Planner - Principal Planner DOQ - Comprehensive Planning Division

Job Title

Planning and Zoning Specialist

Essential Functions:

• Develops planning studies and reports to support the creation and implementation of new or updated plans, programs, and regulations.
• Reviews, or assists in the review of building permits or land development proposals and site plans to ensure conformance with applicable plans and code regulations.
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on development proposals to management, County Officials, and other stakeholders.
• Collects and analyzes a variety of statistical data and prepares reports that may include visual aids such as tables, charts, and maps.
• Evaluates or assists in the evaluation of rezonings, ordinance amendments, site plans, special use permits, variances and other developmental proposals.
• Updates and maintains the Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations or assists with such updates and maintenance.
• Acts as liaison with community groups, government agencies, developers, and elected officials in developing neighborhood plans.
• Coordinates community review and input for public and private development projects.
• Provides information to the public regarding development regulations, procedures, and requirements.
• Resolves, or assists in resolving, citizen and customer issues related to planning and development processes.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Additional Responsibilities for Senior Planner and Principal Planner:

• Leads daily activities of a small team of planners, as assigned. Assigns work and ensures completion according to established standards, procedures, and deadlines. Works effectively with inter-departmental and inter-organizational teams to provide guidance, assistance, and training to less experienced team members.
• Manages complex research, planning studies, and development applications to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely completion.
• Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, annexations, site plans, and plats.
• Provides recommendations and input to management on major projects and assignments.
• Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards, elected officials, and other stakeholders to discuss planning and development projects.
• May be assigned to support management in scheduling and/or lead team staff meetings.
• May be assigned to support management in leading or conducting presentations at citizens advisory board meetings.
• Ensures all assigned staff properly follow all procedures, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Planner I: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture or closely related field, or four (4) or more years of experience in land development, construction/engineering services, or a related area.

Planner II: Bachelor's degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture or related field. Four (4) or more years of professional planning experience and/or two (2) additional years of experience in land development, construction/engineering services, or a related area. A Master's Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience.

Senior Planner: Bachelor's degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture or related field. Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, to include management of large, complex projects. A Master's Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience. Previous supervisory or lead experience desired.

Principal Planner: Bachelor's degree in planning, environmental science, landscape architecture or related field. Eight (8) or more years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, to include management of large, complex projects. A Master's Degree in Urban Planning or related field may substitute for up to 2 years of experience. Previous supervisory or lead experience desired.

Valid driver license required, with valid Florida driver license required within 30 days of hire. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

AICP certification desired. GIS mapping experience desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Able to prioritize tasks, deal effectively with competing and changing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to resolve situations and problems of a complexity and scope commensurate with experience.
• Knowledge and understanding commensurate with experience of the principles and practices of planning.
• Knowledge and understanding commensurate with experience of a relevant specialization such as land use/zoning,…