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 AnalyticsThis 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 QuestionsRequired 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?
* Are you currently an employee of the City of Austin?
* 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 DocumentsRequired Documents Cover Letter Resume
Optional Documents