The East Bay Regional Park District is currently recruiting for a Planner to support the District’s Interagency Planning Unit, supporting the District’s efforts to protect and advance conservation lands through local planning, environmental review, and collaboration with public agencies. This role will work on planning and development decisions that may affect parks, open space, and natural resources, helping the District understand potential impacts and identify opportunities to protect park resources. The Planner will build relationships with local, regional, state, and federal partners, contribute to CEQA and regulatory processes, and help advance opportunities for public access, open space, and environmental protections. The position offers an opportunity to work across a range of planning and conservation issues, engage with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to long-range efforts that protect park resources and support the District’s mission. This position will be headquartered in Oakland, CA. The hiring pools established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and any additional vacancies that may occur during the one-year life of the hiring pools.
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
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Conservation-minded planner with an understanding of local planning, land use, environmental review, and regulatory processes, particularly as they relate to open space conservation lands and public access resources.
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Collaborative interagency partner who can effectively work with cities, counties, regional, state, and federal agencies, as well as developers, consultants, and community stakeholders.
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Strong project coordinator who can manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, coordinate schedules and resources, and support consultants and technical studies.
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Clear and concise communicator who can prepare planning and CEQA documents, analyze complex information, and present District interests in public meetings, hearings, and community forums.
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Analytical and resourceful researcher who can evaluate planning documents, maps, surveys, environmental information, and other data to identify potential impacts and opportunities for protecting cultural and natural resources and providing public access and recreation.
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Effective relationship builder who can facilitate interdepartmental coordination, engage diverse stakeholders, and work constructively to advance District objectives and secure public benefits such as open space dedications, easements, and environmental mitigations.
RECRUITMENT TIMELINE:
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Deadline for Filing: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 5:00 pm
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Qualifications Review: Mid-September 2026
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Tentative Date of Onsite Examinations: Week of September 28, 2026
ABOUT US:
The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to the east of San Francisco. The system comprises 73 parks spanning across 126,809 acres, 1,250 miles of trails, and 55 miles of shoreline. We manage and preserve natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy and protect. The regional parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education. Learn about our Mission and Vision, History, and our contributions to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
OUR MISSION:
EBRPD preserves a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities.
OUR VALUES:
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Respect – We honor the land we steward, each other, and the park visitors we serve.
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Resilience – We creatively adapt to change. We address challenges with empathy, perspective, and determination.
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Relationships – Our greatest strength lies in the trust, accountability, and teamwork we cultivate with our colleagues, partners, and the public we serve.
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Responsiveness – We communicate openly, honestly, and reliably.
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Transparency – We hold the public's trust through meaningful stakeholder engagement and access to timely and reliable information on decisions and performance.
WHY WORK FOR EBRPD?
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Working with a purpose for a better world today and for future generations through the preservation of open space, public access to the outdoors, and a commitment to the conservation of the natural world found east of the San Francisco Bay across 33 cities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
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A community of colleagues who are passionate about public service and the East Bay Regional Park District, the communities it serves, and its mission.
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Excellent benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and pension benefits through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
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Tuition reimbursement and professional development.
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Free on-site parking.
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Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles)
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Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch).
- Helps guide local planning and land use decisions
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Assists in securing regulatory agency permits
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Performs project scoping and scheduling
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Visits field sites
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Facilitates inter-departmental coordination
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Prepares clear and concise planning and/or CEQA documents
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Posts public notifications
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Organizes facilities and equipment for public meetings
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Compiles comments from public review periods and prepares materials for review by the General Manager and the District's Board of Directors
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Gathers, analyzes and interprets data related to local planning action referrals and other local agency documents
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Selects and monitors outside consultants in the preparation of technical reports
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Presents District positions and attends public hearings
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Presents District interests and supports objectives in a wide range of community, environmental and public forums
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Conducts research on park resources using documents, surveys, plans and maps and prepares reports and proposes actions
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Communicates with developers and public agencies
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Negotiates, coordinates and secures development concessions in the form of public open space dedications, public easements and environmental mitigations
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Prepares long range plans, special reports of studies, memos, working maps, and displays, as needed
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Assists in providing guidance and direction to other staff, as needed
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And performs related duties as assigned.
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in planning, natural resource management, or a related field,
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Experience: One year of experience dealing with CEQA and/or regulatory agency requirements.
License or Certificate: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License is a condition of initial and continued employment in this classification.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
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Federal, state, and local government planning processes and regulatory agency requirements, including CEQA, NEPA, Section 106, and endangered species acts
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Excellent written and verbal communication
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Climate change and its effects
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Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
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Prepare basic graphic and map displays
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Meet deadlines, prioritize work, and coordinate several activities
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Identify basic plants and animals
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Deliver public presentations
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Coordinate interagency and interdepartmental meetings
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Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications
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Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse general public, with a focus on quality service to internal and external customers.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
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Must pass a Level 1 Background Check.
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May be required to attend public hearings and other meetings which may be scheduled outside of normal work hours.
UNION AFFILIATION:
AFSCME: East Bay Regional Parks Employees, Local 2428, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, represents this classification. Wages, hours, and other terms of conditions of employment are covered in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Park District and Local 2428. The probationary period for this classification is nine (9) months.
Internal Promotions: Placement shall be made at the first step in the salary range for the new position (Step A) unless the salary rate at Step A of the new position is less than a 5% increase. In such instances, the employee will be placed at a step in the new salary range that ensures at least a 5% increase.
Application materials for this position consist of two (2) required parts:
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A current East Bay Regional Park District application submitted online, AND
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Completed supplemental questions
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. If you have previously applied to a position on GovernmentJobs.com, please allow time to update your existing profile. Applications are accepted online only. Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you encounter problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov Help Desk toll-free at (855) 524-5627.
Notification: All applicants will be notified of the status of their application via email, generally within two to three weeks after the closing date. You may also sign into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view your current application status and notifications.
Selection Process: The application materials for all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for testing or oral examination/interview. The District reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and/or other assessment procedures before or after the interview process. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or invitation to test. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to commencement of employment.
Special Testing Arrangements: If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact the Human Resources Department at (510) 544-2154 at least five business days before the test.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects a diverse workforce and community. It is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive workspace that is welcoming to all. Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
