Planner I (Zero Waste)

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or related field.
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:
None.
Notes to Applicants
Austin Resource Recovery is hiring a Planner I to join the Strategic Initiatives - Ordinance Implementation Team. This team is responsible for implementing the City’s ordinances that require businesses to divert waste through recycling, organics, and reuse. These ordinances help bring the commercial sector into alignment with the City of Austin’s zero waste goal of 90% landfill diversion by the year 2040.

This is an entry-level support role with room for growth. Proficient writing and speaking in a secondary language other than English is a plus. Responsibilities include: customer service by telephone and e-mail; database maintenance; development of standard procedures; identfication of process improvements; public communication. Program support may include best practices research, data analysis, and development of educational resources.

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.

EEO /AA:
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.
Pay Range
$25.74 - $30.50

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 04/29/2025 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

• Proficient in writing and speaking in a secondary language other than English.
• Experience or education in sustainability, zero waste, circular economy, or related field.
• Experience or education in maintaining and analyzing data to create recommendations or identify efficiencies.
• Experience or education in performing research and drafting reports or articles.
• Experience or education in developing educational resources or presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

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.

Researches and reviews urban land development proposals and studies. Provides research information to more senior level planners as requested. Reviews preliminary site plans and prepares comments for zoning, land use, annexation, and variance cases. Meets with members of the public, developers, and other city officials to respond to questions that are relevant to a specific planning area or to planning in general. Provides technical planning assistance to the general public, developers and other city officials. Prepares reports and make presentations at public hearings regarding land use and other planning related initiatives. Reviews subdivision plats and site plans for compliance with local regulations and ordinances. Compiles data/information for reports and cost estimates. Analyzes data to discover patterns and/or discrepancies. Documents data and findings on appropriate forms/logs. Draws plans, diagrams, graphs, tables, charts, and maps using drafting and drawing tools.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
None.
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 computer mapping and graphics technology.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ).
• Knowledge of city practice, policy and procedures.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret applicable research data and presenting it in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to explain and enforce City policies.
• 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 has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
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 with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Planning, Geography, Social Science, Landscape Architecture, or related field. Experience may substitute for 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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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 maintaining and analyzing data to create recommendations or identify efficiencies. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please describe your experience developing educational resources or presenting complex information to diverse audiences. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* How did you hear about this opportunity? (The information requested is optional and is not considered as part of the application for employment.)

• Employee Referral
• Online Advertising/Media
• Austin Resource Recovery Job Fair
• Workforce Solutions Job Fair
• Community job fair
• COA Website
• Other

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

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