Planner I, 205, Planning & Zoning

Salary: $18.66 Hourly
Location : Laredo, TX
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: A2442110-4
Department: Planning and Zoning
Division: Planning & Zoning
Opening Date: 08/23/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Description
Assists in the administration of all current planning activities including applications for change in zoning and subdivision plats and replats; conducts current planning administrative services in a manner consistent with good planning practices that will ensure the implementation of the City's comprehensive plan.
Essential Functions/ Job Competencies/ Physical Requirements
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Answers questions from the public concerning subdivisions requirements and zoning issues; ensures information is provided in an accurate, complete and timely manner.
• Receives applications; checks the completeness of each application and assembles the files.
• Distributes the agenda to Planning and Zoning Commission members.
• Prepares written comments from the Planning Department for the Planning and Zoning Commission subdivision plats with the Planning Director.
• Writes the minutes from the previous Planning & Zoning Commission; prepares map for plat communications and some zoning cases.
• Updates the files for plats by inserting communications and minutes; updates database on the status of plats going to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
• Copies, collates and binds committee information packets and ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same.
• Assists in the preparation of committee meetings by setting up refreshments, nameplates or audio recording equipment.
• Collects the required signatures on approved plats; takes the plats to the County clerk to be recorded; collects copies from engineering files; records copies and maintains data file on the status of approved plats.
• Assigns drafting and copying tasks to support staff; monitors their work for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepares ordinance necessary to improve the efficiency of subdivision plat procedures.
• Coordinates, plans, schedules, and assigns work to support staff; instructs and trains in correct methods and procedures.
• Uses GIS and other data sources, to research and analyze information in the development and planning reports.
• Maintains, updates, and files all pertinent logs, information cards, tapes, and other records and documents daily.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
• Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy in all radio and telephone communications.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of the principles, techniques, and objectives of all phases of urban planning.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public agency planning.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances pertaining to planning and urban development.
• Knowledge of budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of utilizing sources data.
• Knowledge of statistical research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skills in Microsoft Office, GIS (Geographic Information System) software, and graphic design concepts.
• Skills in giving public presentations.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis of demographic data.
• Ability to coordinate and manage the review of complex projects.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to speak before public groups and make presentations to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Mayor & City Council.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, drawings, and field notes.
• Ability to analyze and interpret zoning and subdivision maps.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management, and the general public.
• Ability to coordinate with and effectively work with outside agencies, groups, and individuals.
• Ability to prepare accurate, concise, and detailed reports.
• Ability to apply technical skills in the area of land use regulation, particularly Texas zoning and subdivision regulation.
• Ability to work with the general public, other governmental agencies, and elected officials.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing in the English and Spanish languages.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Required to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
Seldom

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Construction site
• Warehouse environment

Sometimes

• Outdoor environment
• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Confined space

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
Never

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Seldom

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases

Travel Position will require the employee to travel
Never:

• International travel

Seldom:

• National travel

Sometimes:

• Local travel
• Regional travel

Minimum Qualifications
Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Studies, Public Administration, Architecture, GIS, or related field.

Valid Licenses and Certifications
Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.
City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.
The City of Laredo provides a benefit compensation package that includes the following for all Full-time regular employees:

• 10 days of paid vacation per year
• 6 1/2 days sick leave per year
• Pension plan
• 16 paid Holidays
• Paid health*
• Dental plan*
• Life insurance*

*30 day waiting period
For a full description of our benefits, please visit our website at: under Employee Benefits
01
Are you a current regular full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee?

• I am a full-time City of Laredo employee
• I am a part-time City of Laredo
• I am not a full-time or part-time City of Laredo employee

02
What is your highest level of education?

• Some High School
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
• 30 completed college hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• 60 completed college hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
• Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• PhD from an accredited college or university
• Juris Doctor from an accredited college or university
• Other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
• None of the above

03
If you hold an Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Juris Doctor, or Post Graduate Degree, please provide your major/minor:
04
I understand that failure to complete ALL sections of my application, including the "Driver License" (if appicable), "Education", "Work Experience", "Certifications and Licenses" (if applicable), "Agency-Wide Questions", and "Job Specific Supplemental Questions" will result in my application not being processed.

• I have read and understood the above information.
• I have read and do not understand the above information. I will contact the Human Resources Department for further explanation.

Required Question