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 Apply tot his job