Senior Planner - City of Pearland, TX

Are you ready to make your mark on a growing, vibrant city? The City of Pearland, TX, is on the hunt for a full-time Senior Planner to lead and elevate the daily operations of our Community Development Department.

Are you a:

• Dynamic Leader?
• Data-Driven Problem Solver?
• Results-Oriented Visionary?

We're looking for innovators who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about shaping communities. Bring your expertise, leadership, and creativity to a team that values collaboration, innovation, and impact.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here - Apply Now!

The Senior Planner earns a competitive salary of $65,017.97 - $82,897.90/year, based on qualifications. Additionally, the city pays all premiums for our employees' dental, long-term disability protection, and life insurance plus the majority portion of the medical premium for employees and their dependents. We also offer a retirement plan through the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with a 2:1 employer match, life insurance, disability, access to the city's recreation fitness center, employee assistance program, educational assistance, 11 paid holidays and 2 designated paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and an active wellness program focusing on physical, mental, and financial health.

ABOUT THE CITY OF PEARLAND

The City of Pearland has received a Top Workplaces of 2023 USA award from Energage, a leading research firm that specializes in employee engagement and workplace culture each year across the United States. The City of Pearland has also been recognized as a Top Workplace in the Houston Metro Area 2023 by The Houston Chronicle.

Pearland is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas due to affordable housing, outstanding schools, safe neighborhoods, and superb quality of life. Ranked as one of the top ten safest cities in Texas, Pearland residents know their families are safe and secure in the community and surrounding areas. Our close proximity to Houston, just a short 20-minute drive to downtown, allows residents to experience all the city has to offer including professional sports, world-class cultural amenities, and recreation.

Employees of the City of Pearland use multi-directional communication and cross-functional teams to promote a greater understanding of the organization by employees at all levels. We have created a culture of continuous learning that encourages and supports employee development and growth. Our work environment is one where innovation is not only supported but encouraged.

A DAY IN THE LIFE AS A SENIOR PLANNER

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, conducts varied planning activities in current and comprehensive planning; reviews major and minor development proposals for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Land Use and Urban Development Ordinance, City policies, and other regulations; performs administrative review and supervisory functions for the Planning Department; assists the City Planner in processing planning and zoning applications, zoning board of adjustment applications, plats; and performs related work as required. This position reports directly to the City Planner.

Supervisory Functions:

Receives administrative direction from the City Planner and may exercise supervision over assigned professional, technical and clerical staff, as directed by the City Planner. Assist with the coordination and evaluation of the urban planning function (Comprehensive Planning and Current Planning.) Responsibilities include preparation of communication reports for the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, development proposals, and addressing complaints and resolving problems. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

Essential Functions

• Regular and timely attendance at work.
• Assist the City Planner with daily operations of the Planning Department.
• In the City Planner's absence, serve as the staff liaison to the City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
• Process zone change, variance, and subdivision plat applications; prepare public notices and conduct property ownership research. Assist the City Planner in the preparation of agendas, public hearing notices, and scheduling of planning and zoning applications.
• Review site plans, variance, zone changes, staff reports, and similar planning applications; conduct public hearings and presents findings and recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments and City Council.
• Resolve complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone or in writing; respond to local citizens inquiring about planning and zoning regulations and ordinances, and resolve disputes between planners, program manager and applicants as necessary.
• Provide staff support to various boards and commissions, as needed and assigned; serve when needed as a member of a task force or committee composed of city, county, state or private groups.
• Gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Provide advice and information to City staff, the general public, and developers regarding land use codes, regulations, and requirements; clarify and ensure conformance to City codes and regulations.
• Prepare comprehensive written staff reports on assigned projects and recommend courses of action; conduct site visits and field investigations as required; make oral presentations to City Council, City Commissions and Boards, and citizen groups.
• Prepare long range plans, special reports, studies, and correspondence as required; recommend changes to City codes, regulations, and policies.
• Coordinate planning and zoning administration activities for the City Planner.
• Coordinate the work of consultants engaged in Comprehensive Plan updates, and other special projects.
• Substitute for the City Planner as necessary.
• Contribute to team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Public Administration, Engineering, or closely related field is required.

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Public Administration, Engineering, or closely related field is highly desired

• Minimum of four (4) to six (6) years increasingly responsible professional planning experience as a Planner I or equivalent position, preferably with a municipality.

Special Certifications and Licenses Requirements:

• Valid Texas Driver's License.
• American Institute of Certified Planners