Planner IV
Salary
$142,297.44 - $174,717.48 Annually
Location
Oakland, CA
Job Type
Full Time Civil Service
Job Number
26-AP277-07
Department
Planning & Building Department
Opening Date
07/20/2026
Closing Date
7/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
UM2
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.
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 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.
The Planner IV position plans, supervises, coordinates and participates in complex planning and zoning services; represents the Department at the City Planning Commission and public agencies; drafts ordinances and resolutions; makes presentations to various groups; trains and supervises assigned staff; and performs related duties as assigned.
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 other planning units.
We are looking for someone who is:
What you will typically be responsible for (this may vary depending on the division):
Read the complete job description by clicking Planner IV
We are 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. The Planner II posting can be found here: Planner II. The Planner III posting can be found here: Planner III.
Working for the City of Oakland
A few reasons you might love this job:
A few challenges you might face in this job:
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
Coaching & Developing Others: Supporting others in stretching and expanding their capabilities
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.
Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Presentation Skills: Formally delivering information to groups
Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
Minimum Requirements for Application
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.
Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.
Education:
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, urban studies, geography or a related field. A Masters 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 direction.
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.
Desirable Qualifications:
Supplemental Information
The Recruitment Process:
The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR 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 (weighted 100%), which will then be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. You will have 7 days from the time you receive the exam link to complete and submit your written responses. The tentative date that the writing exercise will be sent to you for completion is the week of August 17, 2026.
Candidates requesting reasonable accommodations for the examination process must request accommodations no later than one week before they are scheduled to take the exam; otherwise, it may not be possible to arrange accommodations for the selection process. Please complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation in Testing form by clicking on this link or by copying and pasting the link into your browser to open it: https://cao-94612.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/Request-for-Reasonable-Accommodation-in-Testing-2.9.22-Fillable.pdf ; Send the completed form and any supporting documentation to the exam analyst: Mary Ann Gonzales at email mgonzales@oaklandca.gov.
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?
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.
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.
How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Mary Ann Gonzales at mgonzales@oaklandca.gov
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*:
01
Be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Responses to the supplemental questions may determine your application status.
By answering "yes" to this question, I certify that I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental responses.
02
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.
Are you a current full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City of Oakland or Port of Oakland employee?
03
If you are a current City or Port of Oakland employee, what is your job title and employee ID number? If you are not a City or Port employee, type "N/A".
04
If you have previously been employed by the City of Oakland, please enter the dates and titles of the jobs you previously held at the City of Oakland below. If not applicable, type "N/A"
05
If you have previously used any other name, please enter the other full name(s) used below. If not applicable, type "N/A"
06
Do you confirm that the address on your application matches your current residence?
07
If the address on your application does not match your current residence, please enter your address and update it in your application profile. If not applicable, type "N/A"
08
What is the highest degree or level of education that you have completed?
09
Answers to the above supplemental questions MUST be supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application. Answers not supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application will NOT be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed.
I have read and understand this statement.
10
If you indicated your highest educational achievement is "Some college credits", how many units of college-level coursework have you completed?
11
If you indicated that you have attained a Bachelors degree or above, please list the field of study (major) in each degree attained. (for example: BA degree - Environmental Science & MA degree - Business Administration) If this doesnt apply, please indicate "NA".
12
How many years of experience do you have in urban planning?
13
Please clearly and thoroughly describe your experience in urban planning.
14
How many years of experience do you have providing lead direction to staff performing duties in urban planning?
15
Please clearly and thoroughly describe your experience leading staff performing duties in urban planning.
16
Acting assignments: If you have served in an Acting assignment that you would like considered as experience towards the minimum qualifications requirement, please list the Acting assignment(s) separately in the "Work experience" section of your application. For each Acting assignment, the description must include the Acting job title (use the word Acting as part of the job title), dates and hours served, and duties performed.
I understand the above statement and will list any Acting assignments separately in the "Work experience" section of my application form.
17
Answers to the above supplemental questions MUST be supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application. Answers not supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application will NOT be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. I have read and understand this statement.
Required Question
Employer City of Oakland
Address 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza - 2nd Floor
Oakland, California, 94612
Phone (510) 238-3112
Website http://www.oaklandca.gov/