Planner Senior (Urban Designer)

Job Description:

Planner Senior (Urban Designer)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

The Austin Planning Department's mission is to provide equitable, people-centered planning services and shape an Austin where everyone can thrive.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under very limited direction while working independently, carry out very complex urban planning duties for the City.

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 - Supervisor 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.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading urban design and planning projects
  
• Experience with graphic designs 2D and 3D applications
  
• Advanced GIS experience
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location
  

Notes to Candidate:

The Urban Design Division leads efforts to shape the city’s physical form to create people-centered design solutions for effective placemaking. The principal elements that Urban Design examines include open spaces, streets, sidewalks and walkways; bridges and water bodies; historical features; trees and landscaping; and lighting and signage that all affect the quality of life in the public realm.

The Division, located within Austin Planning seeks to:

• Envision and implement beautiful, sustainable, and people-centered places that build and serve diverse and complete communities.
  
• Provide placemaking urban design services, internally to the City of Austin and externally to the broader community - that balance function and design, heritage and change, vision and reality.
  
• Promote the value of urban design by building relationships through collaboration, education, outreach, and example in the areas of planning, design, advocacy, activation, and development review.
  

To learn more about the Urban Design division please visit: Austin Planning - Urban Design.

The Senior Planner (Urban Designer) will have demonstrated expertise in the practice of urban design to assist staff and to work with communities to envision the future urban form of neighborhoods, districts, and redeveloping areas in ways that reinforce people-oriented place-making and create a high-quality public realm.

As part of a design team, duties, functions, and responsibilities specific to this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and evaluate written plans, reports, and analysis for a variety of urban design projects, plans, and program activities.
  
• Create 2D and 3D analytical and conceptual sketches, drawings, graphics, digital and physical models, maps, and illustrations to support urban design plans, initiatives, and projects.
  
• Prepare and deliver presentations to convey urban design plans, concepts and interventions to city staff, city commissions, agencies, public officials, citizen groups, and public meetings.
  
• Provide urban design consultation and assistance to citizens, city departments, developers, city management, etc.
  
• Serves as member of various intra- and interdepartmental planning teams. Provide on-going support for implementation of urban design and small area plans, programs and initiatives, which may include, but not be limited to the the review of streetscape projects, assist the Transit Oriented Development program, review and contribute to review of urban design elements in site development plans, and other programs and projects.
  

A hybrid schedule is available. Position may require evening and weekend meetings.

Salary: $32.96 - $41.20

Physical Location: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX

Posting Duration: The Department may close this posting any time after 7 days.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply , but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed . All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

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.

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.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-11-04