Planner Senior - Austin Planning - Zoning

City of Austin

9d•$35 - $43•Hybrid

About The Position

The Austin Planning Department seeks a Planner Senior to carry out very complex urban planning duties for the City under very limited direction and while working independently. The role supports the zoning team and coordinates zoning cases through the full process, from application review to City Council action. Cases range from small to large scale and shape Austin’s development pattern and community. The role coordinates with other divisions and sections, researches and analyzes information, assists with operating procedures, budgets, plans, and project criteria, and reviews complex plats, site plans, and traffic impact analyses for compliance with applicable policies, codes, standards, and ordinances. The Planner Senior answers complex questions, explains and enforces City requirements, represents the City before public groups, and provides technical advice at City Council, board, and other meetings. The position also writes reports and drafts legal documents, and develops, uses, and modifies complex transportation planning models. The position may serve as lead case manager and coordinate other planners’ activities. A hybrid schedule is available. Evening and weekend meetings may be required. The role is based at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas, and may involve travel to multiple locations as part of regular duties.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or a planning-related field, plus five years of planning-related work.
Twelve semester hours of relevant graduate coursework may substitute for six months of required experience, up to a maximum substitution of two years.
Planning-related work experience may substitute for education, up to a maximum of four years.
Knowledge of community and urban planning principles.
Knowledge of federal and state laws relating to planning and urban development.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize.
Data analysis and problem-solving skills.
Planning and organizing skills.
Skill in using computers and related software.
Ability to make formal presentations of program or project recommendations.
Ability to work under the pressures of rigid or short work cycles.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to develop and implement long-range plans.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.

Nice To Haves

Experience interpreting municipal zoning or development regulations.
Experience explaining complex or technical information to stakeholders.
Experience managing, organizing, and scheduling multiple tasks on tight timelines.
Experience with commission meetings, City Council meetings, or other public hearings.

Responsibilities

Coordinate division and section activities with other divisions and sections.
Research information as requested or needed and review analyzed data to identify patterns or discrepancies.
Assist in developing operating procedures and division or section budgets.
Assist in developing and evaluating plans, criteria, and other materials for projects, programs, and activities.
Investigate consumer or citizen complaints to determine validity.
Speak as the City’s representative before public groups.
Review complex plats and site plans for compliance with policies, codes, ordinances, and standards.
Answer complex citizen questions and provide assistance.
Interpret, explain, and enforce City policies and procedures, building and land development codes, specifications, and ordinances.
Attend City Council, board, and other meetings to provide technical advice and assistance; coordinate activities of boards and committees.
Write informational reports and draft legal documents, including contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, and resolutions.
Develop, use, and modify complex transportation planning models; review complex traffic impact analyses.
Perform as lead case manager and coordinate other planners’ activities as needed.
Coordinate zoning cases through the full process, from application review to City Council action.