Principal Planner

City of Temple; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Temple seeks a Principal Planner to lead complex planning projects and coordinate development review activities. The role involves gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports, and managing sensitive development cases under the Planning Manager’s supervision.

Responsibilities include rezoning, variances, and annexations; coordinating with Engineering, Public Works, and Legal; and presenting findings to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field
• Five (5) years of experience in municipal planning and zoning
• Master’s degree in planning (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Manage data needs for complex planning studies and analyze data.
• Prepare reports, projects, and exhibits.
• Coordinate development review activities and facilitate meetings.
• Present to Planning and Zoning Commission, ZBA, and City Council as needed.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Public Works, and Legal on development matters.
• Maintain records and use GIS and case management software.

Skills

Municipal planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field

Master’s degree in planning (preferred)

Tools

GIS software

Permitting software

Case management software

Office software

Job description

Summary

The Principal Planner, under the general supervision of the Planning Manager, is responsible for complex professional planning work on the case management side of the department. The position organizes and coordinates development review activities, gathers and analyzes research data, prepares written reports, and carries the most complex and sensitive development cases.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Determines data needs for complex planning studies and collects, analyzes, and evaluates the data.
• Prepares reports, projects, and exhibits as needed.
• Develops, organizes, and implements short range land use plan measures including rezoning of property, zoning variances, abandonments, dedications, encroachment licenses, and annexation in accordance with City of Temple ordinances and plans.
• Conducts plat and site plan reviews for new land development projects, including site visits to evaluate existing land use conditions as needed. Conducts reviews and makes recommendations for zoning requests, variances, and administrative appeals, including the most complex and sensitive cases.
• Interprets and prepares amendments to the City’s Unified Development Code, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and related codes and ordinances as needed.
• Organizes and facilitates the Development Review Committee and pre-development meetings with applicants and reviewing departments.
• Makes presentations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and City Council as needed.
• Responds to inquiries from the public, developers, and other agencies regarding zoning, platting, and land use regulations.
• Coordinates with other City departments, including Engineering, Public Works, Building Inspections, and Legal, on plat and site plan review and related development matters.
• Establishes and maintains communication with other agencies involved in planning activities which impact the City.
• Maintains records of statistical data and supplies data as requested.
• Utilizes GIS, permitting and case management software, and standard office software to complete assigned work.
• Follows City policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to Bachelor’s degree in Planning or related field
• Five (5) years of experience in municipal planning and zoning

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in planning

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

• Valid Drivers License
• AICP Certification