Principal Planner

City of Temple, TX; Temple (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Temple, TX is seeking a Principal Planner to lead complex development reviews, analyze data, and prepare detailed reports under the Planning Manager. The role involves coordinating rezoning, variances, and other land use actions while ensuring compliance with local codes.

You will interact with multiple departments, present to planning bodies, and guide projects from initial review through implementation, including annexation processes when applicable.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field with 5 years municipal planning and zoning experience.
• Experience organizing development review processes and coordinating with multiple departments.
• AICP Certification or equivalent preferred and a valid driver’s license will be valued.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate development review activities and maintain records.
• Prepare reports and exhibits for planning processes.
• Develop land use plans including rezonings, variances, dedications, annexation.
• Review plats and site plans; conduct site visits and evaluations.
• Interpret and amend the Unified Development Code and related ordinances.
• Present findings to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, developers, and other agencies.

Skills

Data analysis

GIS

Report writing

Public speaking

Coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning

Master’s degree in Planning

Tools

GIS software

Case management software

Office software

Job description

Ready to Start Your Career with the City of Temple?

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

Thank you for your interest in the position. Please note only those selected for an interview will be contacted.