City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Zoning Officer

Under nominal supervision, this position provides direction for zoning, annexation, and historic preservation for the City of Austin.  

1. Serves as a technical lead and makes presentations to City Council, Boards, Commissions, vendors, and the public regarding zoning, annexation, and historic preservation initiatives.
2. Participates in department strategic planning process. Develops and implements business plans that support the overall City of Austin business/strategic plan and initiatives. Analyzes workforce and business needs and develops short- and long-range strategies, goals, and action plans to meet those needs. Develops and monitors the division and business unit budgets.
3. Resolves sensitive political issues and conflicts through sound management practices. Interprets, provides direction, and recommends changes to policies and procedures.
4. Provides oral and written presentations related to interpretations or clarifications of codes.
5. Ensures zoning recommendations are based on sound planning principles, and complies with City land development codes, ordinances, development policies, and other laws and regulations regarding development.
6. Answers inquiries from architects, the real estate community, attorneys, building contractors, and the public regarding land use, zoning codes, and related ordinances. Consults with development community to ensure compliance with zoning regulations.
7. Reviews agendas for numerous boards and commissions related to zoning and planning priorities.
8. Prepares relevant reports and presentations to the executive level management, City Management, and City Council.
9. Represents the City before various professional, citizen, business, and other groups to promote the City and responds to the interests of these groups. Cultivates partnerships with external public and private organizations to access resources and improve the efficiency of service delivery.
10. Prepares and reviews reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating performance results.
11. Recruits, develops, and retains management and senior professional staff to ensure completion of goals and objectives.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of planning principles, urban spatial structures, and physical design.
• Knowledge of zoning classifications, principles, and concepts, and the legal foundations for land use regulation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the social and environmental impacts of planning decisions on communities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the concepts of equity, including experience in applying equity frameworks to established laws, ordinances, and long-standing practices.
• Knowledge of methods for establishing various policies and procedures governing the conduct of municipal administration.
• Knowledge of the interaction among the economy, transportation, health and human services, and land-use regulation.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in project evaluation.
• Ability to work with the public and articulate planning issues to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to solve problems and function as a facilitator of multi-faceted issues to resolve conflict as it relates to position purview.
• Ability to present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workplaces and community programs.
• Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities or populations to build constructive and effective relationships.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to work in partnership with stakeholders, constituents, and diverse populations.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration Business Administration, or a field related to the job, plus six (6) years of related experience, including two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.