PLANNER II AND III - OAHU
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Island of Oahu
Job Type
Various
Job Number
26-0327
Department
Various
Opening Date
09/01/2026
Closing Date
9/9/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii
Recruitment Information
Recruitment Number 26-0327
The current vacancy positions are located in Ewa, Waipahu to Aiea, and Downtown.
This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy positions and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
II Level: $5,104 per month (SR-18, Step D) - Salary includes Shortage Category Differential
III Level: $5,512 to $6,401 per month (SR-20, Step D to I) - Salary Includes Shortage Category Differential
Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicants qualifications, and other relevant factors.
Duties Summary
Planners are concerned wth providing legislative and top-level administrative policymakers with information and plans for the orderly and coordinated physical, environmental, social and/or economic development of Hawaii and/or of the services of the State government. Positions are involved with the development of information and rationale for decisions which affect the direction, rate and character of growth of the State and/or of services to the people of the State over a significant period of time.
The Planner II performs fact-finding and analysis in public planning studies; and performs other related duties as assigned. This class involves the compilation of facts and simple analysis work in assisting in planning studies. These studies are concerned with integrating the existing conditions of an area of concern or program with new or changing patterns such as of land uses, facilities, and environmental, social and/or economic conditions. Work results are subject to close review.
The Planner III assists in the conduct of public planning projects; conducts fact-finding and analyses; prepares reports of findings and conclusions and planning recommendations; and performs other related duties as assigned. This class involves responsibility for assisting higher-level planners by performing required research and analysis of data and participating in the development of plans for selected planning problems and assignments. The work involves independently carrying out required research studies and preparing reports of findings and analysis of data and developing preliminary drafts for assigned planning project segments. Results and recommendations are integrated into the larger project by the planner-in-charge or other supervisor. Review of planning recommendations includes a determination of whether the incumbent has applied a sound understanding of planning methods and techniques.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
APPLICANTS WILL BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST FOR ALL LEVELS FOR WHICH THEY ARE QUALIFIED.
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Legal Authorization to Work:
The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
Basic Education: Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Specialized Experience: Six (6) months for Level II, and one and one-half (1-1/2) years for Level III, of progressively responsible professional planning experience which included the collection and evaluation of an extensive variety of physical, social, economic and environmental data, determination of public opinion and general community objectives and policies to obtain a comprehensive prospective of conditions and identify problems and opportunities in the area(s) of concern.
Such experience should demonstrate possession of the knowledge of general research sources and sources of environmental socioeconomic information, practices of public planning, and the ability to analyze facts and develop sound conclusions therefrom.
Drivers License: Some positions require a valid drivers license at the time of appointment.
Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, will apply.
Please review the Substitutions carefully.
The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
02844:02845:101211:13:AS
Other Information
The State of Hawaii complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-0936 for assistance.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.
Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.
TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.
In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.
CLICK HERE for Important Information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Offices Levels of Review.
YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII
The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.
Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.
With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.
Paid Holidays
You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.
Paid Vacation
You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match - 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.
Paid Sick Leave
You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation - 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.
Other Leaves
Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.
Health Insurance
The State pays a part of the premiums for each employees enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.
Group Life Insurance
The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.
Retirement Plan
The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov.
Premium Conversion Plan
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
Transportation Benefits
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
Deferred Compensation
The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.
Temporary Disability Insurance
Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
Social Security
As an employer, the State also contributes to an employees social security account.
Promotions & Transfers
For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.
Training & Continuing Education
The State supports developmental activities related to an employees work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.
Travel Expenses
The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.
Incentive & Service Awards
The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.
Union & Collective Bargaining
Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employees job is excluded from collective bargaining.
The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.
CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaiis Benefits At-A-Glance.
The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Revised 01/13
01
RECRUITMENT SURVEY (MANDATORY) Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option; multiple selections permitted. The information you provide will be used to improve our recruitment efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
What led you to explore career opportunities with the State of Hawaii?
02
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #1
Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
Which of the following reflects your current employment status?
03
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #2
Completion of this survey is mandatory. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
If you selected recently laid off in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please indicate the name of the employer from which you were laid off.
If you selected other in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please explain.
if these two options do not apply to you, please indicate "N/A."
04
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS.
The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or your receiving a lower score. Please do not submit solely a resume in lieu of completing the Supplemental Questions. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.
You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma as directed below) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.
To receive credit for substitute, temporary assignment, or volunteer experience, applicants must submit an official letter of verification. The letter should include the job title, employment dates, number of hours worked, a description of the professional duties performed, and a contact name and phone number.
Any information you submit may be verified. Supporting documents must be either electronically attached to your application or submitted to our office at: State of Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development, 235 South Beretania Street--11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Documents should be identified by job title and recruitment number.
05
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Continued)
Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified. In general, concurrent experiences and/or education will not be double credited unless otherwise specified. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in and of itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Our calculation of experience will be based upon a full-time, 40-hour work week. Part-time experience will be pro rated.
Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours/week will be pro rated to six months of experience. Also, hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be extra credited.
Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours/week will be credited as one year of experience, not one and a half years.
06
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)
A link to the Minimum Qualification Requirements (MQRs) has been provided in the online job announcement. Please review the MQRs in their entirety.
07
BASIC EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Please indicate how you meet this requirement by selecting one of following choices. (Refer to the Minimum Qualification Requirements for more detailed information.)
In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application, if you have not recently done so.
NOTE: If you are using relevant work experience in lieu of a Bachelors degree to fulfill the Education Requirement, clearly describe this work experience in your application. In order to receive credit, this experience must be comparable in scope, level, and quality to knowledge and skills gained via completion of study leading to a Bachelors degree as specified in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.
08
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
Please indicate if you are using the substitution to meet all of the specialized experience requirement.
In order to receive credit, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application, if you have not recently done so.
09
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
How many years of progressively responsible professional public planning experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements do you possess?
10
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT (Continued)
If you selected "No experience" for Question #9 above, indicate "N/A" below.
If you possess the Specialized Experience, provide the following information to address your relevant background.
Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately.
The information for EACH employer should include:
A. Employers name, complete dates (Month/year to Month/year), and your official job title;
B. Average number of hours per week spent collectively on public planning duties below;
C. Describe this employer, including the type of organization (government or private firm, self-employment, consultant, etc.), the major sections, the section you worked in, the number and types of professional staff you worked with, the activities or planning services provided, and clientele served. OR, you may submit an organizational chart;
D. The primary function/focus of your position and your major duties and responsibilities. Avoid using vague terms such as "planned projects," "advised," "project management," etc.
11
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT (Continued)
For each employer listed in Question #10 above, provide a description of your major planning duties and responsibilities, if any, in EACH of the following areas. Identify your specific role, the steps you took, and relevant examples to illustrate the scope and extent of your responsibilities. If not involved in an area, state No:
A. Collection and evaluation of an extensive variety of data. What types of data did you collect and evaluate (physical, social, economic, environmental, etc?);
B. Describe the type of plan you were involved with (i.e., comprehensive, functional, operational);
C. Describe a representative example(s) of a project and/or assignments in which you participated. Explain how you drafted, developed, and/or participated in EACH of the following areas:
1) project goals and objectives (include the scope of plans and areas of concern; e.g., "statewide plans covering land use");
2) project analysis (include work processes used; i.e., kinds of data collected and evaluated, research methodology used, mathematical models, etc.);
3) plan writing and formulation (describe your direct contribution to the project plans; i.e., What types of analysis or written section did you work on? Describe if this was a master plan, amendment, etc. How were you involved in the formulation of alternatives and consequences of alternative actions? Did you prepare formal written recommendations? If Yes, which key staff members or external staff did you present your recommendations to? How were you involved in legislation, if applicable? How did other agencies in the State, federal & private sector contribute to the plan?);
4) facilitating community and public involvement (describe your role in the presentation of plan and policy recommendations to the public; i.e., public hearings or community events); and
5) final plan preparation and dissemination.
D. Describe your role, if any, in advising and assisting agencies and administrators on planning concepts and methods. Which agencies and which staff (describe)? For what purpose? What types of technical information and analyses did you provide? For which areas of concern (e.g., formation of plans, programming of plans, etc.)? How often did you do this? What happened as a result?
E. Which best describes the level of work you performed: trainee, assistant, fully independent, or supervisor?;
F. What degree of supervision did you receive in performing these duties? What kinds of decisions were you authorized and/or not authorized to make?; and
G. What was the official job title of your supervisor? How did you duties and level of authority differ from those of your supervisor?
Be specific and complete in your responses. To receive credit, the employer(s) and each position held must be identified in the experience section of your application.
A resume submitted in lieu of answering each supplemental question completely will not be accepted. We do not make assumptions.
If your write up is unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description and organizational chart.
12
SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE
Supervisory experience is NOT a requirement for these positions but may be given extra consideration in our review. Do you possess such experience over lower-level staff (including professional planning staff)?
If No, indicate "N/A" below. If Yes, provide the name of the employer, dates of employment, the number and titles of the positions you supervised, and a brief description of your supervisory duties.
13
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Thank you for your application. If you have additional information related specifically to the current vacancy positions that you would like us to consider, include the information below.
Required Question
Employer State of Hawaii
Address DHRD - Employee Staffing Division
235 S. Beretania Street, 11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-2437
Phone 808-587-1111 or 1-877-447-5990 (TTY)
| Location | Honolulu, HI |
| Salary | $5,512–$6,401 |
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