Job Title: Planning/GIS Assistant
Department: Community Development
Reports To: Community Development Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Benefits Information: The City of Converse offers a competitive compensation and benefit package, including:

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage options for employees and their families
• Paid Holidays (established by City Council)
• Vacation and Sick Leave accrue from the date of hire
• Retirement through TMRS (7% employee contribution, 2-to-1 City match)
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plans and FSA options
• Employer-sponsored long-term disability and life insurance
• Voluntary short-term disability and life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Certification pay

General Description: The Planning/GIS Assistant is responsible for supporting the Community Development Department by assisting in various planning tasks and maintaining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) functions. This position is responsible for intake and tracking of planning-related applications, preparing reports, maintaining data, and creating visual tools such as maps to support land use decisions. The role supports both the Planning and Building Divisions and will interact frequently with the public, consultants, and internal staff. The Planning/GIS Assistant will utilize SmartGov permitting software to process and track permits and will provide administrative support to ensure the efficiency of departmental operations.

Essential Job Duties: The following list of essential job duties is not intended to be all-inclusive. The City of Converse reserves the right to assign additional functions as necessary to meet operational needs.

Planning and Administrative Support:

• Intake, review, and track planning applications (zoning, subdivision, site development)
• Maintain permit and case records using SmartGov
• Prepare written reports, staff recommendations, and public notices
• Assist with long-range planning projects such as comprehensive plan updates, land use inventory, and demographic research
• Conduct zoning and land use research; provide technical assistance to staff and the public
• Maintain compliance with open meetings and public information laws
• Support interdepartmental coordination and communication
• Perform other duties as assigned

GIS and Mapping:

• Provide GIS support by creating, editing, and maintaining spatial datasets and producing maps
• Maintain and update official zoning, land use, and City services maps
• Coordinate with county and regional agencies for data acquisition and verification
• Perform field visits and collect site data as needed

Customer Service and Public Interface:

• Provide high-quality customer service to citizens, developers, and other departments
• Respond to information requests and public inquiries

Meeting and Commission Support:

• Support Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council: attend meetings, prepare agendas, post notices, take minutes, and present information
• Attend other relevant commission meetings as directed
• Occasional attendance at night meetings as required

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, GIS, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent municipal experience in lieu of education
• Actively pursuing or enrolled in graduate-level coursework in a planning or GIS-related discipline
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS and Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with zoning codes, subdivision regulations, and municipal planning processes
• Experience interpreting plats, legal descriptions, and construction plans
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid Texas Class C driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record
• Satisfactory results of background and pre-employment screening

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SmartGov or similar permitting platforms
• Experience with Incode software
• GIS or AutoCAD Certification
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to 35 pounds, including large-format maps, rolls of paper, and other equipment.
• Perform repetitive hand motions (e.g., typing)
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and attend evening meetings
• Must demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and the ability to work independently

Other Requirements:

• Regular, punctual, on-site attendance is an essential job function
• Must maintain confidentiality and comply with City policies and Ethics Ordinance
• Must adhere to safety procedures and maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Maintain effective working relationships with City employees, officials, and the public

This Job Description is not a contract and does not alter the at-will employment relationship. It may change as needed to reflect organizational needs or department requirements.