Assistant Director of Planning & Development Services

City of Deerfield Beach; Deerfield Beach (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational reimbursement program

Wellness programs

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

The City of Deerfield Beach is seeking a Planning & Development Services Department Manager to supervise the Planning & Zoning, Landscape and Building Divisions. You will lead the development and implementation of the Growth Management Program, including zoning, annexation, and long-range planning, while coordinating with developers and the public.

Ideal candidates hold a relevant bachelor’s (master’s preferred) and have strong GIS, policy, and budgeting skills, plus five years of supervisory

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, geography, architecture or related discipline.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in urban planning or closely related field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with acceptable driving history.
• Master’s degree and AICP certification preferred.
• Knowledge of GIS, planning principles, and long-range master planning.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff and performance.
• Directs the Planning & Zoning, Landscape and Building Divisions and plans departmental programs.
• Develops and interprets policies, procedures and work performance for department operations.
• Liaises with development professionals, developers, and the public on planning matters.
• Prepares division budgets and provides operational recommendations to City management.

Skills

Urban planning knowledge

GIS proficiency

Data analysis

Written reports

Public policy understanding

Leadership and supervision

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture or related discipline

Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture or related discipline

AICP Certified Planner

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

GIS software

Job description

Applications to the City of Deerfield Beach are reviewed as received. Early application is encouraged, as this posting may close at any time.
The purpose of this position is to assist in the management and operations of the Planning and Development Services Department, which includes the Building and Landscape Divisions. Responsible for the implementation of the City’s Growth Management Program including zoning, subdivision regulations, annexation, development information and coordination, zoning inspection, planned developments, public benefit uses, variances, conditional uses and impact, and long-range, strategic plans.
This class works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.
Essential Functions This essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Serves as Department lead in the absence of the Director.
• Directs the functions of the Planning & Zoning, Landscape and Building Divisions.
• Plans, evaluates and directs departmental programs and operations.
• Develops and interprets policies, methods, procedures and work performance for the administration and operation of the department.
• Serves as a liaison, meeting with development professionals, developers, community groups, and the public regarding development proposals, zoning information, and City’s planning policies and activities.
• Provides assistance and information to the public regarding requirements for development.
• Assists in the formulation and administration of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.
• Prepares and implements division budgets and makes procedural and operational recommendations to City management through work plans.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Typical QualificationsMINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture or related discipline
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in the urban planning field or closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, Architecture or related discipline.
• AICP Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Work Environment and Work Hours

• Knowledge of the principles of community and urban planning.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and County laws relating to planning and urban development.
• Knowledge of planning, mapping and graphic techniques.
• Knowledge of techniques used in preparing, monitoring, and updating a long-range master plan.
• Knowledge of Building and Inspection Services.
• Knowledge in the ability to use GIS.
• Skill in applying statistical tools in data.
• Skill in preparing clear and concise written reports.
• Skill in collecting, tabulating and analyzing demographic statistics.
• Skill in working under the pressure of rigid and/or short work cycle.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks and/or work assignments.
• Skill in maintaining a degree of confidentiality.
• Skill in drafting, cartography and preparation of visual materials used in City planning operations and group presentations.
• Ability to explain and enforce City policies.
• Ability to write a wide variety of planning related documents.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, site plans and city ordinances.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all public interaction.
• Ability to speak to and maintain public confidence and interest.
• Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, vendors, and the general public.

Physical Demands

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Work Environment

• None.

