Planning Specialist — Development & Zoning

North Port; North Port (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of North Port is seeking a Planner II to perform professional planning work with increasing specialization. The role focuses on planning, zoning, and land development, under supervision, with duties ranging from code interpretation to long-range planning and reports.

This position requires a Bachelor's in Urban Planning and four years of professional planning experience, with evening and weekend meetings often part of the schedule.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles and accepted practices of public planning and the implementation of zoning and land development regulations.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret zoning regulations.
• Knowledge of methods of collection and analysis of planning data and the preparation of planning reports and studies.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in person and in writing.
• Oral communication and inter-personal skills to present research findings to various boards and committees.
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well-defined practical problems.
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.
• Ability to carry planning assignments to completion through the formation of creative planning solutions.
• Ability to conduct field inspections to determine facts through investigations.
• Ability to read and interpret building and development plans, specifications and legal documents.
• Ability to identify deviations from the requirements of the regulations.
• Ability to present concise, detailed oral and written administrative reports.
• Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.
• Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.
• Ability to plan, organize and use mature judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions in accordance with established policy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials and the public.

Responsibilities

• Interprets and applies applicable state, county and local codes, ordinances and regulations.
• Initiates actions necessary to correct deficiencies or violations of regulations.
• Assists with updates and maintenance of Comprehensive Plan and land development regulations.
• Conducts review of various development applications including plats, permits, site plans, variance requests and re-zonings.
• Conducts extensive research in specific or general project areas.
• Writes and presents formal and technical reports, working papers, and correspondence.
• Identifies community problems, issues, and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning.
• Develops long range plans for communities with common developmental issues.
• Develops strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with community goals.
• Evaluates adequacy of community facilities in meeting current and projected needs.
• Recommends priorities, schedules, and funding sources to implement public improvement plan.
• Writes, or assists in writing, a variety of ordinances and regulations relating to development controls.
• Attends substantial number of evening and weekend meetings.

Skills

Public planning knowledge

Zoning interpretation

Data analysis methods

GIS / computer skills

Customer service

Oral communication

Creative problem-solving

Group facilitation

Time management

Attention to detail

Planning project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or related field

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Database management

Job description

The City of North Port is seeking a Planner II to perform professional planning work with increasing specialization. The role focuses on planning, zoning, and land development, under supervision, with duties ranging from code interpretation to long-range planning and reports.

This position requires a Bachelor's in Urban Planning and four years of professional planning experience, with evening and weekend meetings often part of the schedule.