Planning Manager

Baytown is a growing community with a population of approximately 82,000 situated on the north side of Galveston Bay. As a full-service municipal government our purpose is simple – Together we enrich lives and build community.

Our employees are dedicated to public service through Caring, Innovation, Collaboration, Leadership and Stewardship, and we are looking for a qualified candidate who shares our values to join our team in the role of Planning Manager.

The Planning Manager manages, coordinates and conducts review and processing of land development applications. Directs and supervises work performed by planners and support staff. Researches, prepares and carries out comprehensive, professional activities related to special studies (e.g., annexation studies), neighborhood plans, zoning map amendments, and the Comprehensive Plan. Leads land use, demographic and economic data gathering, research and analysis, and other special projects as assigned. Participates in the more challenging and complex projects in the development review process by acting as case manager and/or by coordinating with applicants and city departments, especially the Building Services Division and Engineering Department. Creates and maintains GIS layer data for the purposes of land use analysis or for publication to the City’s online GIS maps. Prepares written and oral reports and recommendations to City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as other advisory bodies.

• Manages the scheduling, public notice requirements, and preparation of agendas for Planning and Zoning Commission, Development Review Committee, and Board of Adjustment. Provides staff support as directed to other advisory committee meetings, such as for downtown façade and Board of Adjustment. Presents reports and recommendations to the Development Review Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, and other committees and groups as required.
• Manages all planning cases and supervises the planner’s workload. Reviews, researches, field inspects, analyzes and writes staff reports, with staff recommendations based on appropriate findings and conditions for various types of development applications. Conducts quantitative analyses, generates maps and exhibits, and inputs and retrieves land use and permit tracking information.
• Interacts with applicants to suggest improvement and/or modification of development applications to better comply with City ordinances and standards including assisting applicants and the general public with interpretation of adopted development regulations and standards, and provides information about the development review process. Assists with amending development ordinances as needed.
• Carries out activities related to enforcement of zoning and land development laws, including annexation and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan and other related documents.
• Assists with streamlining and improving departmental work practices and business procedures, including application forms, public information, and the department’s web pages. Supervises subordinate staff and interns as assigned.
• Carries out and monitors compliance for historic preservation including defining and enforcing conditions of development approval, assisting interest and advisory groups for historic districts and historic structures listed on national, state, regional or local registers.
• Performs all other job related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED:
1. Bachelor’s degree in City Planning or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Three years of professional planning experience.
3. Experience with ArcMap.
4. Ability to obtain AICP within a year of employment.
5. Prior supervisory experience.
6. Valid State of Texas Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED:

• Master’s degree in City Planning or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Bilingual.
• AICP certification.

Knowledge of principles and practices of city planning, including application review and process, research and analysis, preparation of area and specific plans, and zoning enforcement. Thorough knowledge of, and ability to apply, various state laws related to planning issues. Ability to evaluate applications and proposals against design and use standards, and city and planning policies. Ability to utilize geographic information systems to produce various maps for the purposes of land use analysis. Ability to work and use good judgment under stressful conditions and with frequent interruptions. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public.