WORK HOURS
Monday – Friday 8am- 5pm (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City.)
Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
Essential Safety Functions
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses. Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
Emergency Management Responsibilities
Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.
The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.
City Of Deerfield Beach 2026 Benefits SummaryHOLIDAY LEAVETwelve (12) days shall be the days observed by all City employees as holidays and the one (1) personal leave day shall be taken at the employee’s discretion with permission of the Department Director or their designee (once each calendar year)
New Year's DayLabor DayMartin Luther King Jr. DayVeteran's DayPresident's DayThanksgiving DayMemorial DayDay Following Thanksgiving DayJuneteenthChristmasIndependence Day Day preceding or following Christmas Day as designated by the City Manager
VACATION LEAVEEmployees Start To Accrue Vacation Leave Effective At The Start Of The First Full Month Of Employment Based On The Following Schedule
Service TimeLeave Accumulated Annually HoursMaximum Accrual Hours
0 - 48 months96 hours per year19249 - 108 months112 hours per year224109 - 168 months136 hours per year272169 months and over 176 hours per year352
SICK LEAVE
Employees start to accrue sick leave effective at the start of the first full month of employment. Employees sick days shall be credited at the rate of eight (8) hours or one (1) working day for each month of completed service.
RETIREMENT PLAN
The City provides a defined contribution plan under Section 401(a) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The City contributes eight percent (8%) of your salary as an employee, and you as an employee contribute four percent (4%) of your salary. The City has a 5-year Vesting Schedule. Vesting refers to your ownership of the money in your account. Based on your period of service completed you are gradually vested in your employer contributions: 20% in 1 year, 40% in 2 years, 60% in 3 years, 80% in 4 years and 100% upon the completion of 5 years of service.
Employees may also make voluntary contributions to a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, up to the annual limit as defined by the IRS.
EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Full-time employees are eligible to receive educational reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate coursework according to the following criteria and schedule of benefits. Employees who have completed their one (1) year of employment are eligible to participate in the Educational Reimbursement Program. With approval of the course(s) and subject to availability of funds, employees may be eligible for reimbursement (other than Master's Degree program courses) of 100% for a grade of A, 90% for a grade of B, and 75% for a grade of C. The City will provide reimbursement up to a maximum of $5,250.00 per tax (calendar) year based on current federal taxation requirements and limits, or as may be modified in future years. Per IRS regulations, tax-free benefits under an education assistance program are limited to $5,250 per employee, per year.
ANNUAL EVALUATIONS
An annual evaluation will be given on the anniversary date of employment. Annual evaluations are eligible for merit increases to commensurate with the City’s pay for performance policy of up to 3%.
DISCOUNT PROGRAMS
The City offers a variety of discount programs. The following are some areas for available discounts: Tickets at Work, Government Car Rental, Tri-Rail EDP Discount., and etc.
WELLNESS PROGRAMS
Employees on the City's medical plan may participate in the City’s Wellness Program to help offset the cost of their medical premiums. For new hires, points toward the Wellness Program can be accumulated starting from your date of hire through the last day of the year. Existing employees may begin participating in the program at any time. Please note, points will only be tallied on a calendar-year basis.
Employee Benefits Highlights
The City of Deerfield Beach provides group insurance benefits to eligible employees. The Employee Benefit Highlights Booklet provides a general summary of the benefit options as a convenient reference.
2026 Employee Benefits Highlights
Please note, the benefits listed above are subject to change. Full descriptions of each benefit listed may be found in the Employee Benefits Highlight Booklet, Employee Personnel Rules and Regulations, applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement, or by contacting Human Resources and Risk Management at 954-250-4107 or [e-mail]
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Some College
• Associate's Degree/Trade School/Certification
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02
What is/was your major field of study? (Associate's degree or above)?

• Urban Planning
• Public Administration
• Geography
• Architecture
• Related Field
• N/A

03
This position requires a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in the urban planning field or closely related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Which of the following best describes your experience as indicated above? Your response must be validated by the information provided in the WORK EXPERIENCE section of your application and will be verified by Human Resources if selected.

• Less than 3 years
• More than 3 years but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years but less than 5
• 5 years or more

04
Do you possess a AICP Certified Planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners? (If Yes, please attach to application)

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have skills in drafting, cartography and preparation of visual materials used in City planning operations and group presentations? Your response must be validated by the information provided in the WORK EXPERIENCE section of your application and will be verified by Human Resources if selected.

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have possession of a valid Florida driver's license with an acceptable driving history? (must remain valid throughout employment)

• Yes
• No

07
Has your driver's license ever been suspended, cancelled or revoked for any reason in the past 7 years?

• Yes
• No

08
Have you previously applied to this or any other position with the City of Deerfield Beach?

• Yes
• No

09
If yes, please state the position(s) and dates applied.
10
Where did you hear about this job opportunity?

• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Social Media
• Deerfield-beach.com
• Word of Mouth
• Other
• Required Question