Assistant Planner

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston’s Planning & Development Department is seeking an Assistant Planner to conduct regulatory review of development proposals and subdivision plats, and to interact with the public, engineers, and developers.

This entry-level role supports planning programs, data management, and customer inquiries, with a Bachelor’s degree required and a focus on delivering high-quality service to Houston residents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or an equivalent in-depth specialized training.
• Knowledge of planning principles; strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with ArcGIS and AutoCAD is preferred; proficient with Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Reviews development proposals and subdivision plats; ensures compliance with regulations.
• Provides technical support for planning programs, regulations, or ordinances.
• Performs routine admin tasks: data entry, file management, customer inquiries.
• Researches planning issues from multiple sources and compiles information.
• Prepares maps and graphical representations of data; communicates with the public.
• Drives city vehicle for site visits or related tasks.

Skills

Planning principles

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or equivalent

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED Division: Development Services, Subdivision Platting Reporting Location: 611 Walker St. Workdays & Hours : Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm*

• Subject to change

You are invited to bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to the Planning and Development Department as an Assistant Planner. Join a dynamic Planning team that is actively working to improve the built and social environments of Houston. The work we do has a lasting impact on the future of our city. Houston is a place where the cost of living is more than 25% below the top 20 metro average, and with no state income tax, home ownership is very achievable. As the fourth largest and most ethnically diversity city in the U.S., Houston has first-class access to medical care, recreation, food, festivals, sports, museums, and the performing arts.

About Us

The City of Houston’s Planning & Development Department is a key player in the mayor’s efforts to improve public safety and infrastructure, enhance the quality of life, and maintain an efficient government that works for more than 2 million residents. Much like Houston itself, we are a culturally diverse team that is committed to improving Houston’s built environment. Our team draws and retains passionate, curious, life-long learners, and big picture thought leaders who make a difference every day by balancing the needs and interests of the community we serve. We strive to operate as a customer-focused, goal-oriented, and efficient organization. We treat ourselves, our partners, and our customers with respect while placing continuous learning at the center of our operations.

POSITION PROFILE

This position conducts regulatory review of development proposals and subdivision plat applications; researches development activity, considers policy trends, and prepares recommendations; interacts directly with the public, developers, engineers, architects, and other professionals; and makes presentations to the Planning Commission, city officials, other boards and agencies.

• Reviews, or assists in reviewing development proposals of limited complexity for compliance with applicable regulations.
• Provides technical assistance and professional support in the administration of specific planning programs, regulations, or ordinances.
• Performs routine administrative tasks in designated planning program areas, including data entry, file management, and responding to customer inquiries.
• Research and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Prepares maps and other graphical representations of data of varying complexity.
• Works closely with the public on basic planning programs, requirements, or ordinances.
• Comfortable driving city vehicle for site visits or to perform any other other tasks assigned

DESIRED EMPLOYEE ATTRIBUTES

Specific Job Skills

• Knowledge of planning principles;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with some ArcGIS and AutoCAD experience.

Preferred Personality Traits

• Self-driven, results-oriented with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and customer service;
• A natural forward thinking planner who critically assesses own performance;
• Comfortable in dealing with mid to high executive levels and politicians;
• Reliable, tolerant, and determined;
• Empathic communicator, able to see things from the other person's point of view;
• Well-presented and businesslike;
• Keen for new experience, responsibility and accountability;
• Adaptable able to work well with others and be a team-player.
• Strong attention to detail; demonstrated time management & organizational skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.

This is a Planning and Development Department Position at the Tier II Level.

Minimum Requirements

Requires basic knowledge of planning principles and practices. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires basic knowledge of planning principles and practices. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

Experience Requirements

No experience required.

PREFERENCES

Preference shall be given to

Bilingual speakers, applicants with ability to demonstrate knowledge of planning and transportation principles and excellent written and verbal communication skills;

Strong attention to detail; Novice in ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office; Demonstrated time management and organizational skills;

Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines;

Adapts well to changes; Demonstrated success working with diverse clientele.

Should have an interest in how properties are planned for development.

Development includes property acquisition, subdivision, and construction.

• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. GENERAL INFORMATION

Selection/Skills Tests Required

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. The department may administer a skill assessment.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

No

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade: 15

EOE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.