Planner Senior (Zero Waste)

Job Description:

Planner Senior (Zero Waste)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or a planning related field, plus five (5) years of planning related work.
• Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six (6) months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.
• Experience in planning-related work may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• None.

Notes to Applicants
Austin Resource Recovery ( ARR ) provides essential services that protect people and our planet. The City of Austin has committed to achieving zero waste by the year 2040, an initiative that requires new thinking, policy, and communications about the way we buy, use and dispose of everyday items. This position is part of the Strategic Initiatives division on the Zero Waste Policy and Programs team. This team manages public policy development, strategic planning, and special events for the department. This position will work directly to develop policy that moves Austin toward zero waste and represent the department and its zero waste efforts in citywide sustainability planning efforts. This position will:

1. Research information as requested and/or needed. Analyze data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies.
2. Write information reports and memorandums.
3. Lead stakeholder and community engagement meetings.
4. Speak and present before boards, commissions, and City leadership.
5. Review and interpret City policies and procedures.
6. Lead and manage projects

Application: Each individual who submits an Application as provided in the Municipal Civil Service Rules and meet the Minimum Qualifications for a Competitive Position shall be considered a Candidate for that Position. Employees, in Good Standing, who are Candidates within the Department or division that the Position resides in and who meet the Minimum and Preferred Qualifications (if any) of the Position will be included in the initial interview.

This posting may be used to fill other similar positions within Austin Resource Recovery outside of the division listed above

A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Your application should reflect your complete employment history (to include all job duties responsibilities and employment dates) on your online application. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (e.g., “see resume” or “see Linked In Profile”). The responses to the supplemental questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on your application.

If you are selected to interview: Candidates selected to interview will receive information and instructions for preparing a short presentation to be given at the time of the interview.

If you are selected as a top candidate: Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

90-Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other similar positions within Austin Resource Recovery outside of the division listed above.

Nepotism Policy: The City of Austin Nepotism Policy states, “No person, regardless of job title or length of tenure with the City, shall be employed in a position in which the relative has direct or indirect supervisory authority regarding the terms and conditions of their relative’s employment.”

Virtual Interviews: Austin Resource Recovery may conduct virtual interviews.

Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to twenty (20) pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Benefits: Working with the City of Austin at Austin Resource Recovery ( ARR ) provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

This position is eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ( PSLF ) Program. This is a federal program designed to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans upon meeting program requirements.

Military/Veteran: Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All Austin Resource Recovery locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any ARR worksite - including parking lot or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.
Pay Range
$32.23 - $40.29 per hour
Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Employee may be required to work some early mornings (6:00 am), after hours and some weekends due to business needs.
Job Close Date 11/21/2024 Type of Posting External Department Austin Resource Recovery Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Professional Location 1520 Rutherford Lane Bldg 1, Austin, Texas 78754 Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or education in sustainability, zero waste, circular economy, or a related field.
• Experience writing reports, memos, plans, or other forms of written communication for public distribution that required successfully explaining complex issues to a broad audience.
• Experience conducting research and analysis with a public policy focus.
• Experience leading and facilitating public stakeholder meetings in order to build consensus across groups with diverse interests.
• Experience drafting public policy language as part of code or ordinances, organization wide procedures and long-range plans.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Coordinates division/section activities with other division/sections. Researches information as requested and or needed. Reviews analyzed data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies. Assists in developing operating procedures. Assists in developing division/section budget. Assists in developing and evaluating plans, criteria, etc for a variety of projects, programs, and activities. Investigates consumer/citizen complaint to determine validity. Speaks as City representative before public groups. Reviews complex plats and site plans for compliance with policy codes, ordinances, standards, etc. Answers more complex citizen questions and provide assistance. Interprets/explains/enforces City policies & procedures, building/land development codes, specifications, ordinances, etc. Attends City Council, board, and etc meetings to provide technical advice and assistance. Coordinates activities of various boards, committees, etc. Writes informational reports. Writes/draft legal documents, i.e., contracts, regulations, ordinance amendments, resolutions, etc. Develops, utilizes, and modifies complex transportation planning models. Reviews complex traffic impact analyses.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Perform as Lead Case Manager. May coordinate the activities of other planners.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of the principles of community and urban planning.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws relating to planning and urban development.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Ability to make formal presentations of program and/or project recommendations.
• Ability to work under the pressures of rigid and/or short work cycle.
• Ability to maintain confidentially.
• Ability to develop and implement long-range plans.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.

Criminal Background Investigation This position does not require a Criminal Background Investigation EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or a planning related field, plus five (5) years of planning related work. Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six (6) months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years. Experience in planning, related work may substitute for one the education up to the maximum of four (4) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* Please provide a brief description of how you meet the minimum qualifications listed for this position - to include, meeting the educational requirements, years of related experience and substitutions.
(Open Ended Question)
* This position will require you to be able to work outside of a normal schedule of 8am to 5pm for community outreach and other business needs. Do you agree to this condition of employment?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* What is your experience in zero waste, circular economy, or related fields of environmental sustainability? In your answer please include which position on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience writing reports, memos, plans, or other forms of written communication for public distribution. In your answer, please include which position on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience leading and facilitating public stakeholder meetings in order to build consensus across groups with diverse interests. In your answer, please include which position on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience drafting public policy language as part of code or ordinances, organization wide procedures and long-range plans. In your answer, please include which position on your application where you gained this experience and what specific role you played. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents