Planner I

Job Summary

The Planner I assists with the City's planning, zoning, and development activities by reviewing plats and site plans for compliance with comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances. Under the direction of the Community Development Director, this role conducts field studies, performs land use planning assignments, and provides technical support. The Planner I works with citizens, developers, staff, and officials to ensure projects meet regulations and align with the City's vision for growth.

Essential Duties

Assist developers, citizens, business owners, and staff with interpreting planning and zoning codes, policies, and regulations.

Reviews plans for new construction, renovations, subdivisions, and land development projects to ensure compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.

Prepares and presents detailed reports and recommendations to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustments, City Council, and other boards and committees.

Coordinates the administration of all planning, zoning, and development ordinances, including approval and issuance of related permits and licenses.

Collects, analyzes, and reports on statistical data related to census information, land use, tax base, occupancy rates, and other community development trends.

Evaluates proposals such as rezonings, plats, ordinance amendments, variances, waivers and conditional use permits.

Conducts field inspections and site visits to verify compliance with approved plans and codes.

Assists with enforcement of local, state, and federal codes, including issuing citations and filing appropriate civil or criminal actions as directed.

Coordinates and manages activities of boards and commissions, including agenda preparation and recordkeeping.

Provides information to the public and acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials.

Assists with the review, revision, and development of planning-related codes and ordinances.

Coordinates public input processes for both public and private development projects.

Maintains accurate records and files related to inspections, investigations, planning activities, and development projects.

May be required to attend evening meetings, workshops, and public hearings.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Building construction, design, urban planning, and zoning laws
• Planning principles, research, and data collection
• Transportation, land use, or housing planning (preferred)
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Ability to apply statistical and mathematical concepts
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, GIS, MyGov, and related software

Skills:

• Public speaking and communication, both orally and in writing.
• Use of computer applications including Microsoft Office and GIS database.
• Conflict resolution.
• Operation of appropriate tools, motor vehicles, and office equipment.

Ability To:

• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Identify and correct potential safety hazards
• Identify and use potential sources of data
• Make independent judgments
• Follow oral and written directions
• Respond to and apply established procedures in emergency situations
• Make sound judgments in routine and non-routine situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Officers, City employees and personnel of other law enforcement agencies.
• Communicate effectively with the public.
• Operate all issued equipment including motor vehicles, computers, and small tools.
• Communicate orally and in writing.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Effectively solve problems.
• Perform physical tasks including standing, climbing, reaching, lifting, stretching.

Other Information

Education: Bachelor's degree in Planning, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of three to five years of experience as a Planner, or related field.
• Municipal Government experience preferred.

Required Certifications:

Valid Texas Driver's License

Benefits

The City of Dickinson offers an excellent array of benefits and is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS), offering a 2:1 match on a 7% employee contribution, 5 year vesting.

The City provides full-time employees 100% employer paid:

• Health*
• Dental*
• Vision
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Basic Life

*Multiple levels of dependent coverage available.

Other Benefits

• Voluntary Life
• Annual Longevity Payment
• 13 Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Deferred Compensation
• Professional Development & Tuition Reimbursement
• American Fidelity Ancillary Benefits