PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ATTORNEY
Position Overview
The City of Houston is accepting applications from all interested parties. The position is located at 900 BAGBY, HOUSTON, TX, with workdays and hours of MONDAY – FRIDAY 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (subject to change).
Legal Department
The Office of the City Attorney for the City of Houston (the “OCA”) provides municipal legal services to the City, its elected and appointed officials, and its employees.
Guiding Principles
- Quality & Service – Achieving high customer satisfaction as judged by our clients.
- Partnership & Teamwork – Working cooperatively internally and with our clients to achieve the City’s goals.
- Innovation & Imagination – Seeking novel and creative approaches to achieving the City’s objectives.
- Dignity & Diversity – Promoting each person’s value.
- Integrity & Candor – Placing honesty and ethical behavior first.
Essential Job Functions
The City of Houston seeks a solutions-focused planning and development attorney to handle matters related to Houston planning and development rules and needs especially in the absence of zoning.
- Researching and advising City departments on planning and development matters including items regarding property located in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, annexations, replat applications, property variances, special minimum lot size designations, and general platting and planning matters.
- Acting as counsel to the Planning Commission, Houston Archeological and Historic Commission, Tower Commission, and Houston Airport Board of Adjustment at various commission and board meetings.
- Drafting and training clients on relevant City policies, procedures, and City Code amendments.
- Aiding the City Attorney and others with special projects such as drafting City Attorney legal opinions.
- Working with litigation teams on disputes involving transactions relating to City of Houston planning and development policies and requirements.
Working Conditions
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.
Minimum Requirements
- Requires a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from an American Bar Association accredited college of law.
- Requires basic computer skills and working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.
- Minimum of four years of experience practicing law and must be an active member in good standing of the Texas State Bar and eligible for admission to Federal court.
- Licenses: License to practice law in Texas must be kept current as a condition of employment. License Member in good standing of the State Bar of Texas.
PREFERENCES
- Preference will be given to applicants with a minimum of 2 years of experience in a planning and development practice, preferably in a governmental entity in Texas.
- Exceptional drafting skills.
- Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Above-average academic performance.
- Willingness to take the initiative to identify and solve business and legal issues.
- Experience working with federal, state, and local agencies.
- Member of at least one professional planning and development organization.
- Proficiency with Office 365 and the use of technology in the practice of law.
- Willingness to work extended hours as needed to accommodate work demands.
General Information
- Skill Assessment Evaluation: None required.
- Safety Impact Position: No.
- Drug Testing: Yes, random drug testing may be administered.
- Salary Information: Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in the appropriate classification.
- Pay Grade: 27.
- Salary Range: Salary will be determined depending on qualifications.
Application Procedures
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6214. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information. Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process. If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6214. If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
General Information
EEO – Equal Employment Opportunity: The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.