Senior Planner

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to perform advanced professional planning work related to development review, project management, and implementation of City planning initiatives. The Senior Planner serves as a lead planner for complex development projects, coordinates multidisciplinary reviews, provides technical guidance to less experienced staff, and manages special planning projects that support City Council priorities, Comprehensive Plan implementation, and updates to development regulations.

This position performs a wide variety of current planning activities with an emphasis on development review, including zoning, platting, site development, building permits, and coordination of large-scale and multi-phase development projects. This position also assists with long-range planning initiatives, development code updates, and special projects as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent.

• Serves as project manager for development applications including zoning changes, specific use permits, plats, site plans, development plans, and other applications.
• Coordinates review of development proposals with internal departments, external agencies, developers, engineers, architects, and property owners.
• Reviews and interprets the Unified Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, development agreements, and related regulations to determine compliance and provide recommendations.
• Reviews building permits, site plans, civil plans, and related documents for compliance with zoning and development regulations.
• Manages complex and high-profile development projects, including multi-phase master planned developments and projects involving multiple stakeholders and departments.
• Identifies potential issues early in the development review process and works collaboratively with applicants and staff to develop solutions.
• Reviews and prepares staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, and recommendations for the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and other boards or committees.
• Presents development proposals, planning analyses, and recommendations at public meetings and hearings.
• Responds to inquiries from citizens, developers, contractors, engineers, architects, and other stakeholders regarding planning and development matters.
• Maintains records and documentation related to assigned projects and applications.

Planning Projects and Policy Implementation

• Leads or assists with implementation projects associated with the Comprehensive Plan, area plans, strategic initiatives, and City Council priorities.
• Conducts research and analysis related to planning policies, land use trends, development practices, and emerging planning issues.
• Serves as project manager for assigned updates to the Unified Development Code and other development regulations.
• Prepares reports, presentations, recommendations, and other supporting materials for planning projects and special assignments.
• Assists in evaluating planning processes and identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, customer service, and organizational effectiveness.

Leadership and Professional Support

• Provides technical guidance, training, and mentorship to less experienced planners and planning staff.
• Serves as a resource to staff on complex development review issues, interpretation of regulations, and planning best practices.
• Assists with coordination of departmental initiatives, special projects, and cross-departmental efforts.
• Represents the department at meetings with developers, consultants, neighborhood groups, governmental agencies, and professional organizations.
• Assists other team members and performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Any combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered. Typical qualifications include:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, City and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field is preferred.
• Experience: Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience involving development review, land use planning, zoning administration, development services, or related municipal planning functions.
• A Master's degree in Planning or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• Closely related professional experience in civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, transportation planning, or another related land development profession may be considered toward the experience requirement when combined with demonstrated competency in development review, land use analysis, project management, and the exercise of independent professional judgment.
• Equivalent combinations of education, professional experience, and demonstrated ability to perform work at the Senior Planner level may be considered.
• Experience managing complex development projects, coordinating multidisciplinary reviews, interpreting development regulations, and presenting recommendations to boards, commissions, or elected officials is highly desirable.
• Licenses: Valid Texas Class C Driver's License
• Certifications Required: AICP preferred.