Senior Planner

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under the general direction of the Community Development Director, responsible and technical work which focuses upon municipal planning, facilitates redevelopment and economic development projects, supports code enforcement efforts, and assists in coordinating capital and special projects. Position serves as a senior technical resource within the Community Development Department and is expected to independently carry-out assigned responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Reviews, analyzes, and processes complex development and land-use applications, including comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings, variances, special exceptions, annexations, site plans, subdivisions, plats, and other development-related requests; identifies potential issues and develops recommendations for resolution.
• Develops, evaluates, and processes amendments and updates to the City's Comprehensive Plan and related planning policies in response to community needs, changing conditions, and regulatory requirements; prepares recommendations for consideration by City leadership and appropriate advisory and governing bodies.
• Conducts advanced research and analysis related to land use, demographics, development trends, economic and community conditions, and other physical, social, and economic factors affecting the City's growth and development; prepares technical reports, staff analyses, recommendations, and supporting documentation.
• Conducts field inspections and site visits to gather information relevant to planning and development review assignments and to verify compliance with approved development plans, applicable regulations, and conditions of approval.
• Provides professional guidance and technical assistance to other staff members on planning, zoning, development review, and regulatory matters; may serve as a project lead or subject-matter resource for assigned planning initiatives.
• Assists director in monitoring changes in applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and planning practices and evaluates their potential impact on City policies, plans, programs, and land development regulations.
• Prepares staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, presentations, maps, exhibits, and other technical materials related to planning and development matters; presents recommendations to the Community Redevelopment Area Board, the Planning and Zoning Board, and the City Commission. May also provide testimony to City's Special Magistrate regarding code enforcement matters.
• Responds to inquiries from property owners, developers, consultants, attorneys, governmental agencies, elected and appointed officials, and the public regarding land use, zoning, development regulations, comprehensive planning, and related matters.
• Assists with contract development, bidding, and compliance on capital projects, as assigned.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal planning, traffic impact analysis,
redevelopment, and economic development. Knowledge of State of Florida and City building, zoning and environmental codes. Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally. Ability to use contemporary office equipment, including computer systems. Ability to execute contracts and project administration. Ability to develop effective working relationships with other employees, agencies, committees, contractors, and the public. Ability to supervise others. Ability to analyze and interpret data and complex plans. Ability to interpret ordinances, laws, policies and procedures and to properly apply them to development projects and similar activities.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in urban and regional planning, city/urban planning, public administration, geography, community development or closely related field, supplemented five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including at least two (2) years performing complex planning assignments requiring substantial independent professional judgment. A Master's degree is preferred.

(A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications).

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:
• A.I.C.P. Certification, preferred
• Valid Florida Driver's License
• Within six months of employment, must successfully complete FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and IS-800.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
Ability to communicate, both orally and in writing.
Capability of walking, standing, bending, stooping, and driving.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Works primarily inside in an office environment.
Works occasionally outdoors.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:

This job description is not intended as complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is
responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required. The physical
demands described herein are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform
the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.