PRINCIPAL PLANNER

About the role

This advanced and highly responsible position performs and supervises complex projects and long-range planning in a fast-growing County known for innovative planning practices. Key responsibilities include reviewing development applications, leading teams in creating master and special area plans, evaluating and formulating land use and transportation strategies, conducting policy research, analyzing and appraising elements of the Comprehensive Plan, and preparing written analyses and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Manages, organizes, plans, prepares, evaluates and implements complex planning projects.
• Provides direction and support to other departments, the development community, and the general public regarding development requirements and land use projects.
• Supervises, directs, coordinates, assigns and implements department work plans and assignments.
• Delegates responsibility and appropriate authority to assigned staff.
• Represents the County at various community meetings.
• Oversees staffing support to the Essential Housing Advisory Committee.
• Reviews, develops, and prepares updates to the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to ensure updates meet County goals and follow state and federal regulations.
• Oversees special annual projects and long-range planning activities.
• Collaborates with other County departments, local, regional, and state planning agencies and organizations by providing technical assistance related to County projects, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Conducts internal and external customer service, providing feedback on applications and resolving issues.
• Prepares Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR) based on amendments to the Comprehensive Plan as mandated by State law.
• Prepares draft ordinances and amendments to ordinances.
• Responds to public inquiries both orally and in writing.
• Affords assistance with development review as needed.
• Reviews and analyzes reports, studies, and other documents.
• Attends and participates in various meetings for agenda items relevant to design and plan review.
• Makes presentations to the Planning and Zoning Board, Conditional Use and Variance Board, the Board of County Commissioners and citizens’ groups as required; provides technical assistance regarding planning and design issues.
• Performs general office/administrative work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, County personnel, engineers, contractors, consultants, architects, Board members, community/civic organizations and the general public.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment, which may include a computer, telephone, calculator, copier, etc.
• Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.
• Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Requires a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture or related field, six (6) years experience in urban/municipal planning and design, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must obtain an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification within twenty-four (24) months from date of hire. Must possess a valid State Driver's License.

Qualifications

Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Department and County as they pertain to the performance duties of the Principal Planner. Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the County and other Governmental agencies. Knowledge in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of various disciplines related to urban planning, including growth management, statutes, demographics, land use development, economics/economic development, zoning, etc. Knowledge of codes and regulations governing permitting activities.

Skills

Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Department and County as they pertain to the performance duties of the Principal Planner. Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the County and other Governmental agencies. Knowledge in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Knowledge of various disciplines related to urban planning, including growth management, statutes, demographics, land use development, economics/economic development, zoning, etc. Knowledge of codes and regulations governing permitting activities.

Benefits

FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS): The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. Employees are required to contribute 3% of their salary per Florida Statute.

Pay

Commensurate with experience.

Schedule

N/A