Principal Planner Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Texas
Principal planner jobs in Texas draw international candidates to major metros like Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio, where technology firms, defense contractors, transit authorities, and energy companies actively hire for this role. Employers such as CBRE, Jacobs Engineering, Kimley-Horn, and the City of Austin have histories of sponsoring skilled planning professionals.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout This Position
The mission of Austin Planning is to provide equitable and people-centered planning services to shape an Austin where everyone can thrive.
Job Description:
Planner Principal
Purpose:
This position manages the planning activities for the City in regional, urban, and transportation planning areas.
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.
- Oversees coordination of division and section activities with other division, sections, and departments. Develops and evaluates plans, criteria, etc. for variety of projects, programs activities, etc.
- Reviews statistical reports and analyzed market and economic conditions.
- Develops short- and long-range plans.
- Serves as member of various committees, task forces, etc.
- Speaks as City representative before boards, commissions, public groups, etc.
- Answers the most complex citizen questions and provides assistance.
- Provides technical advice and assistance to citizens, contractors, departments, management, etc.
- Develops policies and procedures. Develops and revises operating procedures.
- Assists in developing division and section budget. Recommends grant application approval.
- Manages division and section activities.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
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 the principles of community and urban planning.
- Knowledge of Federal and State laws relating to planning and urban development.
- Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
- 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 make formal presentations of program and/or project recommendations.
- Ability to explain and enforce City policies.
- Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluation situations and making decisions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- 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.
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 a planning related field, plus six (6) years of experience in planning related work, two (2) years of which included lead or supervisory responsibilities. Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in project management, project scoping, milestone monitoring, and quality assurance.
- Experience in data management, analysis, interpretation, and visualization, including geospatial data.
- Experience in coordinating and facilitating work groups and discussions with various stakeholders.
- Experience working with data on racial/ethnic disparities within local, state, or national context and ability to engage a variety of stakeholders in challenging dialogue around racial identity, implicit bias, systemic racism, and structural inequities.
- Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software.
- Experience performing demographic methods and analysis with Census Bureau data.
- Experience in R, Python, SQL, or other programming languages.
- Experience in Microsoft Power Suite, including Power Bi and Power Automate.
Compensation Range:
Notes to Candidate:
The Planner Principal will lead demographic and geospatial analysis in the Demographics & Data Division of Austin Planning. This position coordinates project and personnel assignments, defining project scopes of work, engaging in data management, outlining standard operating procedures, and ensuring projects are accurate, impactful, and timely. This position will support the work of the city demographer and respond to demographic data requests from City Council and Mayor, the City Manager’s Office, City staff, and the general public by overseeing and preparing reports, data visualizations, and presentations for various audiences.
A hybrid schedule is available. Position may require evening and weekend meetings.
Physical Location: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX
Posting Duration: The Department may close this posting any time after 7 days.
Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
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.
To view the City of Austin recruitment video,
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
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.
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.
About This Position
The mission of Austin Planning is to provide equitable and people-centered planning services to shape an Austin where everyone can thrive.
Job Description:
Planner Principal
Purpose:
This position manages the planning activities for the City in regional, urban, and transportation planning areas.
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.
- Oversees coordination of division and section activities with other division, sections, and departments. Develops and evaluates plans, criteria, etc. for variety of projects, programs activities, etc.
- Reviews statistical reports and analyzed market and economic conditions.
- Develops short- and long-range plans.
- Serves as member of various committees, task forces, etc.
- Speaks as City representative before boards, commissions, public groups, etc.
- Answers the most complex citizen questions and provides assistance.
- Provides technical advice and assistance to citizens, contractors, departments, management, etc.
- Develops policies and procedures. Develops and revises operating procedures.
- Assists in developing division and section budget. Recommends grant application approval.
- Manages division and section activities.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling and recommendation for dismissal.
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 the principles of community and urban planning.
- Knowledge of Federal and State laws relating to planning and urban development.
- Knowledge of City practice, policy and procedures.
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
- 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 make formal presentations of program and/or project recommendations.
- Ability to explain and enforce City policies.
- Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluation situations and making decisions.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- 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.
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 a planning related field, plus six (6) years of experience in planning related work, two (2) years of which included lead or supervisory responsibilities. Twelve (12) semester hours of relevant graduate college course work may substitute for six months of required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in project management, project scoping, milestone monitoring, and quality assurance.
- Experience in data management, analysis, interpretation, and visualization, including geospatial data.
- Experience in coordinating and facilitating work groups and discussions with various stakeholders.
- Experience working with data on racial/ethnic disparities within local, state, or national context and ability to engage a variety of stakeholders in challenging dialogue around racial identity, implicit bias, systemic racism, and structural inequities.
- Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro or equivalent software.
- Experience performing demographic methods and analysis with Census Bureau data.
- Experience in R, Python, SQL, or other programming languages.
- Experience in Microsoft Power Suite, including Power Bi and Power Automate.
Compensation Range:
Notes to Candidate:
The Planner Principal will lead demographic and geospatial analysis in the Demographics & Data Division of Austin Planning. This position coordinates project and personnel assignments, defining project scopes of work, engaging in data management, outlining standard operating procedures, and ensuring projects are accurate, impactful, and timely. This position will support the work of the city demographer and respond to demographic data requests from City Council and Mayor, the City Manager’s Office, City staff, and the general public by overseeing and preparing reports, data visualizations, and presentations for various audiences.
A hybrid schedule is available. Position may require evening and weekend meetings.
Physical Location: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX
Posting Duration: The Department may close this posting any time after 7 days.
Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
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.
To view the City of Austin recruitment video,
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more.
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
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.
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.
Principal Planner Job Roles in Texas
See all Principal Planner Jobs in Texas
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Search Principal Planner Jobs in TexasPrincipal Planner Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for principal planners in Texas?
Texas employers with LCA filing histories for planning and engineering roles include Jacobs Engineering, AECOM, Kimley-Horn, Burns & McDonnell, and CBRE, primarily in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Large transit authorities such as DART and CapMetro, alongside energy majors and defense contractors, also sponsor principal planners. Reviewing DOL OFLC public disclosure data can help identify active sponsors by employer and city.
What visa types realistically fit principal planner roles in Texas?
Principal planner roles typically require a bachelor's degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field, qualifying them as specialty occupations. The H-1B visa is the most common visa pathway, subject to an annual cap and selection process. Australian nationals can pursue the E-3 visa, and Chilean and Singaporean nationals may qualify for the H-1B1 visa. Candidates already holding H-1B visa status can transfer to a new Texas employer once the new petition is filed. Employer-sponsored EB-2 or EB-3 green cards are also available for longer-term pathways.
Which cities in Texas have the most principal planner sponsorship jobs?
Austin leads in principal planner demand driven by rapid urban growth, technology sector expansion, and ongoing transit and infrastructure projects. Houston follows closely, anchored by its energy, port, and healthcare sectors requiring large-scale planning talent. Dallas-Fort Worth supports strong demand through commercial real estate, transportation planning, and municipal government. San Antonio and El Paso show growing sponsorship activity tied to military installations and regional infrastructure investment.
How to find principal planner visa sponsorship jobs in Texas?
Migrate Mate lists principal planner roles at Texas employers with verified visa sponsorship histories, searchable by city and role type. Focusing on employers with active H-1B or E-3 LCA filings in Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth helps narrow the search to companies already familiar with sponsoring international planning professionals. Migrate Mate surfaces this sponsorship data directly, so you can prioritize outreach to employers most likely to support your visa category.
Are there state-specific factors that affect principal planner visa sponsorship in Texas?
Texas has no state income tax, which affects prevailing wage considerations since the DOL uses regional wage data for LCA filings. Texas's size means that metro-specific wage levels in Austin, Houston, and Dallas differ significantly, and employers must file separate LCAs for each work location. The state's concentration of energy, defense, and infrastructure industries also means many principal planner roles sit with large multi-state firms that have established HR and immigration compliance infrastructure.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored principal planner jobs in Texas?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.