Assistant Planner

Position: ASSISTANT PLANNER
Applications accepted from:  ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division:
Development Services/Permitting

Reporting

Location:

1002 Washington Avenue

Workdays &

Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
* * Some nights and weekends required
- * Subject to change

You are invited to bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to the Planning and Development Department as an Assistant Planner. Join a dynamic Planning team that is actively working to improve the built and social environments of Houston. The work we do has a lasting impact on the future of our city.  

Houston is a place where the cost of living is more than 25% below the top 20 metro average, and with no state income tax, home ownership is very achievable. As the fourth largest and most ethnically diversity city in the U.S., Houston has first-class access to medical care, recreation, food, festivals, sports, museums, and the performing arts.

ABOUT US

The City of Houston's Planning & Development Department is a key player in the mayor's efforts to improve public safety and infrastructure, enhance the quality of life, and maintain an efficient government that works for more than 2 million residents. Much like Houston itself, we are a culturally diverse team that is committed to improving Houston's built environment. Our team draws and retains passionate, curious, life-long learners, and big picture thought leaders who make a difference every day by balancing the needs and interests of the community we serve.

We strive to operate as a customer-focused, goal-oriented, and efficient organization. We treat ourselves, our partners, and our customers with respect while placing continuous learning at the center of our operations.

GENERAL

SUMMARY:

The position is an entry-level position within the professional planning classification that requires limited related experience. It devotes a significant amount of time to principles and responsibilities, related routine administrative or regulatory tasks, and assisting other staff on planning duties and projects of varying complexity.

POSITION PROFILE

The Assistant Planner position conducts regulatory review of development proposals, site plans; research development activity, interacts directly with the public, developers, engineers, architects and other professionals; and makes recommendations to the supervisor and manager.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

* Reviews, or assists in reviewing, development proposals of limited complexity for compliance with applicable regulations and ordinances.

* Provides technical assistance and professional support in the administration of specific planning programs, regulations, or ordinances.

* Performs routine administrative tasks in designated planning program areas, including data entry, file management, and responding to customer inquiries.

* Research and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.

* Prepares maps and other graphical representations of data of varying complexity.

* Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of basic planning documents and reports.

* Works closely with the public and other city departments on basic planning programs, requirements, or ordinances.

DESIRED EMPLOYEE ATTRIBUTES

* Specific Job

Skills:

Knowledge of planning principles and practices, excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office with some ArcGIS experience.

* Preferred Personality Traits: self-driven, results-oriented with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and customer service; a natural forward thinking planner who critically assesses their own performance; mature, credible, and comfortable in dealing with mid to high executive levels and politicians; reliable, tolerant, and determined; empathic communicator, able to see things from the other person's point of view;

well-presented and businesslike; keen for new experience, responsibility and accountability; able to work well with others and be a team-player.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.

This is a Planning and Development Department Position at the Tier III Level.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires basic knowledge of planning principles and practices. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

No experience required.

Preference will be given to:

* bilingual…