Planner Senior - Austin Planning

City of Austin

12h•$33 - $41•Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. The Austin Planning Department's mission is to provide equitable, people-centered planning services and shape an Austin where everyone can thrive. Job Description: Planner Senior Purpose: Under very limited direction while working independently, carry out very complex urban planning duties for the City. 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. Coordinates division/section activities with other division/sections. Researches information as requested and or needed. Reviews analyzed data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies. Assists in developing operating procedures. Assists in developing division/section budget. Assists in developing and evaluating plans, criteria, etc for a variety of projects, programs, and activities. Investigates consumer/citizen complaint to determine validity. Speaks as City representative before public groups. Reviews complex plats and site plans for compliance with policy codes, ordinances, standards, etc. Answers more complex citizen questions and provide assistance. Interprets/explains/enforces City policies & procedures, building/land development codes, specifications, ordinances, etc. Attends City Council, board, and etc meetings to provide technical advice and assistance. Coordinates activities of various boards, committees, etc. Writes informational reports. Writes/draft legal documents, i.e., contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolutions, etc. Develops, utilizes, and modifies complex transportation planning models. Reviews complex traffic impact analyses. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: Perform as Lead Case Manager. May coordinate the activities of other planners. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of the principles of community and urban planning. Knowledge of Federal and State laws relating to planning and urban development. Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. Skill in data analysis and problem solving. Skill in planning and organizing. Skill in using computers and related software. Ability to make formal presentations of program and/or project recommendations. Ability to work under the pressures of rigid and/or short work cycle. Ability to maintain confidentially. Ability to develop and implement long-range plans. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation with a 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 (5) years of planning related work. Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six (6) months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years. Experience in planning-related work may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Preferred Qualifications: Experience leading urban design and planning projects. Experience with graphic designs 2D and 3D applications. Experience with advance GIS. Ability to travel to more than one more location. Notes to Candidate: This position functions as a Planner Senior assisting with various Urban Design initiatives. Candidates should have experience in Urban Design principles, site plan review, and design programs. Candidates should expect to assist with the Great Streets Update, review site plans, and assist with ongoing design projects. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the position regularly interacts with applicants, community members, and other review teams. A hybrid schedule is available. Position may require evening and weekend meetings.

Requirements

Knowledge of the principles of community and urban planning.
Knowledge of Federal and State laws relating to planning and urban development.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Skill in planning and organizing.
Skill in using computers and related software.
Ability to make formal presentations of program and/or project recommendations.
Ability to work under the pressures of rigid and/or short work cycle.
Ability to maintain confidentially.
Ability to develop and implement long-range plans.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Graduation with a 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 (5) years of planning related work.
Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six (6) months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.
Experience in planning-related work may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading urban design and planning projects.
Experience with graphic designs 2D and 3D applications.
Experience with advance GIS.
Ability to travel to more than one more location.
Candidates should have experience in Urban Design principles, site plan review, and design programs.
Candidates should expect to assist with the Great Streets Update, review site plans, and assist with ongoing design projects.
Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent deadlines.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as the position regularly interacts with applicants, community members, and other review teams.
A hybrid schedule is available.
Position may require evening and weekend meetings.

Responsibilities

Coordinates division/section activities with other division/sections.
Researches information as requested and or needed.
Reviews analyzed data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies.
Assists in developing operating procedures.
Assists in developing division/section budget.
Assists in developing and evaluating plans, criteria, etc for a variety of projects, programs, and activities.
Investigates consumer/citizen complaint to determine validity.
Speaks as City representative before public groups.
Reviews complex plats and site plans for compliance with policy codes, ordinances, standards, etc.
Answers more complex citizen questions and provide assistance.
Interprets/explains/enforces City policies & procedures, building/land development codes, specifications, ordinances, etc.
Attends City Council, board, and etc meetings to provide technical advice and assistance.
Coordinates activities of various boards, committees, etc.
Writes informational reports.
Writes/draft legal documents, i.e., contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolutions, etc.
Develops, utilizes, and modifies complex transportation planning models.
Reviews complex traffic impact analyses.
Perform as Lead Case Manager.
May coordinate the activities of other planners.