Under the general supervision of the Planning Administrator, the Planner performs a professional review of municipal planning applications and completes special projects. This position implements and enforces the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan, and other applicable City Ordinances, while providing staff support to elected and appointed officials. The Planner carries out professional-level duties, manages various development projects, and leads pre-submittal meetings. The role is designed for individuals at various experience levels, with responsibilities increasing in complexity from Planner I to Planner III.
Pay Range: (Depending on qualifications and experience)
- Planner I: $58,614.00 - 72,717.00
- Planner II: $66,227.00 - 83,491.00
- Planner III: $72,758 - 91,728.00
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Hybrid: 4 days onsite, with 1 remote workday
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Serve as case manager for zoning, Board of Adjustment, plat, and administrative application requests.
- Manage site permit reviews and building permit plans, which include site, elevation, landscape, tree removal, and other technical plans.
- Prepare professional staff reports and recommendations for presentation to the Plan Commission and Board of Adjustment.
- Presents before elected and appointed officials, applicants, and residents.
- Meet with builders, citizens, developers, and other customers to determine regulatory limitations and suggest improvements for proposed projects.
- This includes facilitating pre-submittal and project feasibility meetings.
- Coordinate with applicable City departments to complete thorough project reviews and approvals of development and construction plans.
- Perform technical analysis using adopted ordinances, codes, master/comprehensive plans, and policies, and respond to zoning inquiries and information requests from the public.
- Provide information or recommendations for ordinance and code amendments and procedures.
- Serve as a liaison to inform citizens and public officials regarding planning and zoning issues and concerns.
- Conduct on-site reviews of development and construction projects.
- Answer field questions from the public daily (via front desk, email, phone calls, etc.) regarding zoning and development-related inquiries.
- Place zoning change signs on properties under zoning consideration.
- Perform position-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description.
- Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.
Planner I
Responsible for performing zoning reviews for use applications and permits and providing planning and zoning information and assistance to Planning and Building Department customers.
Planner II
Responsible for providing planning, information and assistance primarily related to land use and development. This position is distinguished from the Planner I position in that it assumes more zoning case management and other development application types, facilitation of pre-submittal and technical review meetings, and other special projects as assigned.
Planner III
Responsible for providing complex planning, information and assistance primarily related to land use and development. This position is distinguished from the Planner I and Planner II in that it is a higher-level class in the series that performs more complex technical review and coordination requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.
Minimum Qualifications
Planner I
- Four-year college degree
- 1 year related experience
Planner II
- Four-year college degree
- 2 years related experience
Planner III
- Four-year college degree
- 5 years related experience
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Preferred QualificationsEducation/ Experience
Planner I
- Masters degree in Urban Planning, Geography or related field
- 1-3 years of experience in planning with focus on zoning, permit reviews, or development
Planner II
- Masters degree in Urban Planning, Geography or related field
- 2-4 years experience in planning with focus on development
Planner III
- Masters degree in Urban Planning, Geography or related field
- 5-7 years experience in planning with focus on development
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of urban planning and land development process
- Comprehensive knowledge of plan implementation, program design and management methods
- Skill in operating software programs such as Microsoft Office, geographic information systems, database applications and presentation software
- Skill in interdepartmental development and facilitation of leadership development
- Skill to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with public officials, citizens and staff members
- Ability to establish, implement and oversee methodologies for data collection, analysis, and studies related to development planning
Licenses and Certifications
- Valid Class C Texas Driver's License
- Membership in American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) preferred
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The incumbent works in a typical office environment; occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards; occasional outside work.
Skills Required
- Four-year college degree
- 1 year related experience for Planner I
- 2 years related experience for Planner II
- 5 years related experience for Planner III
What We Do
The City of Garland is a municipal government that provides a variety of residential, government, and business amenities to its residents, and operates its own electric power production and distribution system.
