Associate Planner

Under general supervision of the Development Manager and other senior level positions, the Associate Planner performs professional review of municipal planning applications, performs administrative and procedural duties related to the Development Services Department, and provides general Planning information to the public. This position implements and enforces the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable City Ordinances, and provides Staff support to elected and appointed officials. The Associate Planner performs professional level duties and manages smaller, less complex development projects while also serving in the capacity of a Planning Technician and being responsible for duties such as performing administrative and procedural duties related to the Development Services Department.
The intent of this position description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this position. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description and incumbent(s) may be required to perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.

• Acts as project manager for the duration of smaller, less complex development projects including but not limited to substantially conforming site plan, site plan, minor plat, and amending plat applications.
• Administers the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable City Ordinances.
• Coordinates with applicable City departments to complete thorough project reviews and approvals of development and construction plans.
• Assists in meeting the objectives of the City Council's Strategic Goals and the Department's Five-Year Strategic Plan.
• Meets with project applicants for pre-and post-development review to discuss compliance with the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable City Ordinances.
• Prepares professional Staff reports and recommendations for presentation to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council.
• Presents in front of elected and appointed officials, applicants, and residents.
• Performs a variety of customer service duties including answering and directing telephone calls, responding to routine questions from the public, and assisting applicants with the preparation of and status of Land Development and Zoning applications.
• Assists in the intake of project submissions and other tasks related to Electronic Plan Review.
• Utilizes a variety of computer programs and databases to create PowerPoint presentations, to create locator maps, to maintain project databases, and to prepare reports and informational packets.
• Assists in post-approval/disapproval/denial processing of Department files.
• Prepares public hearing notices for newspaper publication and to send to property owners.
• Assists in the organization and publishing of packets for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, City Council meetings, and other meetings.
• Conducts on site reviews of development and construction projects.
• Complies with all City policies and procedures.

Other Important Duties:

• Research codes and ordinances for Development Services Department staff, other City departments and customers.
• Travel to conduct scheduled and non-scheduled inspections, attend meetings, conferences, and training.
• Attend evening meetings.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, Regional, and City Zoning, Subdivision, and Comprehensive Planning regulations, ordinances, and codes.
• Knowledge of database development, maintenance, and retrieval and geographical information system utilization for layer mapping.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Ability to implement and enforce regulations, ordinances, and codes.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service skills both internally and externally.
• Ability to research techniques and provide assistance for cases and assignments.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve defined practical problems.
• Skill in effective oral and written communications.
• Well organized with a recognition of time management skills.

Education, Experience, and Certifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, or related field; OR High School Diploma with 30 semester hours of college-level courses in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Studies, or related field and two (2) years experience in Urban Planning or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check and MVR check.
• Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver's License.

• Work is generally performed in an office environment, but on-site research/field inspections, and filing plats with the County are required and may occur in extreme weather conditions.
• May be exposed to hostile or angry customers.

Physical Demands:
This work typically requires the following physical activities to be performed. A complete description of the activities below is available upon request from Human Resources
Equipment and Tools Utilized:

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, cellular phone, copier, calculator, fax machine, other standard office equipment.

Employment Type: Full Time