Assistant Planner-Site Plan Review

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

You are invited to bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to our team as a Assistant Planner. 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 diversity 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 the American Planning Association Magazine https://www.planning.org/planning/2020/jan/the-z-word/

POSITION PROFILE
This position conducts a regulatory review of development proposals and site plans; researches development activity considers policy trends, and prepares recommendations; interacts directly with the public, developers, engineers, architects, and other professionals; and makes presentations to the Planning Commission, city officials, other boards and agencies.

A sample of your responsibilities include:

• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Performs routine administrative tasks in designated planning program areas; including data entry, file management, and responding to customer inquiries.
• Prepares maps and other graphical representations of data of varying complexity.
• Provides technical assistance and professional support in the administration of specific planning programs, regulations, or ordinances.
• Works closely with the public on basic planning programs, requirements, or ordinances
• Reviews, or assists in reviewing, development proposals of limited complexity for compliance with applicable regulations

DESIRED EMPLOYEE ATTRIBUTES

• Specific Job Skills: knowledge of planning principles and City of Houston operations and our governance structure, including planning-related ordinances; deep knowledge of the Houston community; 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 planner who critically assesses 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM 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.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
No experience required.

PREFERENCES

• Should have an interest in how properties are planned for development. Development includes property acquisition, subdivision and construction.
• Demonstrated knowledge of planning and transportation principles and; excellent written and verbal communication skills; Strong attention to detail; Novice in ArcGIS and Microsoft Office; Demonstrated time management and organizational skills; Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines; Adapts well to changes; Demonstrated success working with diverse clientele.

**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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED The department may administer a skill assessment. SAFETY IMPACT POSITION No 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. The salary range for this position is: Pay Grade 15 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 832-394-3411. (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. EEO Equal Employment Opportunity 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.