Planning Compliance Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Planning Compliance Specialist is a planning professional responsible for supporting compliance and development review functions within the Planning Division of the Planning and Development Services Department. Under general supervision of the Planning & Zoning Manager, this position supports short-range planning, site plan review, zoning and land-use compliance, and technical writing. The role requires initiative, independent judgment, and may involve evening meetings. Site Plan Review & Development Application Processing: * Manage development applications related to site compliance, including minor developments and assisting with major site plan reviews. * Coordinate review processes by transmitting plans to appropriate departments, gathering review comments, and preparing site plan review letters with comments. * Notify applicants of required revisions, meet with applicants to answer questions, monitor progress toward final approvals, and track deadlines. * Prepare staff reports and recommendations for the Development Review Committee (DRC) and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) when required. Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Support: * Ensure sites with Conditions of Approval are brought into compliance. * Conduct field visits to properties, meet with property owners, and assist with enforcement of zoning, land use, and site development standards as needed. * Assist Code Enforcement Officers on cases related to planning and zoning compliance where relevant. Record-Keeping, Data Management & Regulatory Research: * Maintain files, project records, and application documentation for standard and minor site plan projects. * Update site plan and review forms to reflect newly adopted requirements; research prior land use requests and actions as needed. * Maintain planning and zoning data in the County's computer system; provide zoning, land use, commercial design regulation, addressing, and compliance information to the public. Public Contact, Outreach, and Customer Service: * Respond to public inquiries regarding zoning, land use, development regulations, alcoholic beverage zoning compliance, and site development issues. * Provide customer service in a professional, collaborative manner - often dealing with individuals who may begin from adversarial positions. * Present information, findings, and recommendations clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to applicants, staff, and public bodies. Planning Support and Technical Writing: * Conduct research, compile planning data, and prepare short-range planning studies, analyses, and technical reports. * Assist in the preparation of staff analyses, reports, and recommendations for governing Boards regarding zoning, land use, or development matters. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The position requires good vision and hearing (with or without correction) and frequent use of hands and fingers for tasks such as typing, writing, and handling documents. Work involves periodic walking and standing, with tasks that may require bending, reaching (including occasionally reaching above shoulder level), kneeling, and squatting. The role includes lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally (and 10 pounds frequently). Some duties may involve extended periods of standing or moving within the workspace. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:Work is primarily performed indoors in a climate-controlled, sedentary office setting with prolonged computer use, which may contribute to eye strain or repetitive motion concerns. Employees work under standard office lighting and moderate noise levels and frequently participate in collaborative meetings, including periodic sessions held outside County buildings and occasional evening or night meetings. The role involves minimal physical exertion aside from routine movement within the office. Occasional field visits to developed and undeveloped sites-including agricultural or wilderness areas-may expose employees to uneven terrain, insects, vegetation, and typical construction-site hazards. SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include: * Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed. * Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations. * Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement. * Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position. EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment,County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by theCounty Administrator. During these types of events, County employeesmay temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. EEO STATEMENT: St. Lucie County BOCC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively. * High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. College degree from an accredited institution in planning, zoning or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience, training or technical certifications may substitute for preferred college degree. * Minimum of one year of experience in planning, zoning, or code enforcement, including work involving public interaction and board or staff coordination. * Code Enforcement Level One certification preferred. * Knowledge of the development review process, planning principles and practices (zoning, site planning, comprehensive planning), and familiarity with applicable laws, codes, ordinances - including the local Land Development Code and Code of Ordinances. * Ability to read and interpret architectural, landscape architectural, and engineering plans; assemble data; prepare correspondence, reports, and maintain records. * Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to present complex information, findings, and recommendations clearly and concisely to staff, boards, and the public. * Excellent customer service skills and capacity for building effective working relationships with staff, developers, outside agencies, and the public. * Ability to analyze information, participate in a broad range of planning activities, formulate substantive recommendations, and negotiate creative solutions during the entitlement process. * Ability to interpret relevant sections of the Land Development Code and Ordinances, including during field investigations. * Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license with a good driving record. v Pay Grade: G11 Driving Position - Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position. PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.