Planner II - III

Under the direction of the Planning and Geospatial Resources Manager, this position performs state park planning and research services at the regional and statewide level. Responsibilities include developing Public Use Plans, Facility Development Plans, and other formal park planning documents. Duties include site and facility planning and programming, GIS-based analysis, project reviews, research, and formal presentations supporting park development projects. The position works closely with Regional Coordinators and Natural, Cultural, Interpretive, and Maintenance Programs, the Infrastructure Division, and other stakeholders to ensure an integrated park planning effort. Additional duties may be assigned, and all Agency, Division, and Branch rules, regulations, and procedures must be followed.

Minimum qualifications for Planner II include a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of professional experience in landscape planning or design, outdoor recreation planning, historical facility planning, land use or environmental resource planning, or commercial, residential, or city planning. Planner III requires a Bachelor's degree and two years of qualifying professional planning experience plus two years of professional experience in GIS, CAD, Adobe Graphic Design software, or closely related systems. Experience may have occurred concurrently. Candidates must possess or obtain within 30 days of employment a valid Class C state driver's license.

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Geography, Regional Planning, Environmental Design, Urban Design, or a related field. Preferred experience for Planner II includes one year of GIS, CAD, or graphic design software experience. Planner III candidates are preferred to have three years of professional planning experience and three years of GIS, CAD, or graphic design software experience. Experience may have occurred concurrently.

Planner II requires knowledge of landscape architectural and engineering design practices related to outdoor recreation facilities, public use and maintenance standards, digital cartography, GIS landscape analysis, CAD, and governmental planning, programming, and research. Planner III additionally requires knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and policies affecting facility development, park operations, ADA requirements, natural and cultural resources, historic resources, governmental organizations, outdoor recreation programs, and statewide environmental issues.

Required skills include Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS or similar GIS software, AutoCAD or equivalent drafting software, and effective verbal and written communication. Planner III additionally requires the ability to evaluate costs and benefits, organize and lead multiple projects with numerous stakeholders, make independent and timely decisions, and prepare concise reports and documents.

The position requires the ability to provide planning services for facility development and resource management projects, conduct geographic analysis using GIS, review design and construction documents, conduct research, work effectively as part of a team, develop planning reports and presentations, organize public meetings and workshops, perform advanced planning and research, deliver compelling presentations, and work under limited supervision with considerable initiative and independent judgment.

The position generally works Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with overtime as needed. Duties may require outdoor work in adverse weather conditions, approximately 15% travel with possible overnight stays, and operation of a State vehicle. Employees must follow TPWD dress, grooming, safety, and work standards. State buildings and vehicles are non-smoking environments.

Texas Parks and Wildlife offers generous paid time off, group insurance, retirement and pension benefits, training and professional development, longevity and merit pay, deferred compensation, flexible benefit plans, 401K/457 retirement plans, direct deposit, staggered work hours, Employee Assistance Program, and a Return-to-Work Program. Health insurance for new employees or rehires is available on the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period.