Public Involvement Planner II, or III - TPP Division - Austin, TX

Public Involvement Planner II:

Performs high-level, professional and administrative work including developing and implementing [complex] public involvement and
community outreach programs. Provides leadership and assistance in public involvement and communication efforts for
transportation projects. Coordinates public involvement activities to comply with regulations and to achieve strategic
objectives. Work requires contact with departmental managers, high-level executives, governmental officials, private entities,
and the public. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Public Involvement Planner III:

Performs high-level, professional and administrative work including developing and implementing complex public involvement and community outreach programs. Provides leadership and assistance in public involvement and communication efforts for transportation projects. Coordinates public involvement activities to comply with regulations and to achieve strategic objectives. Work requires contact with departmental managers, high-level executives, governmental officials, private entities, and the public. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product. 

Essential Duties: 

Public Involvement Planner II:

• Design, plan, and implement innovative engagement strategies to involve the public in state initiatives and decision-making processes.

• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and forums both in-person and virtually to ensure inclusive participation and present training to TxDOT staff, consultants and MPO partners.

• Develop accessible and engaging content for public communications, including presentations, reports, newsletters and digital platforms.

• Build strong relationships with community leaders, local organizations, and stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration.

• Analyze feedback and input from public engagement activities and present actionable insights to agency leadership and policymakers.

• Advocate for transparency and accessibility in all engagement efforts.

• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support the agency's outreach goals and public involvement campaigns with a focus on providing excellent customer service.

Public Involvement Planner III:

All The Above and:

• Assists in the development and updating of department policies and procedures

• Assists with budget preparation and management.

• Conducts research and analysis on complex public involvement issues; 

• Serve as a lead worker or project lead.

• Represents the Department at industry related conferences and seminars

• Responsible for special projects and initiatives; 

• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Public Involvement Planner II:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field. 
• Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• 4 years of experience in public involvement, planning, public affairs community engagement or related communications work

• Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent 

• Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle. 

Public Involvement Planner III:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field. 
• Relevant work experience may be substituted for degree on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• 5 years of experience in public involvement, planning, public affairs community engagement or related communications work

• Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent 

• Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis.

Licenses and Certifications: 

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Proven experience in public engagement, community outreach, or related roles, preferably in government or nonprofit settings.

• IAP2 training/certification

• Proficiency in using digital engagement tools and social media platforms.

Competencies: 

Public Involvement Planner II, or III:

• Thorough knowledge of community relations, public involvement principles, and strategic communications practices

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences

• Proficiency in designing and implementing effective public involvement strategies

• Experience with contemporary public involvement tools, including digital and online engagement platforms

• Foundational understanding of accessibility standards and best practices to ensure inclusive participation

• Demonstrates adaptability and learning agility with the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: 

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools

• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs

• Standing-prolonged periods of time

• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment: 

Please read the Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT) for all positions.