City Planner

City Planner

Under the broad policy guidance of the Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning with direct responsibility for anticipating and planning for the future growth and orderly development of the City in a sustainable manner that will enhance the character of the community and quality of life for Coral Gables residents. Assist with the planning functions of the Planning and Zoning Division within the department of Development Services and implements strategies and systems to enhance operations and management of staff. Must be able to think strategically and exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Assist with City-wide Planning program consistent with the City's goals and initiatives ensuring high-quality customer service, professional standards and quality controls. Assists the Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning to develop and manage the annual operating budget of the Planning and Zoning Division. Supervises support staff, issues discipline, and takes other corrective measures, as necessary. Develops, implements, and maintains demographic and economic databases, reports, and relates information necessary for comprehensive urban planning consistent with the City's objectives. Develops and implements long range and annual action plans to meet the needs of a growing cosmopolitan City, including the development and maintenance of a comprehensive urban land-use and development plan. Compiles and analyzes data regarding current land-use trends and factors affecting the City's overall development. Makes recommendations regarding zoning changes that promote the City's development goals. Provides overall direction and strategy regarding policies, procedures, and regulations to the City. Supervises and directs the processing of proposed subdivision plats to insure compliance with zoning and subdivision ordinances, and processes plats through utility companies, department heads, the planning and zoning board and City Commission. Directs and coordinates, through staff, maintenance of official planning and plat maps, and related planning activities. Demonstrates leadership by advocating for innovation and strategic change, and promoting the development of a diverse and engaged workforce. Manages and develops a qualified staff, ensuring professional and courteous service from all employees in support of the City's mission, values, customers and stakeholders. Provides assistance to developers with proposals and problems. Confers with the Building Division, Code Enforcement Division, architects, engineers, property owners, and other City staff as appropriate, regarding compliance with City ordinances and City zoning codes affecting land-use. Interprets ordinances and codes, makes recommendations and settles difficult enforcement problems. May serve as staff liaison to the Planning and Zoning Board. Works collaboratively with and regularly interacts with other agencies, boards, authorities, commissions and civic groups. Pursues ongoing professional development through course attendance, professional organizations, and meetings/conventions to stay informed of technological advancements and trends in the field. Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures and instructions. Conforms with and abides by all applicable safety rules which include wearing and using all appropriate safety equipment. Performs other related tasks as required. Performs other tasks as directed by the Development Services Director and/or designee.

Qualifications

This is a designated classification in the City's Emergency Operations Plan and will require the employee occupying this position to work during critical incidents and/or declared emergencies. Completion of appropriate level of National Incident Management System (NIMS) training is mandatory within one year of employment. Bachelor's degree in Planning, Architecture, Public Administration, or related field. Advanced degree strongly preferred. Certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners desirable. A minimum of eight years responsible experience in city, county, or regional planning, with considerable senior management level experience.