Planning Director

Position Summary

Plans, organizes, manages, and provides general direction and oversight for the planning, zoning, building and code enforcement functions and activities of the City, including compliance with the Comprehensive Plan, current and long-term planning activities; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments, divisions, and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; and performs related work as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administers and maintains the policies of the Comprehensive Plan per State Statute.
• Enforces the City Municipal Code affecting planning, zoning, public utilities, community facilities, housing and transportation.
• Holds public meetings to formulate and develop land use or community plans.
• Determines the effects of regulatory limitations on projects.
• Assesses the feasibility of proposals and identify necessary changes.
• Provides review and staff reports to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Provides staff review and information to the Historic Preservation Board.
• Prepares agendas for Planning Board, Code Enforcement Magistrate, Zoning Board of Appeals and Historic Preservation Board.
• Ensures all Board packets are delivered in a timely manner.
• Maintains all Board files and communication with all case applicants.
• Completes Economic Development Plan; Economic Development Analysis; and Economic Development Asset Mapping.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, project management, and supervision of staff.
• Budget development, contract administration, and administrative practices.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Principles and practices of development services, program development, maintenance, and management in a municipal setting.
• Theories and principles of comprehensive planning, land use, zoning and subdivision regulations.
• Principles and techniques of conducting site planning, architectural review, subdivision design, land use, and other analytical studies; evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
• Ability to assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
• Ability to administer department budget; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel.
• Ability to select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of development services programs and activities.
• Ability to conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Ability to conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems.
• Ability to organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Ability to use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Ability to advise of Economic Development Plans and implementation, along with Economic Development Asset Mapping.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college in Planning or related field; or five years of responsible municipal planning experience with three years of supervisory, management, and/or administrative experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Florida driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
• AICP (America Institute of Certified Planners) preferred.

Environment &Physical Requirements

• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.
• This is primarily a sedentary position although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
• Requires ability to bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel in this position.

An individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.