JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a professional planning position in the City's Planning Department carrying out research projects, independent studies, and responding to public inquiries.

PLANNER I - ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Researches and prepares staff comments for zoning, land use, annexation, special exception, and variance cases.
2. Research specialized planning studies such as land use, traffic, economic base, utilities, neighborhood, and housing studies.
3. Reviews and prepares staff comments on site plans according to the Land Development Regulations.
4. Helps review traffic studies and coordinates comments with senior staff and other departments.
5. Researches and writes elements or revisions to elements of the comprehensive plan.
6. Performs annexation analysis.
7. Reviews and either approves or denies tree removal applications in accordance with the City's Tree Preservation Code
8. Provides staff support to one or more of the following city boards: City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Ocala.
9. Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Downtown Development Commission, North Magnolia CRA Advisory Board, Ocala Tree Commission or West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council.
10. Designs and develops project maps and databases as needed.
11. Meets with members of the public, outside firms, other governmental agencies, etc. to verbally respond to questions on subjects relevant to a specific area or to planning in general.
12. Compiles and analyzes statistical information.
13. Identifies grant programs, prepares applications, and administers grants.
14. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

PLANNER II - ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Researches and prepares staff comments for zoning, land use, annexation, special exception, and variance cases. This duty is performed daily.
2. Research specialized planning studies such as land use, traffic, economic base, utilities, neighborhood, and housing studies. This duty is performed monthly.
3. Reviews and prepares staff comments on site plans according to the Land Development Regulations. This duty is performed daily.
4. Helps review traffic studies and coordinates comments with senior staff and other departments. This duty is performed weekly.
5. Researches and writes elements or revisions to elements of the comprehensive plan. This duty is performed monthly.
6. Performs annexation analysis. This duty is performed monthly.
7. Reviews and either approves or denies tree removal applications in accordance with the City's Tree Preservation Code. This duty is performed weekly.
8. Provides staff support to one or more of the following city boards: City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Downtown Development Commission, North Magnolia CRA Advisory Board, Ocala Tree Commission or West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council. This duty is performed weekly.
9. Designs and develops project maps and databases as needed. This duty is performed weekly.
10. Meets with members of the public, outside firms, other governmental agencies, etc. to verbally respond to questions on subjects relevant to a specific area or to planning in general. This duty is performed daily.
11. Compiles and analyzes statistical information. This duty is performed monthly.
12. Identifies grant programs, prepares applications, and administers grants. This duty is performed annually.
13. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

SENIOR PLANNER - ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serves as staff to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, the Tree Commission, DDC and the North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee. Assists in preparations of materials or information for the City Council. Makes presentations to Boards and Commissions.
2. Reviews and comments on site plans according to Land Development Regulations, particularly in regard to general layout, landscaping, open space, and signage requirements
3. Reviews traffic studies and coordinates with other departments.
4. Reviews materials for presentation to Boards, Commissions, and City Council on rezoning requests, annexations, and developments of regional impact reports, shopping centers, PUDs, and subdivisions.
5. Responds to questions or requests for information from the general public, other agencies, and staff.
6. Supervises preparation of all packets, advertisements, notices, and letters done in reference to the above duties.
7. Researches, prepares or supervises the provision of specialized planning studies such as land use, economic base, utilities, housing, and other short or long range reports. Researches and prepares new and revised ordinances to the City's Land Development Regulations.
8. Works with staff in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Has sound knowledge of the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code regarding rules and regulations governing the compilation of data and analysis, and compliance with requirements.
9. Supervises the Planner I, II and III positions, and the Site Inspector.
10. Makes presentations to advisory boards and citizen's groups. Consults with state and local officials as directed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, public administration, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 1-year related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.