Job Information
Job Category
Environmental, Land Use, Urban Design
Company Name
City of Oakland, California
Position Level
Other
Job Description
The City of Oakland is currently recruiting for Planner II, Planner III, and Planner IV positions. If you would like to be considered for the positions, you must submit separate applications for each posting. 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 II, Planner III, and Planner IV 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, 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 the other planning divisions. A few reasons you might love this job: - Good camaraderie amongst staff in the Bureau of Planning; knowledge is shared, staff supports one another, and experienced staff mentor and help newer team members. - 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. - Being 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. - The Planning Bureau is a good mixture of newer staff with new ideas and goals leavened with a core of seasoned veterans who know process and historical context.Required Skills / Experience / Education
Planner II Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, 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 experience. Experience: Three years of urban planning experience. Planner III Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable. 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. Planner IV Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable. Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, 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 experience. Experience: Five years of progressively responsible urban planning experience including experience providing lead directionUS Citizenship Required?
Yes
Will security clearance be required?
No
Salary Range
Planner II - $96,310.20 - $118,256.52 Annually, Planner III - $111,484.92 - $136,890.12 Annually, Planner IV - $142,297.44 - $174,717.48 Annually
Other Benefits
What’s in it for you? • 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 (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 • Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training. *Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.Application Deadline
08/14/2026
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Travel
None
Primary Language Required
English
Job Location
Location Address
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, California
94612
Contact Information
Hiring Contact Name
Mary Ann Gonzales
Phone Number
(510) 238-6550
Website
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oaklandca