Planning Director

The Planning Director plans, directs and supervises all activities of the Planning Department in order to ensure efficient and effective department operations.

As a working manager, the Planning Director is expected to provide professional planning support to County departments, serve as the technical planning advisor to the County Manager’s office and the Board of County Commissioners. Other duties include, execution of current and long-range planning initiatives, administer the County’s Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, support the County Manager/Commission in policy formation and mentors and professionally develops staff planners. Reports to the Deputy County Manager / County Engineer.

Examples of Duties 

• The Planning Director is a working manager position that is expected to manage, plan, coordinate, direct and supervise the functions and programs of the Nassau County Planning Department, as well as, produce technical work and provide professional support to the County Manager’s Office.
• Reviews, monitors and implements the County’s Land Development Code, Comprehensive Plan and various overlays, sector plans, design plans, etc.
• Provides professional planning support to all County departments, the County Manager’s office and the County Attorney’s office.
• Oversees the recruitment, employment and evaluation of staff and contract personnel.
• Develops department-wide goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Reviews all departmental work product including work from contractors and consultants. Reviews the work of subordinate staff for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers training, advice and assistance as needed.
• Evaluates planning-related legislation and applicability to County initiatives and regulations.
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings.
• Supervises all Department staff, either directly or indirectly through senior staff. Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending employee promotions, transfers, discipline and discharge; employee evaluations.
• Develops and implements Department policies and procedures; ensures departmental compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Prepares and administers the Planning Department annual budget.
• Reviews all zoning, rezoning permits/applications, land-use amendments, plats, subdivision plans, etc. for compliance.
• Provides site review input for planning, zoning issues.
• Attends and participates in Planning and Zoning Board, Conditional Use and Variance Board and other citizen boards’ public hearings, workshops and meetings.
• Attends and participates in Board of County Commissioner meetings and makes presentations to the Board concerning areas of responsibility as required.
• Attends Department Head meetings and staff meetings as scheduled.

• Interprets and explains codes, ordinances and regulations to engineers, architects, contractors, property/business owners and other interested parties.
• Verifies zoning classification and Future Land Use Map designation as requested.
• Prepares maps and graphics for land use planning.
• Oversees the work of consultants; administers related contracts.
• Coordinates Department activities with those of other County departments, various other Governmental agencies, industry, etc., as required.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including Comprehensive Plan/amendments, certifications, contracts, invoices, budget documents, correspondence, performance appraisals, etc.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment, which may include a computer, telephone, calculator, copier, etc.
• Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
• Responsible for intergovernmental coordination with other public agencies.
• Assists other departments with long range planning for the provision of county services.
• Performs related duties as required.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Typical Qualifications 

Requires a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, City Planning, Urban Planning, Public Administration or related field supplemented by six (6) to ten (10) years in urban/municipal planning, some of which has been in a supervisory capacity or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Local government experience in the State of Florida is preferred. Must obtain AICP Certification within one (1) year of hire date. Must possess a valid State Driver’s License.

Supplemental Information 

• Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Department and County as they pertain to the performance duties of the Planning Director.
• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the County and other Governmental agencies.
• Knowledge in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to ensure departmental compliance with all laws and regulations and control the activities of the Department through effective supervision.
• Knowledge of various disciplines related to urban planning, including demographics, land use, urban form, zoning, etc.
• Knowledge of codes and regulations governing permitting activities.
• Ability to make sound, educated decisions.
• Ability to apply supervisory and managerial concepts and principles.
• Knowledge of administrative principles involved in developing, directing and supervising various programs and related activities.
• Ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinate staff regarding departmental policies, methods and regulations.
• Ability to perform employee evaluations and to make recommendations based on results.
• Ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
• Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in supervising various programs including the handling of emergency situations, determining procedures, setting priorities, setting schedules, maintaining standards, planning for future County needs and resolving problems.
• Ability to plan and develop daily, short-term and long-term goals related to County purposes.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Ability to use a computer for word and data processing.
• Ability to perform required mathematical calculations.
• Ability to compile, organize and utilize various financial information necessary in the preparation of the departmental budget and knows how to prepare and monitor the budget.
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and prepare reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.
• Knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with co-workers, personnel in other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Tasks require extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Stooping
• Kneeling
• Bending
• Crouching
• Reaching
• Standing
• Walking
• Lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs.
• Pushing and pulling
• Climbing on ladders, on steps or on the ground

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works inside in an office environment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry.