Salary : $64,581.18 - $103,321.29 Annually
Location : Farmers Branch, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01374
Department: Planning & Zoning
Division: Planning & Zoning
Opening Date: 08/30/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Summary
Under general supervision, this advanced level planner position performs professional level work in the field of current planning, advanced planning and analysis. This position is distinguished from the Senior Planner position in that it is a higher-level position that performs more complex technical, investigative, and project management skills requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill. This position is responsible for coordinating and processing more complicated planning and zoning proposals from application to final approval, and affords guidance to other positions performing the same tasks. Additionally, this position leads development review meetings and presents cases to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
This lead position may also: assign work and coach employees with specialized instructions and practices for job accomplishments; contribute to other employees' performance evaluations, assist with the hiring process by interviewing and making recommendations and providing input to supervisory staff; supervise volunteers and interns; and serve as the Planning Department representative in the absence of the Director of Planning.
Essential Job Functions
Processes more complicated planning and zoning cases by reviewing development proposals from application to final approval, and affords guidance to other positions performing the same tasks. Ensures applicant's submission meets requirements; coordinates development proposals; reviews development proposals with other departments; prepares technical comments and compiles zoning history information for each case; ensures additional or revised information is provided by applicant; determines if special exceptions or variances to development standards are required; prepares graphics for each case; prepares memos, reports and details for final Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council packet distribution. Prepares and reviews legal notifications prior to mailing and newspaper submission. Prepares clear and legally correct resolutions and ordinances; researches property ownership; and participates in comprehensive planning activities and other special studies and projects.
Confers with citizens, architects, engineers, developers, builders, etc. on general zoning and submission regulations and policies; researches history and background on zoning ordinances and various projects for other city departments and the general public. Processes general planning and zoning information requests over the telephone, via email, and walk-in traffic.
Reviews site development plans for compliance with zoning standards and with conditions established by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council related to pending and approved site plans; maintains zoning and site plan files; recommends and processes revisions to the subdivision and zoning ordinances.
Coordinates projects and leads assignments for a specific area of focus including but not limited to implementing long range planning initiatives, department strategic initiatives, census related work, and GIS.
Makes recommendations related to improving departmental processes and project tracking systems; provides direction related to maintenance and organization of zoning and planning records; and assists with enforcement of city codes for compliance.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Urban Planning. Master's Degree in Urban Planning is preferred.
Minimum five years of related work experience is required.
Equivalent combinations of education, experience, certification and training will be considered.
A valid Texas Class C Drivers' License is required.
Employment is conditional upon successful completion of a criminal history background check, a drug/alcohol test and a motor vehicle review.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of principles, concepts and theories of urban planning; knowledge of both short and long range planning; ability to analyze complex data; skills in the operation of computer, database programs and computer modeling techniques; knowledge of data collection, methodology, demographics and statistics.
Fluency in Microsoft Office products. Skill in the operation of mapping software, desktop publishing software, GIS and Adobe Suite software is highly desired.
Decisions regarding implementation of policies may be made. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.
This position normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion.
Advanced work requires advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization-wide. Independent judgment and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
The City of Farmers Branch is proud to offer a competitive benefit package to all our full-time employees. Benefits begin on your first day.
Benefits offered include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• TMRS Pension
• Empower Retirement
• Vacation, Sick and Paid Holidays
• 4-Day Work-Week
  • For most city positions. Ask your hiring manager for more information!
• Tuition Reimbursement

Please visit our Benefits page for more information: