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Principal Planner

City of Lauderdale Lakes

Lauderdale Lakes, FL United States

How to Apply
URL: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lauderdalelakes

JOB DESCRIPTION

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Directs and manages the operations and staff of the Planning and Zoning Division, including professional planners and administrative personnel.
  • Coordinates, reviews, and evaluates the preparation of comprehensive planning studies, special planning projects, redevelopment strategies, and neighborhood improvement plans.
  • Prepares, updates, and implements the City's Comprehensive Plan, zoning code, and design standards.
  • Conducts and supervises complex technical research on land use, demographics, transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
  • Oversees preparation of maps, charts, reports, and visual aids for presentation to advisory boards, the Planning and Zoning Board, City Commission, and public forums.
  • Reviews and analyzes site plans, rezoning requests, development proposals, and amendments for consistency with local, state, and regional policies.
  • Prepares and delivers professional staff reports and presentations before elected and appointed bodies.
  • Serves as liaison to the public, community groups, and intergovernmental agencies regarding planning and development matters.
  • Provides staff support to Planning and Zoning and Historic Preservations Boards.
  • Collaborates with the City's Business Specialist, Economic Development Manager, and the Community Redevelopment Agency to ensure coordination of economic development and revitalization efforts.
  • Administers and monitors grants and programs related to community development, affordable housing, and neighborhood improvement programs.
  • Provides training, mentorship, and performance evaluations for planning staff and supports the professional development of the team.
  • Represents the Department in meetings, workshops, and conferences; stays informed of legislative and regulatory changes affecting urban planning.
  • Oversees the department in the absence of the Development Services Director.
  • Assists with preparation of the department budget and monitors expenditures.
  • Provides recommendations on departmental policies, procedures, and operational improvements.
  • Participates in interdepartmental coordination to ensure integrated planning and development review processes.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Director.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university, Master's degree in Planning or related field, preferred.
  • Must possess at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in urban or community planning.
  • Must possess at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
  • Must possess a valid State of Florida Driver's License.
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification, preferred.
  • Municipal government experience, preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Advanced principles, practices, and techniques of urban planning, community redevelopment, land use, and zoning.
  • Federal, state, and local regulations governing planning, zoning, and community development.
  • Socio-economic research methods, data analysis, and GIS applications.
  • Principles of management, supervision, and public administration.
  • Public presentation techniques and methods for effective public engagement.
  • Managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines under pressure.
  • Preparing clear, concise, and well-organized reports and presentations.
  • Using planning software, GIS, and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Exercising professional judgment and maintaining confidentiality in sensitive matters.
  • Interpret and apply complex planning and zoning regulations.
  • Analyze data and prepare accurate, comprehensive planning studies.
  • Communicate effectively with staff, officials, and the public both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Supervise and mentor professional staff and foster a collaborative team environment.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 28, 2026 at 11:59PM

Experience Level
Mid II (4-8 years)
AICP Level
Preferred
Specialty
Comprehensive or Long-Range Planning
Salary Range
$100,000 - $107,000

Contact Information