Assistant Planner

Assistant Planner

You are invited to bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to the Planning and Development Department as an Assistant Planner. Join a dynamic Planning team that is actively working to improve the built and social environments of Houston. The work we do has a lasting impact on the future of our city.

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, home ownership is very achievable. As the fourth largest and most ethnically diversity city in the U.S., Houston has first-class access to medical care, recreation, food, festivals, sports, museums, and the performing arts.

The City of Houston's Planning & Development Department is a key player in the mayor's efforts to improve public safety and infrastructure, enhance the quality of life, and maintain an efficient government that works for more than 2 million residents. Much like Houston itself, we are a culturally diverse team that is committed to improving Houston's built environment. Our team draws and retains passionate, curious, life-long learners, and big picture thought leaders who make a difference every day by balancing the needs and interests of the community we serve. We strive to operate as a customer-focused, goal-oriented, and efficient organization. We treat ourselves, our partners, and our customers with respect while placing continuous learning at the center of our operations.

This position conducts regulatory review of development proposals and subdivision plat applications; 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 the responsibilities include: Reviews, or assists in reviewing development proposals of limited complexity for compliance with applicable regulations.
• Provides technical assistance and professional support in the administration of specific planning programs, regulations, or ordinances.
• Performs routine administrative tasks in designated planning program areas, including data entry, file management, and responding to customer inquiries.
• Research and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Prepares maps and other graphical representations of data of varying complexity.
• Works closely with the public on basic planning programs, requirements, or ordinances.
• Comfortable driving city vehicle for site visits or to perform any other other tasks assigned

Specific Job Skills:

• Knowledge of planning principles;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with some ArcGIS and AutoCAD 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 thinking planner who critically assesses own performance;
• 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;
• Adaptable able to work well with others and be a team-player.
• Strong attention to detail; demonstrated time management & organizational skills.

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.

This is a Planning and Development Department Position at the Tier II Level.