Director of Planning

City of Bulverde Job Opportunity: Director of Planning

The City of Bulverde, located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, is seeking a talented and dedicated individual to lead our planning team.   If you are passionate about urban planning, community development, and shaping the future of our city, please read further.  If you work well with others, have a team mindset, and bring enthusiasm to your work, we invite you to apply and be part of our dynamic team.

Bulverde is a vibrant and growing community known for its natural beauty, friendly residents, and strong sense of community.  Our slogan is “The Front Porch of The Texas Hill Country”.  Located just north of San Antonio, with easy access to amazing regional destinations, we maintain our rural feel while meeting the needs of a rapidly growing suburban community.  With a commitment to sustainable development and preserving the unique character of our city, we are dedicated to creating a high quality of life for our residents.  As the leader of our planning team, you will play a vital role in guiding and implementing our city's vision for growth and development.

Job summary: 

The Director of Planning oversees the Planning Department, which includes 5 FTEs (1 Director, 2 Planners II's, a Code Enforcement Officer, and a Development Review Coordinator) and management of the City's Engineering and Building Inspector contractors. Under the general direction of Assistant City Manager/City Secretary, the position is responsible for performing both short- and long-range planning activities, developing recommendations on planning and zoning issues, and code enforcement.   The position develops and implements routine and special projects that require research, data collection, report writing, and presentations, assists citizens and developers with ordinances and regulations, creates maps, graphics and other items for the Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and City Council.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of procedures and practices in all phases of urban planning and urban design
• Knowledge of zoning regulations and procedures
• Knowledge of platting regulations and procedures
• Knowledge of engineering, surveying and drafting concepts and principles
• Working knowledge of computer software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of ARC View and GIS systems preferred
• Knowledge of emergency management practices, including NIMS. 
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and regulations of comprehensive planning, including the administration and updating of a municipal comprehensive plan
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to read and interpret plans and drawings
• Ability to prepare and conduct effective presentations
• Ability to interpret Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, and guidelines
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Ability to work well with others and foster a positive/encouraging work environment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning, political science, geography, public administration, or a related field.  Master's Degree preferred. 
• 5 years of relevant municipal experience in urban planning, land use, zoning, or a related field, including at least 2 years of of supervisory experience. 
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and policies related to planning and land use.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Completion of NIMS training, including the ICS-100, 200, 300, 400, 700 & 800 courses, or ability to complete the listed courses within 12 months of hire.
• Proficiency in GIS, CAD, or other planning software is desirable (specific requirements vary based on the position).
• AICP certification (American Institute of Certified Planners) is preferred.  The selected candidate, if not AICP certified upon hire,  will be expected to obtain AICP certification within 12 months of hire. 

Compensation: 

• Starting Salary is expected to fall between $120,000 and $130,000 per year, depending on qualifications. 
• The City offers 100% employer paid health, dental, and vision through TML-IRP, with the City paying 55% of the dependent care coverage. 
• Retirement through TMRS with 2:1 matching, 5 year vesting, and retirement eligibility after 20 years of service or age 60.
• Executive employees in this classification accrue 4 weeks of vacation time per year, with the option to buy back up to two weeks each year. 
• All employees accrue 96 hours of sick time per year.
• The City of Bulverde observes 16 paid holidays each year, and grants one floating holiday to each employee. The City Holiday Schedule for 2027 can be viewed by clicking here.

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The City of Bulverde provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, or state laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.