Planner Manager

Applications Accepted From: All Persons Interested
Division: Transportation
Workdays & Hours: M-F, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.*
*Some nights and weekends required. Subject to change
You are invited to bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to our team as a Planner Manager in the Transportation Division. Houston is an ideal place to live, where it is enjoyable to be outside most of the year, and has a booming population thanks to a rapidly expanding job market. 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, it is possible to buy a house with a modest income. As the fourth largest and most ethnically diverse city in the U.S., Houston has unlimited choices when it comes to food, festivals, sports, museums, and the performing arts.
ABOUT US
Welcome to the City of Houston's Planning and Development Department. Our department is a key player in the Mayor's effort to build a vibrant, resilient, and equitable Houston that works for all our two million residents. Much like Houston itself, we are a culturally diverse team that is committed to improving Houston's built environment. Our team is filled with energetic change agents who make a difference every day by balancing the needs and interests of the community we serve.
We operate with four core values: Innovation, Collaboration, Integrity, and Empowerment. We treat ourselves, our partners, and our customers with respect and we put continuous learning in the center of our operation.
Check out some of our work in Planning Magazine: https://www.planning.org/planning/2020/jan/the-z-word/

POSITION PROFILE
The role of the Planner Manager is to analyze and assist in developing transportation policies and plans with an emphasis on walking and rolling access. This requires in-depth knowledge of transportation planning, community engagement, and overall project management to ensure that the City of Houston's policies align with the transportation programs.
Additional responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Analyzes complex topics to develop Citywide policies.
• Identifies State/Federal policies that restrict Houston from achieving goals and develops approaches to new legislation.
• Analyzes and responds to City, State, and Federal legislation that could impact the implementation of the City's transportation vision.
• Identifies funding in State and Federal legislation that could provide resources for implementing the City's transportation vision.
• Lead development of Houston's Citywide Pedestrian Plan.
• An immediate portfolio would include:
• Citywide Pedestrian Plan development, including identification of funding for implementation.
• Manage Vision Zero Connectivity Studies.
• Manage the Sidewalk In Lieu Fee.
• Analysis of Federal Infrastructure bills for funding opportunities.

DESIRED EMPLOYEE ATTRIBUTES
Specific Job Skills:

• Knowledge of multimodal transportation planning best practices, including national standards for street design and ADA standards.
• Proficient in data analysis and GIS.
• Experience with graphic programs such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator is preferred as well as design skills related to transportation infrastructure.
• Ability to communicate orally, graphically, and in written form about transportation planning programs, studies, and projects to the public and technical audiences.
• Experience implementing the best practices of project management, following the scope of work, schedule, and budget.
• Experiencing directly managing staff.

Preferred Personality Traits:

• Mature, credible, and comfortable in dealing with mid-to-high-level executives 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.
• Respect for diversity and knowledge of the region's demographics.
• Able to get on with others and be a team player.
• We value creativity, people who think broadly, and who are willing to seek innovative solutions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable; Requires stooping or bending. Occasional lifting, such as three or four reams of paper or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires thorough knowledge of urban planning, development, and local government policies and procedures. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through years of experience, demonstrated understanding of personnel management, and 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: T
Ten years of progressively responsible planning experience required, with at least one year in a supervisory or project manager capacity.
A Master's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or closely related field may be substituted for two years of experience. Preference will be given to candidates who can:

• Demonstrate understanding of multimodal transportation planning;
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills;
• Strong attention to detail;
• Proficient in ArcGIS, Adobe InDesign, and Illustrator, and Microsoft Office;
• Demonstrate time management & organizational skills;
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills;
• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines;
• Adapts well to changes;
• Demonstrate success working with a diverse clientele.
• Preference to AICP certification.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
None. However, the Department may administer a skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if candidate is promoted into this position, he/she must pass an assigned drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 28
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832.394.3411)
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832.393.3411. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. Employment Type: Full Time