Principal Planner

Planning Director Assistant

This is a highly responsible, technical, and professional position with administrative duties assisting the Planning Director in the monitoring and management of the planning division. This position reports directly to the Planning Director.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides direction in the review of all operations of the planning division including but not limited to zoning applications, amendments to the comprehensive plan, applications for variances and special exceptions, abrogation requests, annexations, site plans, planned unit development plans, neighborhood plans, redevelopment plans, and alcoholic beverage permits.
2. Provides coordination with City Departments and other divisions in the Growth Management Department in updating the City's land development regulations. Reviews and verifies all code amendments for consideration by the Deputy Planning Director.
3. Assists the Planning Director to update and revise the City's comprehensive plan including maintaining an ongoing surveillance of physical, economic, and social changes within the community.
4. Has sound knowledge of the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code regarding rules and regulations including procedural requirements and required the compilation of data and analysis, and compliance with requirements.
5. Provides staff assistance to the Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission, the Tree Commission, the Downtown Development Commission, the North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee, the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, and the Board of Adjustment.
6. Serves as project leader on various planning projects and studies.
7. Provides direct customer service to professionals, the public and City employees.
8. Assists the Planning Director in the annual preparation and submittal of the Department's budget and goals.
9. Provides training, guidance, and supervision for assigned staff and evaluates their performance.
10. Helps coordinate plans and actions with other departments and service groups.
11. Makes presentations to various boards and professional/civic organizations.
12. Prepares memos, letters, and other correspondence.
13. Reviews and comments on site plans according to Land Development Regulations, particularly in regard to general layout, landscaping, open space, and signage requirements.
14. Maintains the GIS maps and databases as needed. Designs and develops project maps and databases as needed.
15. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, or public administration. Master's preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years related experience and/or training.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience in urban planning or closely related field may be considered.

• Valid Florida operator driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

• GIS application certification

• Advanced: Presentation/PowerPoint, Spreadsheet, Word Processing/Typing
• Basic: 10-Key, Accounting, Alphanumeric Data Entry, Database, Human Resources Systems, Payroll Systems, Programming Languages