Planning Director - Ocean Springs, MS

Performs a variety of supervisory, administrative, technical, and professional work in the current and long-range planning programs of the city related to the development and implementation of land use regulations and related municipal plans and policies. Responsible for the community's growth management planning process, including citizen involvement, the development and update of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning and land use ordinances, codes, historic preservation and policies.

Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, citizens, neighborhood groups, and other governmental entities.

Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Planning Department, ensuring that all planning activities, staff functions, and departmental goals are carried out effectively.

Develops and updates land use, zoning, subdivision, transportation plans, and enforcement codes.

Serves as lead representative for the planning work of the city with elected officials, external stakeholders, community organizations, and other partners.

Advises the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on strategic growth, infrastructure planning and land use policy and development initiatives.

Works collaboratively with other city departments to ensure coordinated implementation of citywide development objectives and infrastructure plans.

Supervises the evaluation of land use proposals for conformity to established plans and ordinances; evaluates proposals’ development impact as they relate to the adopted plans of the city and make recommendations.

Administers and implements the city’s Unified Development Code, floodplain management and other codes of the City of Ocean Springs including the official Zoning Map.

Manages staff to prepare reports for the Planning Commission, Zoning & Adjustment Board and Board of Aldermen related to variances, rezoning, special or conditional permits, and other land use requests.

Oversees administration of the Historic Preservation regulations and the Historic District Guidelines which are reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.

Reviews and recommends revisions to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Codes; interacts with community groups, citizens and businesses involved with zoning-related issues.

Manages the Design Review for site plans of commercial, industrial, and multi-family developments within the city.

Manages review for all residential subdivision development.

Provides information to developers, contractors and the public on construction and land use issues, providing information on planning and zoning requirements.

Develops short and long-term planning goals.

Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates Planning Department personnel.

Ensures fiscal responsibility in assigned program areas including budget development and expenditure monitoring.

Attends and conducts a variety of meetings, often in the evening, as required.

Performs any other duties/and or responsibilities required or assigned by the Mayor.

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or a closely related field, and five (5) years’ experience in Planning with a progressively responsible supervisory position preferably in a public agency; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of comprehensive planning, city zoning and planning functions, capital planning, land use and development review.

Knowledge of municipal, state, and federal laws and ordinances/codes applicable to department operations.

Knowledge of general function of municipal government and accounting.

Ability to plan and facilitate effective community meetings.

Ability to communicate effectively either orally or in writing, to make major decisions and presentations to other groups or assemblies.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, developers, owners, elected officials and citizens.

Ability to prepare and analyze…