
About This Position
The Austin Planning Department's mission is to provide equitable, people-centered planning services and shape an Austin where everyone can thrive.
Under very limited direction while working independently, carry out very complex urban planning duties for the City.
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.
Perform as Lead Case Manager. May coordinate the activities of other planners.
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.
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.
None
Knowledge of laws relating to municipal annexation and extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Familiarity with special districts, such as MUDs or PIDs.
Familiarity with zoning case review and management.
Experience negotiating, drafting, implementing, and monitoring development-related agreements and contracts.
Experience and proficiency with data analysis, interpretation, and visualization using various tools, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, etc).
Experience preparing and making presentations to Boards and Commissions, City Council, and other stakeholder groups.
Experience managing, organizing, and scheduling multiple tasks on tight timelines.
Austin Planning is seeking a Planner Senior to join the Jurisdictional Matters team. The Jurisdictional Matters team is responsible for management of special purpose districts, jurisdictional boundaries and regulations, annexation, disannexation, release from the ETJ, and Planning-related legislative interests. The position would also provide support to the Current Planning Team as a Zoning Case Manager.
The selected candidate will represent City staff on items related to jurisdictional matters at Boards, Commissions, and City Council. As a part of the Jurisdictional Matters team, this planner will be responsible for the following: Work as a part of a team; conduct background research and analysis on planning approaches and considerations; lead projects as case manager or provide project management support to the case manager; draft, review, and edit plan elements, reports, updates, or recommendations; collaborate with different departments on MUD and annexation reviews; carry zoning requests through the zoning process; and other planning activities as needed to support development of equitable planning activities in the department. This role also supports special projects that impact jurisdictional boundaries, such as SB 2038 ETJ Releases, and boundary review for elections.
Hours: Monday to Friday; 8AM to 5PM
Telework opportunities may be available after an initial training period. Telework, if approved can be up to 60% hybrid. Hybrid schedules are subject to change to meet the business needs of the department.
This position may need to work occasionally evening and weekend hours.
Salary: $32.96 - $41.20 per hour
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.
Make a Difference Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Value and Innovation Work in an environment where employees are 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 that foster collaboration and inspiration.
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.

An award-winning employer, the City of Austin has a Council-Manager form of government and employs 13.8K employees. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is responsible to the Council for the management of City employees, and for the administration of all City affairs.
To achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the country, Austin’s city government’s mission is to be the best-managed city in the country. The City continues to advance its best-managed mission through transparent business practices, excellence in public service, innovative leadership, and the provision of reliable, safe, efficient, and above-national-standards services.
The Austin metro area population exceeds 2 million. Geographically, Austin consists of approximately 326 square miles.
Austin is nationally recognized as a great place to live, in part due to its diverse population and its promotion of a year-round outdoor, active lifestyle. Austin’s quality of life has become its biggest economic development engine, and the City’s diverse demographic structure supports and enriches it. Austin is fortunate to offer a broad range of educational opportunities, including six universities, a robust community college system, and numerous other institutions of higher education.
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. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. 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.