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ASSISTANT PLANNER

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ASSISTANT PLANNER

Salary

$26.64 - $28.46 Hourly

Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

37412

Department

Planning and Development

Opening Date

10/23/2025

Closing Date

10/30/2025 11:59 PM Central

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Division: Development Services/Permitting

Reporting Location: 1002 Washington Avenue

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm*

* Some nights and weekends required - *Subject to change

You are invited to bring your passion for public service and improving the Houston community to the Planning and Development Department as an Assistant Planner. Join a dynamic Planning team that is actively working to improve the built and social environments of Houston. The work we do has a lasting impact on the future of our city.

Houston is a place where the cost of living is more than 25% below the top 20 metro average, and with no state income tax, home ownership is very achievable. As the fourth largest and most ethnically diversity city in the U.S., Houston has first-class access to medical care, recreation, food, festivals, sports, museums, and the performing arts.

ABOUT US

The City of Houston’s Planning & Development Department (https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/) is a key player in the mayor’s efforts to improve public safety and infrastructure, enhance the quality of life, and maintain an efficient government that works for more than 2 million residents. Much like Houston itself, we are a culturally diverse team that is committed to improving Houston’s built environment. Our team draws and retains passionate, curious, life-long learners, and big picture thought leaders who make a difference every day by balancing the needs and interests of the community we serve. We strive to operate as a customer-focused, goal-oriented, and efficient organization. We treat ourselves, our partners, and our customers with respect while placing continuous learning at the center of our operations .

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The position is an entry-level position within the professional planning classification that requires limited related experience. It devotes a significant amount of time to principles and responsibilities, related routine administrative or regulatory tasks , and assisting other staff on planning duties and projects of varying complexity .

POSITION PROFILE

The Assistant Planner position conducts regulatory review of development proposals, site plans; research development activity, interacts directly with the public, developers, engineers, architects and other professionals; and makes recommendations to the supervisor and manager.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

+ Reviews, or assists in reviewing, development proposals of limited complexity for compliance with applicable regulations and ordinances.

+ Provides technical assistance and professional support in the administration of specific planning programs, regulations, or ordinances.

+ Performs routine administrative tasks in designated planning program areas, including data entry, file management, and responding to customer inquiries.

+ Research and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.

+ Prepares maps and other graphical representations of data of varying complexity.

+ Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of basic planning documents and reports.

+ Works closely with the public and other city departments on basic planning programs, requirements, or ordinances.

DESIRED EMPLOYEE ATTRIBUTES

+ Specific Job Skills: Knowledge of planning principles and practices, excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficient in Microsoft Office with some ArcGIS experience.

+ Preferred Personality Traits: self-driven, results-oriented with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and customer service; a natural forward thinking planner who critically assesses their own performance; mature, credible, and comfortable in dealing with mid to high executive levels and politicians; reliable, tolerant, and determined; empathic communicator, able to see things from the other person's point of view; well-presented and businesslike; keen for new experience, responsibility and accountability; able to work well with others and be a team-player.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.

This is a Planning and Development Department Position at the Tier III Level.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires basic knowledge of planning principles and practices. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Geography, Public Policy or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

No experience required.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to:

+ bilingual speakers (English/Spanish)

+ applicants with the ability to demonstrate knowledge of basic planning principles

+ strong attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

+ Novice in reviewing plans, ArcGIS and Microsoft Office.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

The selection process will involve application review and/or interview. The department may administer a skill assessment.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION

No

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade: 15

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. 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 832-393-6049

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6049. (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

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.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

+ Medical

+ Dental

+ Vision

+ Wellness

+ Supplemental Insurance

+ Life insurance

+ Long-term disability

+ Retirement pension

+ 457 deferred compensation plan

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ 10 days of vacation each year

+ 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday

+ Compensable Sick Leave

+ Personal Leave

+ Flexible schedules

+ Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions

+ Professional development opportunities

+ Transportation/parking plan

+ Section 125 pretax deductions

+ Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan

+ Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves

+ Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

+ Yes

+ No

02

What is the highest level of education you have obtained?

+ High School or GED

+ Associate's Degree

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's Degree or Higher

+ None of the above

03

If you selected a degree above, please select the area of concentration.

+ Urban Planning

+ Architecture

+ Civil Engineering

+ Geography

+ Public Policy

+ Other

04

*How many years of professional planning experience do you possess?

+ 1 Year to less than 2 years

+ 2 Years to less than 3 years

+ None

05

What is your interest level in learning more about the land development process?

+ Low

+ Medium

+ High

06

Describe your interest in the land development process.

07

Please indicate which language(s) you are fluent in. (speak, read, and write)

+ Spanish

+ French

+ Vietnamese

+ Tagalog

+ Other

08

Do you have customer service experience?

+ Yes

+ No

09

Please describe your customer service experience, if no prior experience, please type N/A.

10

From time to time, planners are expected to attend meetings or events that occur outside normal business hours. Are you willing and able to attend occasional public meetings or events outside of standard business time (compensatory time)?

+ Yes

+ No

11

Do you have experience with reading and reviewing architectural and or building plans?

+ Yes

+ No

12

Please describe your experience with reading and reviewing architectural and or building plans. If no prior experience, please type N/A

Required Question