Principal Planner

Job Title: Principal Planner

It's a great time to be in Pflugerville!

The person we seek will believe in and exhibit the City's P.F.I.R.S.T. core values: Positive, Forward-thinking, Integrity, Resilience, Service, and Teamwork.

All City of Pflugerville employees, both full-time and part-time, are able to take advantage of a generous 457 deferred compensation plan and a 100% paid employee assistance program that offers financial, legal, mental, and career coaching and much more!

Most City job postings remain open for 30 days, though some may be extended. Hiring managers typically begin contacting applicants within 1 – 30 days, but in some cases, contact may occur up to 60 days after posting.

If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by the hiring manager. Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will usually receive a notification within 30 – 60 days.

If you have not heard back after that timeframe or have questions about your application, please contact People & Culture.

Job Summary

Compensation: Salary is depending on the qualifications and whether being hired as a Senior Planner or Principal Planner.

Job Summary: The Principal Planner manages and participates in advanced, highly complex professional planning activities. This position functions as the most senior planner, with expertise in a particular specialization.

Essential Job Functions and Other Important Duties

• Manages the implementation of long-range planning documents, including the comprehensive plan for land use, transportation, utilities, annexation, and other elements.
• Serves as the staff lead for the Downtown District, providing technical advice and coordinating activities necessary to implement the Downtown Vision and Downtown Actions Plan.
• Addresses citizens and community groups regarding City Plans, policies, and actions.
• Develops policies and procedures.
• Develops and recommends operations procedures.
• Develops short and long-range plans.
• Oversees specialized planning functions, such as large-scale new development proposals.
• Hires and supervises department interns to ensure effective and efficient operations; assigns, schedules, and reviews work; provides or arranges work-related training/education; completes performance evaluations; conducts counseling and takes disciplinary measures as required; terminates personnel when necessary.
• Works on special projects as assigned.
• Remains accessible via cell phone to address job-related issues or emergencies using City applications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Formal Education: Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning or a related field. Relatable Work Experience: Eight (8) years of municipal planning experience. Training, Licenses, and Certifications: None required. Preferred Qualifications: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed & Environmental Factors and Other Physical Requirements

Knowledge of local codes and ordinances, current principles of planning practices and procedures. Knowledge of federal and state laws relating to planning and urban development. Knowledge of city policies, practices, and procedures. Skill in using personal computers and associated software programs, including Windows and Microsoft Office applications. Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluation situations and making decisions. Expertise in researching planning issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports. Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, and regulations. Familiarity with project management techniques. Ability to multi-task and perform numerous job functions with minimal assistance. Ability to establish and maintain professionally effective relationships with external public/vendors, internal management and non-management employees, and City and other government officials. Ability to develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and procedures to provide effective and efficient services for the City. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with strong time and task management abilities. Subject to sitting and standing to perform essential functions in an office environment. Visual acuity, speech, and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate office equipment. This position is eligible for remote/hybrid work; however, the City of Pflugerville employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions and normal work schedules. Regularly scheduled for 5-day, 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday; occasional overtime may be required.

Benefits Overview

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month.
• 8 hours of sick leave per month.
• Medical insurance and benefits provided at zero premium cost to the employee.
• 50% employer dependent health benefits premium contribution.
• Dental benefits are provided at zero premium cost to the employee.
• 24 hours of paid personal holiday leave each fiscal year.
• 10 wellness hours each fiscal year.
• Retirement plan includes a 7% contribution of an employee's gross salary to the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a City contribution match of 2 to 1 (14%) at retirement.
• Military leave.
• Education reimbursement assistance.