Planner II/Designer

Urban Planning And Design Specialist

The Future Lives Here! Starting in April 2026, the City will join the Florida Retirement System (FRS). This means expanded retirement benefits and stronger financial security for our employees.

General Functions: This position is responsible for conducting professional-level urban planning, zoning, and design work to support the City's growth, development review, and long-range planning initiatives. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge of planning principles with creative design skills to help shape a sustainable and vibrant community.

Reports To: Director of Development Services Supervisory Responsibility: None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review and process site plans, subdivisions, rezoning applications, and variances for compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan, zoning code, and other applicable regulations.
• Prepare staff reports and present recommendations to advisory boards, Planning Commission, and City Council.
• Assist with long-range planning projects, including updates to the Comprehensive Plan, land development regulations, and design guidelines.
• Produce graphics, maps, 3D visualisations, and other planning/design materials to communicate ideas clearly to staff, officials, developers, and the public.
• Provide technical assistance to residents, developers, architects, engineers, and contractors regarding zoning and development requirements.
• Participate in public meetings, workshops, and charrettes; prepare visual presentations and assist in community outreach.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies to coordinate review of development applications and planning initiatives.
• Conduct field inspections as necessary to verify site conditions or compliance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Type of Appointment/Work hours:

• Full-time/Regular in-person position.
• Standard workweek, which is forty (40) hours of work per week, usually consisting of five (5) days of eight (8) hours per day. The workday may be varied for the efficient delivery of public service.
• Will be required to work other than the standard workweek on occasion, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Will be required to work occasional overtime or shift assignments, if applicable.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or a related field, plus at least three (3) years of professional planning and/or design experience in a municipal, county, or consulting environment. A Master's degree is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of High School Diploma, training, and at least ten (10) years of experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements. Substitution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine relevance and comparability.
• Knowledge of urban planning principles, zoning regulations, subdivision law, and site design standards, with specific experience in Florida planning and zoning regulations preferred.
• Proficiency in design and visualisation tools such as AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar, supported by a strong portfolio demonstrating site planning, urban design, or graphic skills.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports and deliver presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, and meet deadlines.
• Possess the AICP certification or eligibility within two (2) years.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Must pass a background screening process.

Equivalency Clause: An equivalent combination of High School Diploma, training, and at least 10 years of experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements. Substitution will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine relevance and comparability.

Physical and Environmental Demands or Conditions: The physical and environmental demands for this position have been listed on the last page of this description. Physical and environmental demands must be met to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.

Core Competencies:

• Judgement - Sound decisions based on fact; uses logic to solve problems.
• Quality of Work - Performs work thoroughly, accurately, and professionally.
• Reliability - Timely and consistently completes assigned work; consistently reports to work and is punctual.
• Safety - Committed to ensuring a safe environment and complies with applicable safety standards.
• Technical Capability - Applies knowledge to identify issues and works to develop skills; demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, and equipment.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance: The employee must successfully pass a background screening process and comply with the City's Drug-Free Workplace policy. The City will also verify the identity and employment authorisation of individuals hired so the proper completion of Form I-9 is required, which includes the employee providing documents evidencing identity and employment authorisation.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Qualifying individuals with disabilities may be provided reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions. Veteran's Preference Policy: In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, the City of Homestead complies with Florida law by providing Veterans' Preference in hiring. Qualified applicants, including veterans, spouses, widows/widowers, parents of service members, and current reserve or National Guard members, may receive hiring priority if they meet minimum qualifications and can perform the duties required. Veterans' Preference includes additional points on exams, prioritised placement on employment lists, and education waivers for certain qualified individuals. This preference ensures eligible candidates are considered fairly at all stages of the hiring process. For questions, contact the Human Resources Department.