Position Summary

This position is responsible for work of moderate difficulty and varied nature, providing clerical, administrative and planning support to the Planning Department. The employee is supervised by the Planning Director. Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires incumbent to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals and priorities.

The ideal candidate will have outstanding customer service skills, as well as the ability to convey code information to a wide range of customers through written and verbal means. Following a good code of ethics is essential. They will have the ability and knowledge to make sound judgment calls, while working efficiently with a results-oriented focus.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

These job functions may not be a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees may be assigned additional duties by management as deemed necessary.

• May utilize discretionary authority after consulting with Planning Director to apply City codes, comprehensive plan, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to zoning, land use, and site development.
• Tracks assigned projects from initiation to project approval.
• Provides support for enforcement of City codes and ordinances to the Code Enforcement Department.
• Provides technical assistance to the public, appointed officials and other departments.
• Interfaces and communicates with the public, outside agencies, and consultants regarding zoning, development and the comprehensive plan in the management and development of the city.
• Prepares written project analysis and staff reports.
• Attends local planning and zoning, board of adjustment, community redevelopment agency, and other public meetings as required, including night meetings as assigned by the Planning Director.
• Provides information to developers, attorneys, and residents on plans, applications, development codes and policies related to land development within the City.
• Maintains department files and plans in accordance with Florida Records Management practices, policies and procedures.
• Assist in maintaining and updating electronic forms, hard copy and electronic files and applications.
• Assist the public with basic planning related inquiries, such as property zoning and future land use map classifications, allowable uses, conditional uses, accessory uses, and nonconforming uses;
• Assist the public with various planning related applications.
• Assist Planning Director as needed with the preparation of City Commission agenda items;
• Prepare agendas, record minutes, advertising notices and coordination of City Advisory committees (Planning Board, Historic Planning Board and others)
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor
• Researches and assists in the preparation of updates to the comprehensive plan.
• Attends Planning seminars, meetings, and trainings as instructed by the Planning Director.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of office operations and procedures including but not limited to bookkeeping and computer programs necessary to perform the job. Proficient in operating office equipment and maintaining a filing system. Ability to communicate orally and in writing; work well under pressure; handle multiple tasks; establish working relationships with co-workers, officials and general public; provide courteous service to customer; provide constructive feedback to supervisor; and meet deadlines.

• Knowledge of local codes and regulations relating to planning and zoning.
• Knowledge of current and comprehensive planning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of state planning laws.
• Knowledge of GIS systems to integrate data with electronic maps is preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe programs.
• Skill with computer programs, such as Office, ArcMap, ADG, Adobe.
• Skill with communications in English, both orally and in writing.
• Skill with communications in public hearings and meetings.
• Skill with research and analysis.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret maps.
• Ability to prepare and maintain all planning related documents and reports.
• Ability to understand and interpret complex written material, analyze facts, exercise judgment and arrive at valid conclusions.
• Ability to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate assigned equipment or vehicles.

Education and/or Experience:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in Planning or related field is preferred. Two years of working experience in land use planning or zoning may substitute for a bachelor's degree in planning. A valid driver's license with a good driving record is required. The applicant must be physically able to operate a vehicle.

Prior Planning experience is preferred, but not required.