Principal Planner
City of Lauderdale Lakes
Lauderdale Lakes, FL United States
How to Apply
URL: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lauderdalelakesJOB 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

