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:
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.
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?
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*:
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