Planner III - Austin Planning - District Planning

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:

Purpose:

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

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

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.

Responsibilities - 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, Sketch Up, 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,…