Planner

Performs professional planning work in support of current and long-range planning activities, including development review, zoning administration, zoning review, land use regulation, historic preservation, and implementation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Responsibilities include conducting technical analyses, coordinating planning projects and development applications, preparing staff reports and recommendations, supporting public hearing processes, and providing assistance to applicants, appointed boards, elected officials, and the public. This position functions at a mid-level professional capacity. Work requires the exercise of independent judgment in interpreting and applying planning principles, regulations, and policies to a variety of planning and development issues. Work is performed under the general direction of the Planning Manager. The following duties are representative of the work performed in this classification and are not intended to be all-inclusive. Reviews development applications, site plans, subdivisions, variances, rezonings, comprehensive plan amendments, zoning reviews and related materials for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Conducts technical analysis of land use, zoning, environmental, transportation, infrastructure, redevelopment, and growth management issues; collects, analyzes, and interprets demographic, land use, environmental, and development data to support planning studies, policy recommendations, and regulatory decisions. Prepares staff reports, technical memoranda, recommendations, agenda materials, presentations, and correspondence related to development review, planning initiatives, regulatory actions, and public hearings. Coordinates development review activities and planning projects with City departments, outside agencies, applicants, consultants, and other stakeholders to ensure consistency, compliance, accuracy, and timely processing. Provides staff support to assigned boards, commissions, and committees, including preparation of agendas and supporting materials, presentation of staff reports, coordination of public hearing and quasi-judicial processes, and documentation of board actions and decisions. Provides professional and technical assistance to developers, applicants, property owners, appointed board members, elected officials, City staff, and the public regarding planning regulations, land use policies, development review procedures, and board processes. Conducts zoning reviews and code compliance determinations for permits, site improvements, land use activities, and other applications requiring review under the Land Development Code. Assists in the preparation, update, implementation, and administration of the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, historic preservation programs, redevelopment initiatives, and other planning-related projects and programs. Conducts site inspections and field investigations related to development proposals, planning studies, regulatory compliance, and code interpretation. Coordinates assigned planning projects and development applications under the general direction of the Planning Manager, managing project schedules, milestones, and associated review processes. May provide technical guidance and project support to junior planning staff, interns, or support personnel without formal supervisory authority. Maintains current knowledge of planning principles, best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging trends and applies this knowledge to assigned work. Performs related duties as assigned or as logically associated with the position. Bachelor’s degree in Planning or a closely related field. Minimum of four (4) years of professional planning experience in a municipal, county, or similar public-sector organization; or an equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and experience. A Master’s degree in Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of required experience. AICP certification is preferred but not required. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License. Emergency Response Status: As a condition of employment, City of St. Pete Beach employees may be required to work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban, environmental, transportation, and physical planning. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local planning, zoning, land use, and development regulations, including Florida growth management requirements. Working knowledge of board procedures, public hearing processes, and quasi-judicial requirements applicable to planning and land use decisions. Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and synthesize technical, statistical, and regulatory information. Ability to develop practical and defensible planning recommendations for moderately complex planning and development issues. Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and professional written reports, correspondence, and presentations. Ability to effectively communicate planning concepts and technical information to appointed boards, elected officials, applicants, City staff, and the public. Ability to manage multiple assignments, coordinate project schedules, and meet deadlines associated with development review and public hearing processes. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with board members, elected officials, internal departments, external agencies, applicants, and the general public. Proficiency in the use of personal computers, common office equipment, and common software applications including word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation programs. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Work requires standing, fingering, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is necessary for expressing or exchanging ideas verbally. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer-based data, determining accuracy and completeness of work, and observing general surroundings. The position is not subject to adverse environmental conditions. #J-18808-Ljbffr