Planner III - Austin Planning - District Planning

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 43,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical

Dental

Vision

Paid leave time

Retirement plan

Job summary

The City of Austin Planning Department seeks a professional planner to perform zoning, urban, transportation and site planning duties, contributing to equitable, people-centered development.

You will research, analyze data, prepare reports, and draft planning documents, while presenting findings to boards and collaborating with staff and stakeholders to advance inclusive planning across districts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field with 3 years of planning experience.

Responsibilities

• Research information as requested and necessary.
• Analyze data to identify patterns or discrepancies.
• Prepare information reports and planning documents.
• Draft contracts, regulations, ordinances, and resolutions.
• Provide technical assistance to citizens and departments.
• Present to boards, commissions, and public groups.
• Review site plans and traffic impact analyses for compliance.
• Coordinate meetings with consultants, public, and city staff.
• Advise on city policies, codes, and procedures.

Skills

Knowledge of planning principles

Data analysis

Statistical tools

Oral and written communication

GIS and data visualization

Public presentation

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Power BI

SketchUp

Microsoft Office (PPT, Word, Excel)

Job description

About This Position

The Austin Planning Department's mission is to provide equitable, people-centered planning services and shape an Austin where everyone can thrive.

Purpose

Under general direction, perform professional planning work for the City including zoning, urban, transportation and/or site planning.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Researches information as requested and/or needed.
• Analyzes data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies.
• Writes information reports.
• Writes/drafts legal documents, i.e. contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolutions, etc.
• Answers citizen questions and provide assistance.
• Speaks as City representative before boards, commissions, public groups, etc.
• Reviews plats and site plans for compliance with policy codes, ordinances, standards, etc.
• Reviews traffic impact analyses.
• Provides technical advice and assistance to citizens, contractors, departments, management, etc.
• Coordinates meetings between consultants, public, etc. and city staff.
• Coordinates division/section activities with other divisions/sections.
• Interprets/explains/enforces city policies and procedures, building/land development codes specifications, ordinances, etc.
• Conducts field checks to verify correctness of data.
• Reviews and evaluates various reports and studies.
• Maintain project files and records.
• Develops short/long range plans.
• Seeks/evaluates/recommends purchase of city property.
• Monitor contract expenditures.
• Plans and develops survey instruments, i.e. questionnaires, rating scales, etc., and methodology for use.
• Utilizes and modifies computer models and statistical packages for planning application.

Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

None

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 planning techniques.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in use of computers and related software.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in collecting, tabulating and analyzing demographics statistics.
• Ability to work under the pressure of rigid and/or short work cycle.
• Ability to apply statistical tools to data.
• Ability to maintain a degree of confidentially.
• Ability to give public presentations.
• Ability to explain and enforce city policies.
• Ability to develop and maintain current knowledge in procedural, ordinance, charter and changes in current job practices.
• 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 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.

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 the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and proficiency with data analysis, interpretation, and visualization through various tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Microsoft Office Suite (PPT, SharePoint, Word, Excel), Power BI, SketchUp, Adobe Acrobat Pro (InDesign, Illustrator), or other.

Proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently while supporting project planning activities and meeting established deadlines.

Experience collaborating, communicating and facilitating dialogue with stakeholders of varying backgrounds and areas of interest, including boards and commissions, community organizations, and people whose voices have been historically excluded from planning processes.

Experience or knowledge of planning at different scales ranging from comprehensive planning to area planning (corridor, district, neighborhood plans, station area plans, etc.) and applying principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in planning work.

Experience in technical writing for planning, including the preparation and review of area or comprehensive plans and policy documentation with a focus on land use and/or community development.

Compensation Range

$31.45-$39.31

Notes to Candidate

District-scale planning falls between Comprehensive Planning and other types of small area planning occurring under the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development Station Area Planning. District-scale planning serves as planning practice that connects the various scales of planning. In this role you will be responsible for the following: Work as part of a team; conduct background research and analysis on District planning approaches and considerations; develop draft planning reports, updates, and presentations; conduct plan area assessments and resulting plan updates; collaborate with plan partners to ensure District Plans and associated plans are in alignment with best practices; develop plan and meeting content (text, illustrations, tables, photographs, charts, graphs, etc.); review projects for plan compliance; develop and implement community engagement and outreach strategies and techniques (visual/written, virtual, and in-person), identify, plan, and develop responses for risks; and other planning activities as needed to support the development of equitable planning activities in the department.

Physical Location

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX

Posting Duration

The Department may close this posting any time after 7 days.

Travel

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Benefits

• low-cost medical
• dental
• vision
• paid leave time
• a highly competitive retirement plan
• training opportunities

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 – that anchor our delivery of 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.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.