Planner Apprentice, Planner, Planner II, Sr. Planner

Planning Department Overview The Planning Department offers a structured career ladder that supports employee growth and advancement across roles. Placement within the ladder is based on each individual’s experience, education, training, and demonstrated competencies. Planner Apprentice The Planning Apprentice position is the introductory entry point into the Planning Department. It is suited to highly motivated individuals who demonstrate strong promise and aptitude, but who do not possess extensive experience, specific training, or formal education in the planning or related fields. The role involves hands‑on exposure to the daily operations of a municipal planning department, including engagement with land use, zoning, subdivision regulations, and development review. Work is of routine difficulty under direct supervision, with close direction from Planners I and II, and support from the Sr. Planner on technical matters. Assists Planners of all levels with routine review of basic permit applications and minor development submittals under direct supervision. Performs research support functions including data gathering, file organization, and basic mapping tasks. Learns and applies foundational concepts of zoning, subdivision regulations, through the use of the Unified Development Code. Compiles statistical data such as census information, land use information, and demographic data for use in studies or by senior staff. Assists with public counter and front office duties, answering basic inquiries from residents and directing more complex questions to appropriate Planners. Prepares routine notices, mailings, and correspondence related to public hearings and development applications. May attend Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Historic Commission meetings in an observational and/or support capacity to build familiarity with public meeting procedures. Participates in structured on‑the‑job training and pursues approved professional development opportunities such as APA Texas conferences and online coursework. Conducts field assessments under the guidance of higher‑level Planners. Performs general administrative support including scanning, filing, and digital records management. Other duties as assigned depending on workload. Typical Knowledge General awareness of basic municipal government functions and the role of a Planning Department. Basic understanding of land use concepts gained through experience, coursework, self‑study, or general interest. Basic computer literacy including Microsoft Office and standard internet applications. Willingness to learn specialized software for permit tracking systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Typical Skills Strong written, oral, and graphical communication skills to prepare routine correspondence, notices, and representations in effective interactions with the public, applicants, and coworkers. Ability to follow detailed instructions and accept constructive feedback. Ability to manage multiple tasks under direct supervision. Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic. Curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn the technical aspects of municipal planning. Planner The Planner position is the entry‑level professional role within the Planning Department. It involves professional‑level duties and judgment along with some routine administrative tasks. Planners operate with general supervision and receive ongoing assistance and support from the Sr. Planner on technical matters. Prepares planning studies and reports that inform plans, programs, and regulations by gathering, analyzing, and summarizing pertinent data, along with producing supporting maps and related materials. Reviews or assists in the review of moderately difficult development proposals and site plans for conformance with codes, plans, and regulations. Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to government bodies. Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, plats, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances, and other proposals. Acts as liaison between community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in creating development plans. Coordinates reviews of public and private development projects. Provides information to the public regarding development regulations. Assists in resolving citizen and customer issues. Reviews the work of consultants and interns. Conducts field evaluations and assessments. May be required to attend evening meetings. Other duties as assigned depending on workload. Typical Knowledge Knowledge of the principles and practices of planning. Knowledge of a relevant specialization such as transportation, land use, or affordable housing is desired. Knowledge of principles and practices of research and data collection. Knowledge of effective writing and graphic techniques. Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations. Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, internet applications, permit tracking systems, and GIS. Typical Skills Strong oral, graphical, and interpersonal communication skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public. Creative problem‑solving skills to gather relevant information to solve vaguely defined practical problems. Ability to review plans, apply applicable ordinances and codes to determine compliance, and interpret regulations in field conditions. Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously. Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed. Ability to attend to details while keeping big‑picture goals in mind. GIS skills highly desirable. Planner II The Planner II position involves professional planning work of moderate difficulty and is characterized by increasingly specialized knowledge of the planning field and a higher level of duties and responsibilities compared with the Planner. The Planner II works more independently than a Planner and takes an active role in departmental goals and initiatives. Interprets and applies applicable federal, state, county, and local codes, ordinances, and regulations. Initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations. Assists with the creation and maintenance of regulatory documents and long‑range planning policies, including updates to guiding plans and development standards. Conducts review of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests, and rezonings. Conducts extensive research in specific or general project areas. Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence to governing bodies or the general public. Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning. Develops long‑range plans for communities with common developmental issues. Develops strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with community goals. Evaluates adequacy of community facilities in meeting current and projected needs. Attendance at some evening meetings may be required. Other duties as assigned depending on workload. Typical Knowledge Well‑developed knowledge of planning principles and practices. In‑depth knowledge of one or more planning specializations such as long‑range planning or historic preservation planning. Knowledge of principles, methodology, and practices of research and data collection. Knowledge of effective writing and graphic techniques. Knowledge of community remediation and redevelopment, and knowledge of relevant Federal programs such as NFIP or CDBG. Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply same in practical situations. Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, internet applications, permit tracking systems, and GIS. Typical Skills Oral, graphic communication, and interpersonal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees. Creative problem‑solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well‑defined practical problems. Ability to review plans, apply applicable ordinances and codes to determine compliance, and interpret regulations in field conditions. Group facilitation skills for use with internal collaborations or community workshops. Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously. Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed. Ability to attend to details while keeping big‑picture goals in mind. Sr. Planner The Sr. Planner requires advanced professional planning experience of high complexity and variety. The role involves managing complex and/or high‑profile planning studies, development applications, and consultant proposals. Sr. Planners lead or are significantly involved with larger, higher‑profile planning assignments and provide support to junior staff. Manages complex and/or high‑profile planning studies, development applications, and consultant proposals. Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, annexations, site plans, and plat changes. Assists with budgets, bidding processes, verification of contract expenditures, and compliance. Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social, and economic issues. Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects. May work in regional program areas relating to natural/water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, coastal zone management, or others as needed. Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and verify compliance with approved plans. Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards. Presents reports and other findings to staff, various boards or commissions, and Council. May serve as liaison to such boards or commissions. Attends a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings. May supervise or mentor more junior planners. Other duties as assigned depending on workload. Typical Knowledge Advanced knowledge of the philosophies, principals, practices, and techniques of planning, and familiarity with state law governing planning. Well‑developed knowledge of one or more planning disciplines such as comprehensive planning or land use. Knowledge of principles, methodology, and practices of research and data collection. Knowledge of effective writing techniques. Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, including Microsoft Office, internet applications, EnerGov, and GIS. Typical Skills Excellent oral, graphical, and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects. Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision‑makers. Creative problem‑solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well‑defined planning problems. Group facilitation skills for use with internal collaborations or community workshops. Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously. Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management. Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines. Salary Information Planner Apprentice: Hourly $23.50–$34.08 (Annual $48,887.48–$70,886.83). Planner: Hourly $27.41–$39.75 (Annual $57,022.35–$82,682.41). Planner II: Hourly $29.61–$42.93 (Annual $61,584.14–$89,296.99). Sr. Planner: Hourly $34.53–$50.08 (Annual $71,831.74–$104,156.01). Required Education & Experience Planner Apprentice: High school diploma or GED. Planner: Bachelor’s degree in a related field with no planning experience, or high school diploma/ GED with 3 years planning experience. Planner II: 5+ years planning experience with high school diploma/ GED, or 3+ years planning experience with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Sr. Planner: 5+ years planning experience and Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or 4+ years planning experience and master’s degree in a related field. Must have AICP certification. Additional Requirements Must be able to provide services for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations that threaten the safety of League City’s citizens; City employees must be able to work immediately before, during, or immediately after an emergency. Equal Opportunity Employer League City is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-League-City,-T