Senior Planner

Summary Objective

The purpose of this position is to perform advanced professional work in urban design, zoning, land use and site planning implementing a variety of program or project planning activities that impact municipal development and include analyzing data and formulating and recommending plans and programs relevant to municipal conditions and needs. This class works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Essential Functions

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Assumes leadership role in planning and executing complex assignments, including management of special projects.
• Manages and amends the Comprehensive Plan.
• Manages and amends documents related to Federal, State and County compliance.
• Department liaison to School Board of Broward County.
• Coordinates population projections with Federal, State and County administrators.
• Reviews and approves building permits for zoning compliance.
• Conducts research regarding Zoning inquiries.
• Processes applications and requests for development orders, including but not limited to site plan applications, plats, abandonments, vacations, rezoning, land use plan amendments, variances, conditional use applications, and technical deviations.
• Develops recommendations for site development plans and proposals to ensure soundness and relevance to municipal needs and plans, and compliance with applicable codes.
• Makes presentations before the Community Appearance Board, the Historic Preservation Board, the Zoning Appeals Special Master, and the Planning & Zoning Board.
• Researches and writes ordinances to revise the Land Development Code and City Code.
• Collects and compiles information relative to departmental projects and planning assignments, such as land use, community/economic development, growth management, urban design, transportation, housing, leisure/human services, zoning or historic preservation.
• Conducts field surveys to take photographs and gathers information for site plans; prepares pictorial and graphic presentation to be used for planning proposals.
• Confers with local authorities, civic leaders, and planning and development specialists to provide technical assistance and advises and recommends arrangements of land and physical facilities for residential, commercial, industrial, and community uses.
• Develops plans documenting existing conditions, needs, goals, objectives, policies, work programs, implementation strategies, and budgets; revises plans to address changing conditions and needs and to facilitate plan implementation.
• Participates in meetings and public hearings to discuss plans and presents the department's recommendations.
• Provides information and assistance to the public regarding zoning, planning codes, board procedures, and general office policies, and procedures.
• Answers public and internal inquiries concerning the land development code and city ordinances.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in planning and zoning or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Certification as a Planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) would be considered an equivalent to one (1) year experience.
• Master's degree in Urban Planning or related field would be considered an equivalent to one (1) year experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Work Environment and Work Hours

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles of community and urban planning.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and County laws relating to planning and urban development.
• Knowledge of planning, mapping and graphic techniques.
• Knowledge of techniques used in preparing, monitoring, and updating a long-range master plan.
• Knowledge and ability to use GIS and read and interpret construction drawings and site plans.
• Skill in applying statistical tools in data.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports.
• Skill in collecting, tabulating and analyzing demographic statistics. Skill in working under the pressure of rigid and/or short work cycle.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks and/or work assignments.
• Skill in maintaining a degree of confidentiality.
• Strong communication skills necessary. Must have the ability to present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the letter and spirit of all city ethics and conflicts of interest policies.
• Ability to use small office equipment and computers, and highly technical computer applications.
• Ability to communicate and deal effectively with the public, City officials, and other City employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

WORK HOURS Monday – Friday 8am- 5pm (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City.) AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned. The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.