Planner III - Austin Planning - TEMPORARY DIRECT APPOINTMENT, HIRE IN PROCESS, DO NOT APPLY

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

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical

Dental

Vision

Paid leave time

Retirement plan

Transit access

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Planner III in the Planning Department to perform professional planning work across zoning, urban, transportation, and site planning. The role involves research, data analysis, report writing, and presenting to boards and the public.

Responsibilities include reviewing plans for compliance, coordinating with staff and consultants, and developing long-range plans. A hybrid schedule is available with occasional evening/weekend meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or related field; plus 3 years of planning experience.
• Graduate coursework can substitute for up to 6 months of experience per 12 hours credited.
• Experience in planning work may substitute for education up to 4 years.

Responsibilities

• Research information as requested and needed.
• Analyze data to identify patterns or discrepancies.
• Prepare information reports and official documents.
• Provide technical advice to citizens and departments.
• Coordinate meetings between consultants, the public, and City staff.
• Review plats, site plans, and traffic impact analyses for compliance.

Skills

Planning principles

Community planning

Urban planning

Policy interpretation

Public presentations

Data analysis

Oral & written communication

Project coordination

Field surveys

Stakeholder engagement

Zoning knowledge

Code compliance

ArcGIS Field Survey

Statistical tools

Research methods

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field

3 years planning experience

Graduate coursework substitution (12 hours = 6 months)

Experience substitution for education up to 4 years

Tools

ArcGIS Field Survey

Statistical packages

Computer modeling

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.

Job Description

Planner III 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 confidentiality.
• 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

• Familiar with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards or the Treatment of Historic Properties.
• Familiar with compiling exterior conditions reports for historic buildings.
• Familiar with inspecting building exteriors and evaluating compliance with local building standards.

Notes to Candidate

• The temporary Planner III is responsible for inspecting City of Austin landmark properties for compliance with the City’s exterior maintenance requirements and historic design standards.
• The Planner III will: Document property conditions in the field via the ArcGIS Field Survey application; Accurately and thoroughly log inspection results; Evaluate compliance with relevant regulations; Work with senior staff and division managers to determine eligibility for historic landmark tax exemption; Communicate with property owners to convey maintenance and compliance issues in a timely manner; Perform re-inspections and reevaluations as needed; Compile inspection results for Historic Landmark Commission, Law Department, and City Council exhibits; Act as primary liaison with appraisal district.
• A hybrid schedule is available. Position may require evening and weekend meetings.

Salary

Salary: $31.45 - $39.31 per hour

Physical Location

6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX

Posting Duration

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

Important Note to Applicants

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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
• generous leave
• work-life balance programs
• extensive benefits
• City of Austin Employees' Retirement System
• access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure
• on-site fitness centers
• mental health support
• professional development and leadership opportunities
• innovation and sustainability in the workplace
• community value and inclusion

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, value, and innovation, competitive benefits, retirement security, sustainable transportation options, focus on wellness, career growth, modern workspaces, community engagement, and more.

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.

Contact for Reasonable Accommodation

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.