GENERAL PURPOSE:  Under general supervision, performs professional and technical planning work applying planning and zoning ordinances and City guidelines to development projects, technical issues and land use plans. The person filling this position will interact with the public, coordinate issues between various divisions and departments, and make presentations before boards and commissions.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Researches and prepares written reports and makes presentations at public meetings and to boards/commissions, including but not limited to the Zoning Board of Adjustment; assures accuracy of information.
• Oversees the nonconforming use registration process including application and file management; provides information as requested regarding nonconforming use status of properties for compliance, permits, plan review and rezoning; may include field research.
• Provides technical and professional planning services to achieve community goals outlined in the Comprehensive Plan.
• Answers inquiries and assists internal and external customers with planning issues, projects and applications.
• Researches and provides zoning, comprehensive plan, subdivision, floodplain, historic preservation and future development information within scope of authority.
• Prepares the department’s annual report.
• Assists the Senior Planner with tracking Comprehensive Plan implementation.
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Customer Bulletins and Code Interpretations.
• Provides technical support to boards and commissions.
• Prepares written correspondence, memoranda, letters, etc. in the administration of these duties.
• Assists Plans Examiners and Planning Technicians with more complex permit application reviews; evaluates project designs, plans, technical documents, building permits and special use permits for compliance with ordinances, regulatory standards and conditions of approval.
• Develops maps and other graphics to illustrate land use plans and planning concepts; performs research and data gathering for population, demographics, housing, land ownership, land use, long range planning, transportation, environmental and economic studies.
• Assists in maintaining land planning records, files and maps.
• Develops cooperative professional relationships with developers, realtors, contractors and all development services customers.
• Assists with special assignments/projects.
• Performs other duties and fulfills responsibilities as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Business, Landscape Architecture or related field; AND two (2) years increasingly responsible experience in planning, development services, public administration or construction science, preferably in the public sector; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Required Knowledge of:

• Local government organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of urban planning, community and land development, zoning, housing, urban design, and environmental stewardship.
• Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning and community development.
• Graphic and digital mapping methods, and specialized GIS software applications and file management procedures.
• Graphic software such as Google SketchUp and/or Adobe PhotoShop/InDesign.
• Principles of, and state laws associated with, digital record keeping and records management.

Required Skill in:

• Interpreting legal records, technical documents and map specifications.
• Checking designs, details, plans, and specifications of planning projects.
• Collecting, tabulating, organizing, evaluating, analyzing and presenting data and information.
• Reading, interpreting, understanding, applying and explaining planning standards and procedures, applicable Federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies, procedures, and ordinances.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers, elected and appointed officials, representatives from other agencies, businesses and the general public.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software.
• Effective communication, both verbal and written: correct grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Customer service approach to all work.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and is subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching for extended periods of time. Must be able to safely pull, push, lift and carry equipment and materials weighing up to thirty (30) pounds.
• Some field work is required outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to work evenings as required for meetings.
• May be required to work immediately before, during or after an emergency or disaster.

Starting minimum salary range is $43,449 - $52,138 per year based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include Texas Municipal Retirement System; paid vacation and sick leave accrual; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. EOE