Urban Planner II

About the position

Responsibilities
• Delegating project tasks and other responsibilities to support staff
• Assisting in developing Planning Dept. graphic standards and product templates
• Developing a working knowledge and application of ArcGIS Urban software platform
• Providing QA/QC reviews of project deliverables produced by others
• Assisting with business development-related activities, including setting-up and attending meetings, preparing statements of qualifications (SOQs) and proposals
• Assisting in developing various planning studies; providing technical expertise in analyzing data and preparing reports for addressing short-term and long-range projects and land use issues, while providing land development assistance services to municipal clients
• Researching and revising municipal regulatory codes and ordinances to achieve desired results
• Assisting with facilitating public engagement activities. Producing public engagement materials and collecting input from stakeholders
• Communicating complex planning-related concepts and solutions to the general public by the creation of graphic and conceptual renderings
• Making presentations to a variety of audiences, including clients, public officials, and the general public
• Coordinating with colleagues in fulfilling the programmatic and technical requirements for stormwater management, grading, utilities infrastructure, transportation, and other civil engineering-related issues
• Reviewing permit applications for compliance with municipal comprehensive plans, thoroughfare plans, codes of ordinances and other land development regulations
• Advancing the planning profession through making presentations about relevant planning topics at national and state conferences and symposia and activity in professional organizations (e.g., Texas APA)

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, urban design, or related professional field
• 4+ years of experience working on urban planning, transportation planning, parks, recreation and open space planning, or comprehensive planning projects
• General knowledge and expertise as a task lead for community, urban, and regional planning in transportation, parks and open space, land use, energy, sustainability, and resiliency
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), Adobe Acrobat Pro, Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Teams, and One Note) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software
• Excellent technical writing, graphic, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to analyze demographic data and identify trends in employment, health and other areas
• Ability to work with local government staff and officials to interpret land development codes and subdivision regulations
• Working knowledge of effective public engagement strategies, tools, and techniques
• Ability to articulate and explain technical issues to non-technical municipal staff, officials, and the general public
• Ability to work collaboratively with developers, designers, and public officials
• Knowledge of urban spatial structure and the way cities operate and function
• Knowledge of municipal systems operations and management, including utilities infrastructure, stormwater management, water distribution, and wastewater collection and treatment systems
• Ability to envision, characterize, and give form to alternative physical and social living environments
• Ability to travel throughout Houston metropolitan area (own transportation)

Nice-to-haves
• Expertise in special area planning solutions for districts, neighborhoods, and corridors is considered a plus
• Actively pursuing AICP and Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) credentials

Benefits
• Comprehensive healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support
• Financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents, cancer, and critical illnesses
• Generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements
• 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors
• Employee Stock Ownership program

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