Assistant Planner (Development Services)

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Assistant Planner (Development Services)

Salary

$18.59 - $25.08 Hourly

Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

34139

Department

Planning and Development

Division

Development Services

Opening Date

06/03/2024

Closing Date

7/26/2024 11:59 PM Central

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications Accepted From : All Persons Interested

Division : Development Services

Workdays & Hours : M-F, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. *

*Some nights and weekends required. Subject to change

You are invited to bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to our team as an Assistant Planner. Houston is an ideal place to live, where it is enjoyable to be outside most of the year and has a booming population thanks to a rapidly expanding job market. 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, it is possible to buy a house with a modest income. As the fourth largest and most ethnically diverse city in the U.S., Houston has unlimited choices when it comes to food, festivals, sports, museums, and the performing arts.

ABOUT US

Welcome to the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Department. Our department is a key player in the Mayor’s effort to build a vibrant, resilient, and equitable Houston that works for all our two million residents. Much like Houston itself, we are a culturally diverse team that is committed to improving Houston’s built environment. Our team is filled with energetic change agents who make a difference every day by balancing the needs and interests of the community we serve. We operate with four core values: Innovation, Collaboration, Integrity, and Empowerment. We treat ourselves, our partners, and our customers with respect and we put continuous learning at the center of our operation.

Check out some of our work in the American Planning Association Magazine https://www.planning.org/planning/2020/jan/the-z-word/

POSITION PROFILE

This position conducts a 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 your 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.

DESIRED EMPLOYEE ATTRIBUTES

• Specific Job Skills: knowledge of planning principles and City of Houston operations and our governance structure, including planning-related ordinances; deep knowledge of the Houston community; excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office with some ArcGIS 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 planner who critically assesses own performance; mature, credible, and 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; able to work well with others and be a team-player.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires basic knowledge of planning principles and practices. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

No experience required.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to applicants with the ability to demonstrate knowledge of planning and transportation principles and excellent written and verbal communication skills; Strong attention to detail; Novice in ArcGIS and Microsoft Office; Demonstrated time management and organizational skills; Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines; Adapts well to changes; Demonstrated success working with diverse clientele. Should have an interest in how properties are planned for development. Development includes property acquisition, subdivision, and construction.

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

None. However, the Department may administer a skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: No

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if candidate is promoted into this position, he/she must pass an assigned drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 15

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832.394.3411)

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832.394.3411. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan.

Benefits include:

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Wellness

• Life insurance

• Long-term disability

• Retirement pension

• 457 deferred compensation plan

• Employee Assistance Program

• 10 days of vacation each year

• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday

• Flexible schedules

• Professional development opportunities

• Transportation/parking plan

• Section 125 pretax deductions

• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes

• No

  02

  What is the highest level of education you have obtained?

• High School Diploma or GED

• Associate's Degree

• Bachelor's Degree or above

  03

  If you selected a degree from previous question, please list your degree(s).

  04

  How many years of professional planning experience do you possess?

• Less than 1 year

• 1 year to less than 2 years

• 2 years to less than 4 years

• 4 or more years

• None

  05

  What is your interest level in learning more about the land development process? Provide your reason for answer.

  06

  Are you a current employee of the Planning and Development Department?

• Yes

• No

  Required Question