Senior Planner

About the City

The City of Cedar Park is the third largest city in the Austin metropolitan area and a key part of Central Texas and Williamson County’s rapid growth and prosperity. Known for excellent schools and a pro-business environment, Cedar Park is consistently recognized as one of the top places in the U.S. to raise a family, thanks to its amenities, relaxed lifestyle, and commitment to community and effective government. Located just 17 miles from downtown Austin and on the edge of the Texas Hill Country, Cedar Park offers the energy of a booming metropolis alongside the charm of small-community life, with parks, nature trails, and comfortable neighborhoods.

Responsibilities

• Review complex or multi-phase concept plans, preliminary plans, final plats, zoning applications, annexation requests, site development and building permit applications, and associated documents to ensure compliance with city ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan.
• Negotiate with applicants to resolve outstanding review comments and track projects to completion.
• Formulate findings and recommendations for zoning and development requests.
• Monitor trends at local, state, and national levels and identify new methods for administering planning and zoning programs.
• Prepare and provide resources and information to local businesses, professionals, the public, state and federal agencies, and city departments regarding zoning, subdivision, site development, annexation, and other planning activities.
• Facilitate and lead meetings with the development community to address questions related to specific planning areas or planning in general.
• Research and respond to citizen inquiries and complaints related to planning functions; assist the public with complex development and planning questions.
• Manage special planning projects.
• Receive and process application payments.
• Prepare written reports and presentations for the Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and other boards and commissions.
• Provide technical assistance to the Planning Manager and other staff members as needed.
• Review planning reports prepared by other departments or agencies.
• Draft proposals and revisions for new and existing planning ordinances.
• Coordinate development reviews with other city departments.
• Perform planning analyses and coordinate the recordation of plats and associated materials.
• Maintain and update applications, checklists, standard comment lists, weekly reports, and other documentation.
• Mentor and train less experienced staff.
• Attend City Council, Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission, neighborhood, and other meetings as necessary.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Geography, or a related field.
• Three years of municipal planning experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), required.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• City development processes and ordinances.
• Subdivision and site plan design principles.
• Relevant local, state, and federal laws regarding planning.
• The Cedar Park Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Criteria Manual, and general planning principles.

Skill/Ability to:

• Comprehend and interpret technical manuals and ordinances.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, city officials, outside consultants, and the general public.
• Assimilate information of varying types from a wide range of sources.
• Demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication and technical writing.
• Create and interpret maps.
• Maintain a large database of information.
• Operate standard software, including word processing, spreadsheets, data inquiry, graphics, presentation, email, calendaring, and planning and zoning software (including geographic information systems, GIS).
• Develop long-range plans accounting for detailed information.
• Work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Complete projects in a timely manner with minimal edits.
• Demonstrate exceptional customer service skills.
• Multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Work independently and exercise high levels of good judgment, tact, and diplomacy.