Senior Planner

Job Title

This position is General Exempt and is covered under Personnel Policies and the Administrative Code.

Minimum Training & Experience

The following education and experience will be accepted:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Urban and/or Regional Planning, Architecture, Economics, Environmental Management, Geography or Engineering plus a minimum of two (2) years of experience in planning and zoning. OR
• Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Urban and/or Regional Planning, Architecture, Economics, Environmental Management, Geography or Engineering plus a minimum of six (6) years of experience in planning and zoning.

Preferred Candidates will have experience in writing technical reports, advanced technical graphics skills, some knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and be eligible for the AICP certification. Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and have and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Emergency Declaration Status

Code 2: Non-essential employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency but may be required to work during an undeclared emergency or in the aftermath of an event associated with a declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the employee's Department Head will make the determination when the employee will be required to work.

General Statement Of Job

Under general supervision, performs planning functions for the Land Development Division under the overall direction of the Assistant Growth Management Director. Reviews planning and zoning applications, administers the City's Comprehensive Plan, land development code regulations and zoning ordinances, prepares city initiatives, land use and zoning amendments, plans studies. Assists in the identification of issues/problems, researches and gathers data, analyzes alternatives and implements plans. Communicates with developers, engineers, design professionals, city administrators, regulatory agencies and the public. Reports to the Assistant Growth Management Director.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

Prepares amendments to the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Code regulations and related ordinances to advance land use, development, urban design, architectural and site plan objectives of the City.

Assists in the development of elements of the City's Comprehensive Plan in areas of specialization and other areas as needed, including but not limited to future land use, capital improvements, coastal management, conservation, housing, infrastructure, intergovernmental coordination, recreation and open space and transportation.

Researches and prepares draft ordinances and resolutions.

Prepares public initiatives and reviews private land use, zoning, development, annexation, variance, subdivision, site plan, conditional use, applications to ensure consistency and compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code regulations, adopted plans and agreements and/or other related codes.

Provides guidance to the public and business community through regular and frequent contact with residents and property owners.

Provides oral and written presentations in various forums concerning municipal planning projects and their relation to area of specialization, addressing how issues and projects impact the public and the environment.

Responds to public inquiries, both orally and in writing, regarding applications and interpretations of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code regulations and Ordinances by phone, email and at the Land Development front counter.

Assists in the development and implementation of architectural design standards and guidelines to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the City.

Prepares Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps and creates graphic displays of information and data.

Serves as a project coordinator for planning projects or planned unit development projects (PUD's), including reviewing applicant submittals, coordinating tasks and writing staff reports.

Compiles data and assimilates such into various reports and records for documentation purposes, accountability and future reference, i.e., population data and analysis, maps and diagrams.

Acts as planning liaison, representing the Division and/or City with other local and regional groups.

Provides guidance/mentors Planners.

Attends meetings as required.

Additional Job Duties

Performs other related duties, as required.

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

Benefits

Health Insurance: Health care plan options include HDHP, OAPIN and OAP through Cigna. Dental Insurance: Dental coverage is offered in three plans that include DHMO & PPO High/Low plans. Vision Insurance: Vision coverage includes an annual eye exam, frames and lenses or contact lenses in lieu of eyeglasses. Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with life insurance in the amount of one time their annual base salary at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee's cost up to the Guaranteed Issue amount of $250,000. Dependent/Spouse Life Insurance: The City of Palm Bay provides each employee with dependent/spouse life insurance in the amount of $5,000 per dependent at no cost. Additional coverage is available at the employee's cost. Short Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employee's annual base salary during a short-term disability period not to exceed 26 weeks. Long Term Disability: Coverage pays 66 2/3% of employee's salary at time of disability after a 180 consecutive day waiting period. Defined Contribution Retirement Plan: City contributes a base of 3%. Employees may contribute up to 6% and the City will match the employees contribution. Holidays: 10 holidays and 1 birthday holiday. Paid Leave: Accrue 96 hours of vacation and sick leave per year. Accrued vacation hours increase after 10 years of service. Administrative leave for exempt employees – 48 hours per year.