal candidates are highly motivated professionals with the ability to work effectively with City staff, appointed and elected officials, and a racially and culturally diverse community of public stakeholders.


Oakland is a racially, ethnically, linguistically and economically diverse community, and the City of Oakland welcomes candidates with diverse and multicultural skill sets. The Bureau of Planning supports the mission of the City of Oakland to transform practices in City government to promote racial equity in government and the community we serve.


The Planner I position is an entry level classification where staff receive training in and perform routine duties involving planning, zoning, subdivisions and permits.


There are four different Planning Divisions that include: Development Planning, Zoning, Strategic, and Operations.


The Development Planning and Zoning divisions process current planning entitlements. These divisions process multiple design review, conditional use permits, variances and subdivisions, both at a staff level and before Planning Commission. Most of the zoning cases can utilize CEQA exemptions but sometimes more complex CEQA review is required. While zoning staff generally do not work the permit center, they will be expected to review applications for new zoning cases using Teams for live intake appointments. The Development Planning Division processes larger and more complex entitlement applications, typically requiring complex CEQA analysis, interdepartmental coordination and review, and discretionary action. Both divisions work dynamically to move high-quality housing, commercial and neighborhood development forward to serve the community.


The Strategic Planning Division works on a variety of projects and policy change. The Division is starting on updating its Land Use and Transportation Element; Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation Element; Nosie Element, as well as a new Infrastructure Element. Planning and Zoning Code Amendments will accompany changes to implement these Elements. The Division continues to work on implementing many actions from the City’s recently adopted Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Elements. All of these updates are making major policy changes to allow for more housing in Oakland and looking at providing 15 minute neighborhoods that provide a variety of land uses for residents to easily access. Other types of projects currently in progress include Objective Design Standards and regulations for Short-Term Rentals.


The Planning Operations Division is responsible for providing customer service to the public at the permit center counter, through online appointments, on the phone, and via email regarding planning policies and procedures, active projects, zoning permit requirements and related building issues. The unit processes applications at the staff level which includes Small Project Design Review applications, Zoning Clearances, and Letters of Determination. This unit works closely with the Building Bureau and provides opportunities to collaborate with the other planning units.



We are looking for someone who is:


  • Knowledgeable about principles, practices, and trends in municipal planning.
  • Knowledgeable about theories, concepts, and principles of planning, zoning, subdivisions, urban design, and land use.
  • Knowledgeable about CEQA and how it relates to entitlement review.
  • Able to coordinate work with departments with differing objectives and roles
  • Able to work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment
  • Able to formulate independent judgment related to zoning entitlement review or policy work with backup, as needed
  • Able to communicate with the public on the phone, by email, and through community engagement meetings.
  • Able to do research on best practices and formulate recommendations based on the research.


What you will typically be responsible for (this may vary depending on the division):

  • Planning and conducting research studies regarding land use, zoning, subdivisions, environmental impact, and urban design.
  • Processing planning permits, environmental review applications, subdivision modifications, and plan check modifications/additions/alterations to structures.
  • Assisting with preparing environmental impact studies, working with consultants in the preparation of Environmental Impact Reports.
  • Developing studies, designs, and plans of current projects or specific phases of the General Plan.
  • Processing Small Project Design Review applications, Zoning Clearances, Letters of Determination and plan check modifications/additions/alterations to structures.
  • Conducting rezoning studies, including background research, site visits, review of regulations, survey maps, and public meetings.
  • Participating in all work levels of routine planning studies, including outline of work methodologies, conclusions, and recommendations.
  • Providing information and assistance on projects to developers, property owners, and the general public regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards, and planning procedures.
  • Providing general information to the public via planner counter visits, virtual appointments, phone calls, and email correspondence.
  • Responding to complaints from the public and developers.


Planner I







A few reasons you might love this job:

  • Good camaraderie amongst staff in the Bureau of Planning, people share knowledge and help one another, seasoned staff mentor and support newer staff.
  • This is a good place to grow. It’s tough and challenging but you will be exposed to a lot of complex conditions and experiences in Oakland that you might not ever experience in a smaller and less diverse jurisdiction.
  • You will be able to work on policy changes that can positively affect the growth of the City of Oakland by creating an equitable and just city.
  • The work is rewarding in that you see proposals that you analyzed developed.
  • There is a good mixture of newer staff with new ideas and goals leavened with a core of seasoned veterans who know processes and historical context.
A few challenges you might face in this job:

  • Working with the public can sometimes be difficult
  • Working in a political environment within a bureaucracy
  • Not all processes are well documented
  • Demanding workload due to current vacancies which the city is actively working to fill
Competencies Required:

  • Analyzing & Interpreting Data : Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
  • Critical Thinking : Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims.
  • Fact Finding : Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
  • Using Technology : Working with electronic hardware and software applications
  • Adaptability : Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
  • Establishing Credibility : Doing what one commits to doing and respecting the confidentiality of information and concerns shared by others.
  • Informing : Proactively obtaining and sharing information
  • Oral Communication : Engaging effectively in dialogue
  • Writing : Communicating effectively in writing
  • Customer Focus : Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
  • Valuing Diversity : Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
  • Teamwork : Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

Minimum Requirements for Application

This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.



Education :
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, urban studies, geography, or a related field.



Experience :
None required.


License or Certificate / Other Requirements

Successful incumbents in this position are expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be a cost effective or efficient method for traveling to the various locations required. Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver’s License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.


FLEXIBLE STAFFING
Incumbents in the Planner I classification are eligible to promote to the Planner II classification in accordance with established City policy related to flexible staffing.

Supplemental Information

The Recruitment Process:
The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and Human Resources staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the “minimum qualifications” listed for each position.


Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.


Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.


For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be sent a writing exercise, which will then be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. The tentative date that the writing exercise will be sent to you for completion is the week of October 14, 2024.


Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you’re applying to a “restricted” posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.


The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.



What’s in it for you?


  • Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks, and a flexible/hybrid remote schedule
  • 15 paid holidays
  • Vacation – 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
  • Retirement – CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
  • Health – The City of Oakland pays for the cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care and other HMO and PPO plans
  • Dental – The City of Oakland pays for Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
  • Vision – The City of Oakland pays for VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
  • Sick leave – Employees accrue 12 days per year
  • Deferred Compensation – 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
  • Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Training, & possible Telecommuting.
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.



Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.



How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system.




If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).



Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov's Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Debbie Gutman, Principal Human Resource Consultant at dgutman@cpshr.us .


Agency

City of Oakland

Address

150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza - 2nd Floor


Oakland, California, 94612

Phone

(510) 238-3112

Website


The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:



  • CalPERS Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Medical Waiver Plan – Cash-In-Lieu
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
  • Pension Benefits
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Specific benefits may vary depending on the assigned specific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Employee Benefits Information Current MOUs may be reviewed here: City of Oakland Labor Agreements

Job Tags

Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Work visa, Flexible hours, Monday to Friday,

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