Job Posting: Community Planning Branch Chief

Department of Transportation

JC-529783
-
Community Planning Branch Chief
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER

$8,678.00 - $10,783.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/3/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Chief, Office of Regional Community Planning, a Supervising Transportation Planner, the incumbent leads, manages and directs District 4 Community Planning programs and activities. The Branch Chief. a Senior Transportation Planner, is responsible for administration of the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program funding allocated and grants awarded to District 4. The Branch may also lead and participate in Caltrans and partner-agency sponsored planning efforts, transportation planning studies and planning-related research.

The Branch also helps implement Planning Public Engagement strategies consistent with the Department's Community Engagement Program at the district level. The Branch helps promote, incorporate, and support community engagement activities for the purpose of equitably improving the multimodal transportation network and promoting equity and livability in all communities.

The Community Planning Branch also provides planning staff support to the Local Development – Intergovernmental Review (LD-IGR) program implemented in District 4. Through the LD-IGR program, Branch staff focus on avoiding or reducing significant impacts to the State Transportation Network (STN) from land use development proposals, including general plans and any other local, state, and federal government actions that may adversely impact the transportation system.

In this position the Branch Chief coordinates frequently with the management and staff of the headquarters Office of Regional & Community Planning and other headquarters and District functions to carry out these duties. The incumbent works in a cooperative and integrated manner to coordinate timely and consistent consultation and collaboration with other Caltrans functions, in accordance with Caltrans goals, policies and equity principles.

PARF# 04-27-0348 / JC- 529783

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Senior Transportation Planner exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions.  To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job. 

https://forms.office.com/g/RyK102ty4G

https://youtu.be/oC9wIp8QalI

Apply today to join our team!  We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool!  The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Position located at 111 Grand Ave., Oakland, Alameda County.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.

While in office, the incumbent will primarily work in a climate-controlled office or cubicle under artificial lighting. Extensive computer usage is required. A combination of virtual and regular travel is expected within and outside the District to attend meetings and other events in order to engage with partners and the public.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s current telework policy. While Caltrans supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate may be required to conduct business travel on behalf of the Department or commute to the headquartered location. Business travel reimbursements considers an employee’s designated Headquarters Location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-529783
Position #(s):
904-111-4724-030
Working Title:
Community Planning Branch Chief
Classification:
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER
$8,678.00 - $10,783.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Alameda County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.

Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.

The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.

Department Website: www.dot.ca.gov 

Director’s EEO Policy: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity

Special Requirements

  • Statement of qualifications (SOQ) required.

The SOQ serves as documentation of each applicant’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below; failure to include and complete the SOQ as instructed may result in the SOQ not being considered and in disqualification from the interview. Each question must be numbered and addressed in the same order as the questions below.

The selected candidate will serve as the District 4 Community Planning Branch Chief, a Senior Transportation Planner (Supervisor). To be considered for the position, applicants must submit written responses to the two separate SOQ prompts below. The SOQ serves to have each candidate demonstrate their unique abilities to perform well in this position. A resume will NOT be accepted in lieu of a response to these two SOQ prompts. Applicants who do not follow the SOQ instructions below may not be considered for this position.

Each of the two SOQ responses must be no more than two (2) pages in length and typed using no less than 12- point Arial font. The SOQ responses must answer the two following questions, which should be numbered and provided in the order listed below. These SOQ responses must be submitted along with the Employment Application.

1) Please describe your unique experience, skills and knowledge have prepared you to perform the duties of the Community Planning Branch Chief.

2) Describe a time when you led a multidisciplinary team through a complex process or project that required balancing competing interests.

3) What was your role and approach in this leadership position? How did your actions effect the project's outcome?

    Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment.  If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification.  Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment.  Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent.  Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org.  Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

    Application Instructions

    Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

    Final Filing Date: 10/3/2026

    Who May Apply

    Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

    Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process.     Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

    How To Apply

    Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

    Address for Mailing Application Packages

    You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

    Department of Transportation
    N/A
    Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
    Certification Services MS-90
    P O Box 168036
    Sacramento, CA 95816-8036

    Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

    You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

    Department of Transportation
    Drop-Off Address
    Caltrans DHR Contact
    Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
    1727 30th Street, MS 90
    Sacramento, CA 95816
    Closed on weekends and State holidays.
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Required Application Package Documents

    The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

    • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
    • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
    • Statement of Qualifications -

      Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.

    Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

    Desirable Qualifications

    In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
    As a Sr Transportation Planner, the incumbent is expected to become proficient in the following competencies as described below in order to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, while adhering to and promoting the Department's Mission, Vision, Values, Strategic Imperatives and Goals. Effective development of the identified Core Competencies fosters the advancement of the following Leadership Competencies: Change Commitment, Risk Appetite, Self-Development/Growth, Conflict Management, Relationship Building, Organizational Awareness, Communication, Strategic Perspective, and Results Driven.
    • Change Leadership: Develops new and innovative approaches needed to improve effectiveness and efficiency of work products. Encourages others to value change. Considers impact and recommends changes. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity, Employee Excellence - Collaboration, Equity, People First)
    • Dealing with Ambiguity (Risk): Can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty, as well as make decisions to act without having the total picture. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity, Employee Excellence - Integrity, People First)
    • Initiative: Ability to identify what needs to be done and doing it before being asked or required by the situation. Seeks out others involved in a situation to learn their perspectives. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity, Employee Excellence - Collaboration, Equity, People First)
    • Problem-solving and Decision-making : Identifies problems and uses logical analysis to find information, understand causes, and evaluate and select or recommend best possible courses of action. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity, Employee Excellence - Collaboration, Equity, Integrity, People First, Stewardship)
    • Teamwork/Partnership: Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside of the organization through effective communication and collaboration. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity, Employee Excellence - Collaboration, Equity)
    • Organizational Awareness: Contributes to the organization by understanding and aligning actions with the organization's strategic plan, including the mission, vision, goals, core functions, and values. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity, Employee Excellence, Collaboration, People First)
    • Interpersonal Effectiveness : Effectively and appropriately interacts and communicates with others to build positive, constructive, professional relationships. Tailors communication style based on the audience. Provides and is receptive to feedback. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity, Employee Excellence - Collaboration, Equity, Integrity, People First, Pride)
    • Planning and Results Oriented: Organizes and executes work to meet organizational goals and objectives while meeting quality standards, following organizational processes, and demonstrating continuous commitment. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity, Employee Excellence - Collaboration, Innovation, People First, Pride)
    • Managing Performance: Responsible for employee performance, setting clear goals and expectations, tracking progress against departmental and unit goals, providing feedback, and addressing performance issues promptly. (Safety, Equity, Climate Action, Prosperity - Collaboration, Integrity, People First, Stewardship)

    Benefits

    Click HERE  to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

    Contact Information

    The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

    Human Resources Contact:
    David Lin
    (279) 234-2708
    david.lin@dot.ca.gov
    Hiring Unit Contact:
    Bakari E. Hynes-Akil
    (510) 286-5519
    bakari.akil@dot.ca.gov

    Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

    EEO Contact:
    Caltrans EEO Office
    (844) 368-3367
    Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    Important Application Instructions:

    The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-529783), PARF# 04-27-0348 and title of the position (Senior Transportation Planner) must be included on the STD. 678 form.

     

    Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

     

    Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

     

    NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts.  Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.  The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

    Application Methods:
    Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
    By Mail
    Drop-off
    Print Job