Associate Planner/ Planner

GrantWorks, Inc. provides planning, project development, and grant program management services for community and economic development, infrastructure, housing, parks and recreation, transportation, disaster relief, mitigation, coastal protection and access, and other activities that promote physical and economic well-being for more than 450 local government clients across Texas.

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GrantWorks' mission is to provide the most efficient and professional services possible. We deliver quality expertise, encourage collaboration, strive for continuous improvement, and respond vigorously to change. We take responsibility for the quality of our work and are committed to open and direct communication to foster long-term relationships. GrantWorks values competence, creativity and teamwork while treating everyone with the utmost respect and consideration.

The Planner collaborates with senior staff, GIS technicians, Associate Planners, engineers, and client stakeholders to complete comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances for clients. Both the Planner and Associate Planner host public engagement events and activities, interview public officials, perform a variety of analysis for community planning including GIS mapping as needed, draft zoning ordinances and an array of planning studies, and present planning reports at public meetings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Community and stakeholder engagement / public presentations

• Host public meetings and workshops for local officials and other members of the community
• Administer community surveys (generally online)
• Interview public officials, business owners, and residents via telephone and in person
• Meet with local officials (county judge, commissioners, city secretaries and managers, mayors and city councils, utility district managers, etc.), engineers, and staff members of various state and federal agencies
• Present report summaries and maps before elected officials and the public

Data collection and analysis

• Conduct comprehensive field surveys (housing conditions, land uses, drainage infrastructure, street conditions, etc.)
• Retrieve and interpret a variety of statistical information from sources such as US Census of Population and Housing, US Economic Censuses, Texas State Comptroller, Texas State Data Center, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Council on Environmental Quality, local appraisal districts, county clerk records, etc.
• Interpret a variety of mapped information such as USGS quadrangles, FEMA flood plains, TxDOT traffic counts, soil classifications, utility system layout, appraisal district land division, subdivision and town plats, aerial photographs
• Use GIS to analyze field data and make maps needed for analysis discussion
• Review local government documents such as audits and budgets to determine sources and amounts of revenues and expenditures, debt, debt service, capital for infrastructure improvement, and hazard mitigation plans to incorporate resiliency into local comprehensive planning.

Ordinance review and revision

• Interpret local ordinances to determine effectiveness and applicability
• Propose revisions and additions to existing zoning and subdivision ordinances or propose new ordinances

Plan drafting

• Develop plan goals and objectives, including Capital Improvement Plans
• Generate planning reports that are concise, informative, and meet contractual requirements

Department responsibilities

• Use in-house planning resources to self-train on study subjects and GrantWorks, Inc. processes for plan completion
• Assist Planning Department with other duties as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• For Planners, Master of Urban/Regional/Community Planning, with some professional experience preferred. Master’s degree holders in a closely related field with professional experience may be considered.
• For Associate Planners, bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field such as architecture, public administration, geography.
• Proficient knowledge of the ESRI, Geographic Information System (ArcPro preferred)
• Strong research and technical writing skills
• Competent knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software
• Valid drivers license and driving record will be required for travel
• Ability to travel monthly within Texas, perform fieldwork, and attend client city meetings as needed

GrantWorks’ offices are in Austin, Texas, though most staff members primarily work from home. Work-from-home locations in other parts of Texas will be considered.

GrantWorks offers an excellent benefits package, including company paid health and dental insurance, a company matched retirement plan, a generous paid time off plan and more.

Please send your resume with a brief cover letter summarizing your interest in this position and relevant experience in response to this posting.

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GrantWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer