Planner II, Planner III, or Planner Senior

The Planning and Zoning Department is seeking a Planner II, III, or Senior to work as part of a team to create Small Area Plans (corridor, centers, neighborhood, etc.). Duties, functions, and responsibilities include: Conduct background research and analysis; develop outreach strategies and techniques; develop meeting design and materials; conduct small group facilitation; synthesize public input; develop plan content: text, illustrations, photographs, charts, and graphs; give public presentations; present to boards and commissions; engage in other planning activities as needed to support implementation of Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and related Small Area Plans.

This position will be filled at one of the following levels, depending on applicant qualifications:

Planner II: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or a planning related field, plus two (2) years of experience in planning related work.

Planner III: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or a planning related field, plus three (3) years of experience in planning related work.

Planner Senior: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or a planning related field, plus five (5) years of experience in planning related work.

ALL LEVELS: Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.

Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to submit a writing sample as part of the interview process.

Pay Rates:
Planner II ($21.48 – $27.33 per hour):
Planner III ($23.65 – $30.12 per hour):
Planner Senior ($26.05 – $33.81 per hour):

Regarding your application:
When completing the City of Austin employment application:

•Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.

•A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered.

•A résumé is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers.

•A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience and/or knowledge of planning at different scales ranging from comprehensive planning to small area planning.

Experience in coordinating and collaborating cross- departmentally, and with other local governments, State and federal agencies, departments, and community organizations, and with professionals from other fields such as engineers.

Experience with graphic design and layout.

Ability to explain complex technical information to a lay audience.

Ability to prepare and write technical reports and/or informational materials in an engaging and understandable manner.

Experience using social media for public outreach.

Analytical GIS skills.

Knowledge of public participation methods and small-group facilitation.

Fluent in written and spoken Spanish, including the ability to translate technical documents.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
1. Researches and reviews urban land development proposals and studies.
2. Reviews preliminary site plans and prepares comments for zoning, land use, annexation, and variance cases. .Studies procedural, ordinance, charter changes to analyze the impact on planning proposals and studies.
3. Meets with and answers questions from citizens, developers, and other city officials by providing technical planning assistance.
4. Prepares reports and make presentations at public hearings regarding land use and other planning related activities.
5. Assists in interpreting, explaining, and enforcing city policies and procedures concerning building and land development codes and specifications.
6. Reviews subdivision plats and site plans for compliance with local regulations and ordinances. Conducts field checks to verify the accuracy of data.
7. Coordinates activities of various planning boards and committees
8. Compiles data and information for reports and cost estimates. Calculates figures for reports.
9. Develops and conducts public information and education programs.
10.Assists with coordinating division/section activities with other city staff and assists in coordinating and conducting meetings between consultants, public, and City staff.