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PLANNER OR ASSOCIATE PLANNER

Urban Planning Partners (UPP) seeks a full-time Planner or Associate Planner to join our team. 

Our firm is currently working on multiple housing element updates, contract planning assignments, entitlement assistance projects, and environmental review documents. Tasks involved in this effort will include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Housing Policy Assistance to jurisdictions adopting policies and processes to become pro-housing (e.g., objective standards, residential zoning, and ADU ordinances). 

  • CEQA Review for primarily mixed-use, infill and transit projects ranging from exemptions to EIRs. 

  • Contract Planning for jurisdictions which could include design review, use permits, plan checks and responding to inquiries from the public. This could include working with applicants to meet development and design standards, coordinating interdepartmental and interjurisdictional review, preparing staff reports and public notices, and presenting at public hearings.   

  • Outreach and Education to collect input from stakeholders and educate jurisdictions and communities around housing issues. 

  • Policy and Entitlement Management including determining the maximum development potential for a site, preparing assessments of applicable planning policies and development standards, preparing applications, coordinating with city staff on obtaining necessary approvals, and preparing/managing streamlined schedules. 

Requirements 

Planners generally have 1-2 years of professional planning experience. Associate Planners generally have some project management experience and 3 or more years of planning experience (AICP certification a plus). Successful candidates will also have:  

  • Bachelor or Master’s degree, preferably from an accredited planning program. Alternatively, a degree focused on city/urban planning, housing policy, community development, environmental studies, or related field.  

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects (including client communication, contract and budget management), ensure quality control, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with others. 

  • A solid understanding of zoning and other planning policies and regulations, and typical city planning approval process. 

  • Experience working on or managing EIRs, Initial Studies, and other CEQA documents. 

  • Excellent writing/editing, research and analysis (qualitative and quantitative), and communication skills. 

  • Strong word processing and Excel abilities. Working knowledge of Adobe CS and/or GIS  
    is desirable. 

  • Urban design experience is a plus. 

  • Candidates with interest or experience in community engagement are preferred.  

  • The ideal candidate should be flexible, detail-oriented, and have excellent time management and organizational skills. They should have the ability to take initiative, be a problem solver, and work in a fast-paced and professional environment. 

  • Ability to work collaboratively in teams and willingness to do what is needed to get the job done—this is critical in a small boutique firm, everyone does everything. 

  • Legal eligibility to work in the U.S. and a current driver’s license. 

  • Because of COVID-19 this position will be remote through June 11, 2021. Once restrictions are lifted, we will gradually return to our office in downtown Oakland. There is also potential for this position to be based out of the South Bay. 

Urban Planning Partners 

At UPP, we help create better places in partnership with our clients and the communities where we work. We are actively seeking talented people to join an empowered and collaborative employee environment. Located in downtown Oakland, we provide land use planning policy, community engagement, and environmental review consulting services on large complex projects throughout the Bay Area and Northern California. 

We credit the success of our projects and the satisfaction of clients to our amazing staff and commitment to our core values: we care, collaborate, and reach, and we are real. UPP has become – and remains – a vital and respected firm, despite our comparatively small size (staff of 15). Come join our team! 

UPP offers excellent benefits (vacation, sick, and holiday pay; medical, dental, group life, and long-term disability insurance plans; Clipper subsidy; 401k with 3% company contribution, profit sharing, and employee referral bonus program. UPP is an equal opportunity employer. 

To apply and be considered, please email contact@up-partners.com with “Planner or Associate Planner Application” in the subject line and attach a single PDF file that includes both your cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, express why you are interested in UPP and are a great fit for this position. No phone calls please.  

Thanks and Good Luck!