SENIOR PLANNER

Job Description

Advanced and highly responsible position performing complex projects and development review in a fast-growing County that prides itself on innovative planning practices. General responsibilities include reviewing development applications in multiple master planned areas, performing site development review, evaluating and formulating land use and transportation strategies, conducting policy research, analyzing elements of the Comprehensive Plan, and preparing written analyses and presentations of development applications and proposals. This position is engaged in current planning initiatives and project management.

Essential Functions

• Evaluates, analyzes, and implements the elements of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Conducts and/or manages planning studies to address relevant issues and standards and advises the Planning Director of recommendations on updating/revising regulations and on the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan. Recommends new and revised policies, codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Reviews development plans including plats, site engineering plans, landscape plans, and other development plans in more than 35,000 acres of master planned communities and other areas across the County.
• Tracks PUD, DRI, and other master-planned community entitlements.
• Prepares draft ordinances and amendments to ordinances.
• Research information pertaining to land development and transportation planning issues.
• Assists in the formulation, enhancement and testing of methods and procedures to monitor and evaluate impact on and capacity of, public services, transportation facilities, parks and capital expenditures.
• Receives and responds to inquiries regarding zoning issues; interprets and explains codes, ordinances and regulations to engineers, architects, contractors, property/business owners, and other interested parties.
• Assists permit applicants and general public to understand land development policies and procedures of the County; determines/verifies zoning status as requested.
• Interacts, communicates with, and coordinates various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, County personnel, engineers, contractors, consultants, architects, Board members, landowners, community/civic organizations, and the general public.
• Assists the public in completing planning and zoning applications.
• Provides information to the public regarding the Land Development Code, the Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Maps.
• Coordinates activities of other employees as directed by the Department Head.
• Reviews the work of other planners for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed.
• Reviews development applications, develops staff reports and prepares and delivers presentations at evening meetings to the Conditional Use and Variance Board, Planning and Zoning Board and Board of County Commissioners.
• Provides expert advice to boards regarding planning issues.
• Coordinates planning efforts with consulting firms as required.
• Performs a variety of routine office/administrative duties as required, which include but are not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment, which may include a computer, telephone, calculator, copier, etc.
• Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
• Performs related duties as required.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Minimum Education & Experience

Requires a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration or related field supplemented by a minimum of two (2) years in a professional planning position or a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or related field with three (3) years of professional planning experience. An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification is preferred, but not required. Must possess a valid State Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the County as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Senior Planner.
• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the County and Governmental agencies.
• Knowledge of the laws including growth management statutes, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to utilize excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects.
• Ability to utilize excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials, other decision-makers, co-workers, other professionals and members of the public.
• Ability to utilize problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems.
• Knowledge of group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to provide effective supervision of work produced by other planners.
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.
• Knowledge of various disciplines related to urban planning; including demographics, land use development, economics/economic development, zoning, etc.
• Ability to make sound, educated decisions.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Ability to use a computer for word, data processing, graphic displays and mapping. Skills in ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Adobe products preferred but not required.
• Ability to perform required mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret advanced-level planning documents including zoning overlays, detailed specific area plans, developments of regional impact, planned unit developments, and procedures manuals.
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and prepare reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in difficult and emergency situations.

Essential Physical Skills:

• Tasks require extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Stooping
• Sitting
• Kneeling
• Bending
• Crouching
• Reaching
• Standing
• Walking
• Lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs.
• Pushing and pulling
• Climbing on ladders, on steps, or on the ground

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

Work Environment:

• Works inside in an office environment.
• Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the listed closing date or the position is filled, whichever is earliest. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.

Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. Nassau County reserves the right to edit or re-write this job description at any time.

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.

BOCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical & Prescription Drugs Benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions with a Qualified Plan
• Florida Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental
• Vision
• Life & AD&D
• Supplemental & Dependent Life & AD&D Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Benefits Offered By Aflac and/or Colonial
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
• Roth IRA

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. Employees are required to contribute 3% of their salary per Florida Statute.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The County may provide tuition assistance to cover the cost of tuition and books to County employees requesting tuition reimbursement for courses at an accredited college or university which are applicable to the employee's field of work and/or are of such nature to directly prepare employees for positions of greater responsibility within the County. Contact the Human Resources Office for additional details.

HOLIDAYS The following, as well as any other days the BOCC may declare, are designated as official holidays for County Employees:

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Presidents Day

Good Friday

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

The Day After Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

PTO LEAVE All full-time employees shall accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) Leave in accordance with the following formula:

Years of Employment Hours Per Year

0 through the end of the 4th year 180

5 years through the end of the 10th year 200

11 years through the end of the 15th year 220

16 years and over 240

For additional information please view Nassau County's Policies & Procedures .