Planner III

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 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. Essential Qualifications 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. Responsibilities Perform research and analysis pertaining to General Plan, neighborhood plans, and special projects. Process planning permits, environmental review applications, subdivision modifications, and plan check modifications/additions/alterations to structures. Monitor the preparation of environmental impact studies and reports, working with consultants and interdepartmental teams. Provide direction to the zoning staff, who advises property owners, developers, and the public about zoning and subdivision ordinances. Consult with other City departments, community organizations, and public agencies regarding their interest in zoning, subdivision, and general plan development. Make presentations to the City staff, neighborhood groups, professional organizations, Planning Commission, and City Council. Provide information and assistance on projects to developers, property owners, and the general public regarding laws, policies, regulations, standards, and planning procedures. Handle complaints and answer questions from the public regarding planning and zoning. Provide lead direction to or schedule, assign, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff. Education A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, architecture, landscape, urban studies, geography or a related field. A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in city or urban planning may be substituted for one year of work experience. Experience Four years of progressively responsible urban planning experience. License or Certificate / Other Requirements 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. Desirable Qualifications CEQA experience. Knowledge of land use planning practices, particularly entitlement review. Knowledge of state subdivision regulations. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification. Competencies Required Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims. Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations Presentation Skill: Formally delivering information to groups Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace Writing: Communicating effectively in writing Benefits Work/Life Balance: 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 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 Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training. 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. Criminal History 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr