Planner Senior (Reserved for City Employees Only)

City of Austin, TX
Austin, Texas United States  View Map
Posted: May 03, 2025
  • Full Time
  • Planning and Development
  • Job Description

    Minimum Qualifications
    Education and/or Equivalent Experience:
    • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or a planning related field, plus five (5) years of planning related work.
    • Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six (6) months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.
    • Experience in planning-related work may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.


    Licenses and Certifications Required:
    None.

    Notes to Applicants

    Policy and Data Analytics
    This is an exciting opportunity to work on the Pathways to Removing Obstacles ( PRO ) Housing grant-funded position initially awarded for a six (6) year period. The position focuses on advancing the City of Austin’s efforts to address barriers to affordable housing. The role will support updates to the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint and the Opportunity Mapping Index, enhancing the City’s ability to promote geographic distribution of affordable housing, align resources with community needs, and utilize the most current data to support vulnerable populations.

    The Senior Planner will serve within the Housing Department’s Policy and Data Analytics Division, contributing to critical planning, policy development, and research initiatives. This position plays a key role in implementing housing plans and programs, tracking progress toward housing goals, and engaging with diverse communities to support affordability.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Conducting research and analysis to inform and refine affordable housing incentive policies.
    • Developing and evaluating policy proposals to support housing affordability.
    • Synthesizing complex data for diverse audiences, including City Council, Boards and Commissions, and community stakeholders.
    • Collaborating across disciplines to align planning efforts with community needs and City goals.


    Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to submit a work sample that demonstrates their ability to perform spatial data analysis and visualization.

    Pay Range
    $32.23 - $40.29

    Hours
    Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Hours may vary according to operational needs. Additional hours on evenings or weekends may be required based on business needs.
    Job Close Date 05/19/2025 Type of Posting Reserved for City Employees Department Housing Department Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Grant Funded Category Professional Location 1000 East 11th Street, Austin Tx. 78702 Preferred Qualifications
    Preferred Experience:
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex information in a clear and engaging way.
    • Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ) software (e.g. ArcGIS), with demonstrated ability to use data analysis and interpretation to guide decision-making.
    • Knowledge of systemic inequities and institutional racism, with experience integrating principles into housing, planning, and policy work.
    • Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and diverse communities to achieve shared objectives.
    • Ability to develop and assess housing and planning policies through a systems-change lens.
    Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
    Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

    Coordinates division/section activities with other division/sections. Researches information as requested and or needed. Reviews analyzed data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies. Assists in developing operating procedures. Assists in developing division/section budget. Assists in developing and evaluating plans, criteria, etc for a variety of projects, programs, and activities. Investigates consumer/citizen complaint to determine validity. Speaks as City representative before public groups. Reviews complex plats and site plans for compliance with policy codes, ordinances, standards, etc. Answers more complex citizen questions and provide assistance. Interprets/explains/enforces City policies & procedures, building/land development codes, specifications, ordinances, etc. Attends City Council, board, and etc meetings to provide technical advice and assistance. Coordinates activities of various boards, committees, etc. Writes informational reports. Writes/draft legal documents, i.e., contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolutions, etc. Develops, utilizes, and modifies complex transportation planning models. Reviews complex traffic impact analyses.

    Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

    Perform as Lead Case Manager. May coordinate the activities of other planners.
    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
    Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

    • Knowledge of the principles of community and urban planning.
    • Knowledge of Federal and State laws relating to planning and urban development.
    • Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
    • Skill in oral and written communication.
    • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
    • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
    • Skill in planning and organizing.
    • Skill in using computers and related software.
    • Ability to make formal presentations of program and/or project recommendations.
    • Ability to work under the pressures of rigid and/or short work cycle.
    • Ability to maintain confidentially.
    • Ability to develop and implement long-range plans.
    • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
    • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.


    Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
    City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

    The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

    Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

    Supplemental Questions

    Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
    * The minimum qualifications for the Planner Senior position are: Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or a planning related field, plus five (5) years of planning related work. Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six (6) months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years. Experience in planning-related work may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?
    • Yes
    • No
    * Are you currently an employee of the City of Austin?
    • Yes
    • No
    * How many years of experience do you have in GIS application programming and support?
    • None
    • Less than 3
    • 3 - 5
    • More than 5
    * Please describe your knowledge and experience of data-driven policy implementation and decision making.
    (Open Ended Question)
    * Describe your experience using tools such as spreadsheets, databases, forms, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Powerpoint, and/or Adobe Creative Suite to communicate, promote, track or document metrics, measures and complex information, including your experience sharing information with a public audience.
    (Open Ended Question)
    * Describe how you apply your knowledge of systemic inequities and institutional racism in housing and planning work and include any relevant trainings, experiences, or principles that guide your work.
    (Open Ended Question)


    Optional & Required Documents

    Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • City of Austin
    • City of Austin

    The City of Austin

    This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017. 

    Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability. 

    The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum. 

    Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes. 

    There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.

    City Government

    The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms. 

    The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin. 

    The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.

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Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.