Planner V - Housing Development (LM138)

Job Summary

The Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM) is seeking a Planner V (Housing Development) to support the development and delivery of affordable housing and transit-oriented development (TOD) projects across Oʻahu.

This role is ideal for a motivated professional who wants to work on high-impact public projects, helping bring housing to communities while managing real-world development challenges from concept to completion.

You’ll be involved in projects at all stages of development, working alongside government agencies, developers, consultants, and community stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Evaluation & Review: Assists on all matters pertaining to the development or redevelopment of City lands and real property for affordable housing, transit-oriented development (TOD), mixed-use development, regional infrastructure, and other related City projects, including performance of site inspections, evaluating potential development or redevelopment sites to determine feasibility, reviewing land appraisals, project financial assessments, title reports, ALTA surveys, geological surveys, property condition surveys, environmental condition studies, civil engineering plans, architectural renderings and floor plans, project budgets and proformas, schedules, and other related project documentation.
• Project Management: Assists with administration, monitoring, and coordinating all phases of development and redevelopment of projects, including coordination of projects with pertinent personnel, participation in overall planning for affordable housing projects, participates in meetings with project partners, including other departments, developers, consultants, architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors, community organizations, stakeholders, and with federal, state, and other governmental and private agencies to ensure projects are proceeding on schedule and on budget. Assists with project management to ensure completion of key development and redevelopment activities, including securing necessary financing and entitlements, procuring and contracting with all third-party consultants, and overseeing construction efforts and timeline.
• Contract Preparation and Administration: Prepares requests for proposals (RFP), requests for grant proposals (RGP), requests for qualifications (RFQs), or requests for information (RFI)); Assists with preparation of financing and grant applications and proposals; ground leases; development contracts; financing agreements; design and construction contracts; construction administration; environmental documentation including Phase 1 and Phase II ESA reports; Chapter 343, HRS and National Environmental Policy Act, national and state historic preservation; other documentation or contracts relating to county, state and federal requirements; Participates in the selection of developers, consultants, and contractors, in compliance with applicable procurement laws and regulations.
• Engagement: As directed, initiates and maintains ongoing cordial professional relationships with other departments, State and federal agencies, outside entities and various stakeholders. Represents the City at public hearings and community meetings, as directed, to explain issues and to respond to questions relating to development activities. Oversees preparation of reports, maps and graphics for presentation.
• Structuring: Assists with structuring and negotiating real estate development transactions.
• Other: Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, urban and regional planning, public administration, real estate, business administration, or a related field.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in affordable housing development, real estate development, urban planning, project management, public sector development, or related work involving development feasibility, project coordination, or real estate transactions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to support and lead discrete project management tasks across multiple development projects simultaneously.
• Ability to coordinate project activities and objectives with development partners, consultants, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Knowledge of real estate development processes, including site analysis, development feasibility, market analysis, and project budget review.
• Ability to conduct feasibility and project analyses, including assessment of community needs, project risks, rehabilitation scope, financial feasibility, and consistency with community plans and policy goals.
• Ability to assist with preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and related procurement documents.
• Ability to coordinate ongoing collaboration among multiple City departments, contractors, and development team members.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence, and to present information at meetings and public hearings.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project.

License and Certification

• Valid driver's license (Type 3), prior to appointment.
• Certification in Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, Project Management, or related field is desirable but not required.

Work Environment

• Office-based with periodic site visits to active construction or development sites
• May require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during site inspections
• Work involves collaboration across departments and with external partners

Salary

• $6,043.00 – 7,069.00 per month (BU13)
• Actual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, subject to approval.
• Note: Depending on your qualifications, you may be considered for a different level within the series.

How to Apply

To apply, please contact: Kathy Kam

Housing Development Division, Department of Housing and Land Management (DHLM)

E-mail: kathy.kam@honolulu.gov