Senior Planner

Professional Planning Position

HIRING RANGE FOR THIS POSITION IS MINIMUM TO MIDPOINT. This is a professional planning position within the Planning Division of the Planning & Development Services Department. The role involves reviewing development proposals, addressing long and short-term planning issues, and handling other planning-related tasks. The position requires a significant degree of independent judgment and initiative in performing complex assignments. The role also includes limited supervision of junior and clerical staff and requires extensive coordination with other departments, regional, and state agencies. The position works under the general direction of the Planning Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Collect, analyze, and present data related to all aspects of urban planning.
• Ensure quality assurance standards are maintained for planning studies.
• Perform complex planning assignments and present findings in clear, concise reports.

Development Proposal Review:

• Process comprehensive plan amendments and land development applications, including rezoning, conditional use, variance, and site plans.
• Maintain and update county land development regulations and comprehensive plans.

Project and Legislation Oversight:

• Track, monitor, and advocate for legislation, and assist in the development of policy.
• Serve as the project lead for multifaceted programs, ensuring successful coordination and completion.

Competencies: The following competencies are key to success in this role, enabling effective contribution, collaboration, and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Ability to assist with managing planning projects, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and goals are met, and monitoring the progress of projects.
• Ability to analyze planning data, financial records, and project metrics to ensure accurate reporting and monitoring of the County's objectives.

Physical Requirements: The position requires the ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods. It involves frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating office equipment. Occasional lifting of objects up to 25 pounds may be necessary. The role also requires the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and may involve attending evening and weekend meetings as required. Prolonged computer use may pose a risk for eye strain or repetitive motion injuries.

Environmental Conditions and Work Hazards: The work environment is primarily office-based, with occasional field visits to various sites. Employees may be exposed to typical office conditions, including computers, printers, and office equipment. During site visits or meetings, there may be occasional exposure to outdoor environments. The role may involve stress due to project deadlines, public interactions, and complex problem-solving. Prolonged computer use can also lead to eye strain and repetitive motion injuries.

Supplemental Information: 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.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities: County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA Statement: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EEO Statement: St. Lucie County BOCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Architecture, or a related field from an accredited college.
• At least 4 years of professional planning experience.
• Expert knowledge of planning principles, current development trends, and statistical research methods.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations related to economic development, planning, zoning, and grants.
• Understanding of legislative processes and policy formulation.
• Strong supervisory skills for managing administrative records and staff.
• Ability to establish collaborative relationships with government officials, private organizations, and the public.
• Ability to present complex, technical information clearly, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to coordinate multifaceted projects and act as the lead on complex planning tasks.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in planning-related software and data analysis tools.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License and good driving record.

Additional Information

Pay Grade G206

Driving Position – Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and Level 1 background screening.

Benefits

Board Approved Holidays (14 days per year): New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 3 Floating Holidays. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday before will be observed. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed. The County Administrator is authorized to change the observation schedule of holidays falling on weekends.

Vacation Leave: Years of Eligible Service - Vacation Days per Year. Less than 5.0 years - 10. 5.0 to less than 11.0 years - 15. 11.0 to less than 21.0 years - 20. 21.0 to less than 22.0 years - 21. 22.0 to less than 23.0 years - 22. 23.0 to less than 24.0 years - 23. 24.0 to less than 25.0 years - 24. 25.0 years and above - 25.

Paid Sick Leave accrues at a rate of eight (8) hours per month of service. Sick leave has an unlimited accrual balance.

Other Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision Plans Employee Wellness Center Life Insurance Shared Sick Leave Jury Duty or Witness Leave Military Leave Bereavement Leave State of Florida Retirement (FRS)

Optional Benefits Available: Accident Protection Plan Deferred Compensation