Planner III

City of Oakland • Oakland, CA

2d • Hybrid

About 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. The Bureau of Planning is currently recruiting to fill several Planner III 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. There are four Planning Divisions: Development Planning, Zoning, Strategic, and Operations. The Development Planning and Zoning divisions process current planning entitlements. These divisions process multiple design reviews, 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. Development Planning and Zoning staff are expected to work a small percentage of hours at the permit center, as well as review applications for new zoning cases using Microsoft 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 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 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 creating an Alternative Plan for Senate Bill 79 and a Regional Shoreline Adaptation Plan. Strategic Planning Staff are also expected to work a small percentage of hours at the permit center. The Planning Operations Division is responsible for providing customer service to the public at the permit center counter, 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 the other planning divisions.

Requirements

• Knowledgeable about land use planning law in California
• 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 judgement related to zoning entitlement review, with backup as needed
• Able to communicate with the public on the phone, email, and through community engagement meetings.
• Able to conduct research on best practices and formulate recommendations based on the research.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, architecture, landscape, urban studies, geography or a related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible urban planning experience.
• Successful incumbents in this position are expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• CEQA experience.
• Knowledge of land use planning practices, particularly entitlement review.
• Knowledge of state subdivision regulations.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in city or urban planning may be substituted for one year of work experience.

Responsibilities

• Performing research and analysis pertaining to General Plan, neighborhood plans, and special projects.
• Processing planning permits, environmental review applications, subdivision modifications, and plan check modifications/additions/alterations to structures.
• Monitoring the preparation of environmental impact studies and reports, working with consultants and interdepartmental teams.
• Providing direction to the zoning staff, who advises property owners, developers, and the public about zoning and subdivision ordinances.
• Consulting with other City departments, community organizations, and public agencies regarding their interest in zoning, subdivision, and general plan development.
• Making presentations to the City staff, neighborhood groups, professional organizations, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Providing information and assistance on projects to developers, property owners, and the general public regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards, and planning procedures.
• Handling complaints and answering questions from the public regarding planning and zoning.
• Providing lead direction to or scheduling, assigning, supervising, and evaluating assigned staff.

Benefits

• 37.5 hour work weeks
• 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 the full 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: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vision: 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
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life Insurance up to $200k
• Employee Training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level