PLANNING TECHNICIAN / PLANNER I / PLANNER II

City of Amarillo; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Amarillo seeks Planning Technicians/Planners I/II to support current and comprehensive planning, with emphasis on customer service and processing department cases. Duties include reviewing plans, coordinating with departments, and preparing staff reports.

Positions require strong communication, GIS/CAD familiarity, and ability to work with developers and the public. Work hours are standard city schedules with occasional evening commitments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's Degree or higher preferred in planning/GIS/architecture or related field.
• Two years of plan review, zoning, or surveying experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in administration of zoning, subdivision and planning ordinances.
• Review development proposals for compliance with regulations.
• Prepare staff reports and present to boards/commissions as needed.
• Interpret and apply state, county, and local codes.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

GIS experience

Project management

Data interpretation

Education

Associate's Degree in planning

Bachelor's Degree in Planning

Tools

GIS

CAD

Job description

JOB TITLE : Planning Technician; Planner I; Planner II

MINIMUM SALARY : $35,388 - $45,167 annually (DOQ)

SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Senior Planner and Director of Planning, performs technical work in matters related to current and comprehensive planning with a focus on the aspects of customer service and processing department cases.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in the administration of zoning, subdivision and other planning related ordinances.

• Reviews development proposals and site plans for conformance with ordinances and regulations.

• Interacts with other city departments and utility companies regarding application review.

• Prepares staff reports and presents to boards and commission as needed.

• Interprets and applies applicable state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations.

• Works with and provides technical information to developers, builders, surveyors, engineers, and the general public regarding matters related to zoning, subdivision, and other current planning matters.

• Provides information to the public regarding development regulations.

• Assists in preparation of informational material for the public detailing Planning Department responsibilities and procedures.

• Assists with updating plat ledger, pro rata fee account book, and entering related data into appropriate computer applications.

• Performs special studies and other related duties as needed to fulfill the Planning Department function.

• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development-related data for City staff use.

• Researches planning-related ordinances and assists in updates of said ordinances.

• Cross trains with long range planning job duties.

• Collects, interprets, and graphically displays data.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must display effective verbal and written communication skills.

• Must maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public.

• Possess familiarity and skill with office type software applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, or similar programs) and small office equipment (phones, copiers, printers, etc.)

• Professional writing skills for drafting public meeting agendas, minutes, and technical communication.

• Ability to conduct and summarize research and review/understand technical documents.

• Group facilitation skills for use with public workshops and meetings with external customers.

• Ability to review and understand technical documents.

• Project management experience, including managing multiple tasks and balancing priorities.

• Ability to research, analyze, generate data, and formulate conclusions related to urban planning and/or community and economic development.

• Knowledge of the fundamental principles, concepts, and practices of city planning.

• General knowledge of professional office protocols, policies, and equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to verbally or in writing convey complex information to a variety of audiences.

• Ability to operate highly technical computer applications such as GIS or CAD preferred.

• Ability to use Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Google and Sketch-Up for creating materials preferred.

• Knowledge of real estate, land development, engineering, and architectural terminology is preferred.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The City may consider all related education and/or experience in determining an applicant's minimum qualifications and starting salary.

PLANNING TECHNICIAN (Non-Exempt):

A high school diploma or GED is required. Valid Texas Driver's License required. An Associate's Degree in planning, GIS, architecture, construction management, or related field is preferred. Two years of experience in plan review, zoning, or surveying is preferred.

PLANNER I (Non-Exempt):

Requires a Bachelor's Degree and one (1) year of related experience. Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as Planning, GIS, Geography, Architecture, or Engineering and one year of experience in urban planning in either public or private sector are preferred. Valid Texas Driver's License Required.

PLANNER II (Exempt):

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, GIS, Architecture, or related field and a minimum of three years of related experience. A Master's Degree in a related field can substitute for two years of experience. GIS software experience is preferred. Valid Texas Driver's License Required.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. The employee must also balance, crawl, crouch, walk, stand, sit, hear, feel, finger, grasp, handle, reach, pull, push, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.

WORK HOURS

Typical work hours are 8:00 – 5:00 PM. Most work is done indoors at a desk. May be required to attend and assist with public meetings and workshops, many of which occur in the evening.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.