Principal Planner

Team Leader Position

Under direction, the purpose of the position is to perform as a Team Leader position overseeing up to six (6) staff members. This position performs administrative and supervisory work for a Planning, Zoning, and Design Office within the Osceola County Community Development Department, and acts as the project manager for the more technical/complex work activities within that section. Employees in this classification function in a senior capacity and are responsible for conducting studies and collecting and analyzing data for application to the County's comprehensive plan. Objective is to preserve and enhance the County's natural and structural aesthetic land use and development through practical application of the County's Land Development Code and all established zoning and code regulations. Position is distinguished from that of the junior Planners by the level of independence the employee functions in, and the advanced laboring knowledge acquired through training and work experience. Position should have experience in urban form/design/place making and managing of consultant firms' solicitations, contracts, schedules and work products.

Essential Job Functions

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Researches, analyzes, and provides planning recommendations in support of County goals and objectives; ensures ordinances, regulations, and processes associated with County growth-management program and development review system are implemented.
• Plans, delegates, schedules, reviews, and edits all work products produced by the section's staff.
• Supervises, assists, and coordinates the work of lower-level Planners on assigned projects.
• Reviews and assesses changes to the future land use map.
• Continually revises the comprehensive plan.
• Acts as projects manager for more technical studies assigned to the section.
• Assists in all planning functions of the department by providing information and analysis. Participates in the development and implementation of the Land Development Code.
• Documents demographic information.
• Tracks, reviews, and summarizes proposed legislation on Growth Management and determines the impact on Osceola County.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the section in responding to customer problems and needs and is responsible for improving customer satisfaction with the section's products and services.
• Assists applicants with submittal of conditional use, comprehensive development plan, subdivision, re-zoning, plan amendment, and DRI authorizations.
• Reviews applications and requests for compliance and consistency with regulations and adopted County policies.
• Assists the general public and developers with the application of the future land use map as designated on their property.
• Based upon review of the map, a decision is made as to the development of the property.
• Prepares and makes presentations to the BCC, Planning Commission, and community groups.
• Provides technical assistance at meetings. Conducts necessary research and analyzes collected data.
• Prepares and presents public information and education programs.
• Performs a variety of critical record keeping duties; manages and maintains department record keeping and filing systems relevant materials appropriate to assigned division.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or related field. Master's Degree in Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field preferred. Experience: Six (6) years of professional planning experience within a similar public organization to include at least one (1) year of supervisory experience. or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience. An active Certification with the American Institute of Certified Planners is considered comparable to one (1) year of required experience. Experience with Urban Planning, Urban Design, Walkability, Code Interpretation, Project Management, Inter and Intradepartmental and Governmental Initiatives, special projects and/or development related applications such as Mixed-Use development and Concept Plans, Comprehensive Plan, and DRI issues preferred. Miscellaneous: Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and transportation planning; knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of current and comprehensive planning, date collection and data analyses procedures, special- area planning, urban design, rural planning, research, analysis and forecasting; statistical analysis for demographic, socio-economic, land-use and zoning issues; environmental and impact assessments; historic preservation; personal computers; and marketing and promotion.
• Considerable knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to the work.
• Considerable knowledge of the objectives associated with both long and short-range planning initiatives within assigned area of planning.
• Considerable knowledge of the body of available and current information resources applicable to the functions for technical research purposes and for special projects as may be assigned.
• Ability to interpret rules, regulations, and policies for effective decision-making in accordance with established precedent.
• Interpersonal, leadership, planning, management, and communications skills; ability to communicate professionally verbally, in writing, and in presentations.
• Skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing statistical data and information materials.
• Ability to utilize personal computers, standard office equipment and standard software applications, e.g., word processors, database software, spreadsheet applications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with internal and external customers, industry professionals, co-workers, and the public.
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Demand: Light

• 20 pounds maximum lifting
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 10 pounds
• If less lifting is involved will require significant walking/standing
• If mostly sitting is involved, will require push/pull on arm or leg controls
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Required to have clear vision at distances of 20 inches or less.