Principal Planner

Cities, Inc.; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cities, Inc. seeks an experienced city planner to develop and implement strategic plans for our coastal city. The role involves reviewing development proposals, coordinating with multiple departments, and guiding zoning and land-use decisions to support growth and compliance.

You will utilize GIS tools, prepare staff reports, present to boards, and mentor junior staff while advancing the city’s long-range vision in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Four years' progressively responsible professional planning experience.
• Valid Florida driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• AICP certification within two years of employment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and development for current and long-range city plans.
• Review development proposals for compliance with planning regulations and policies.
• Prepare staff reports and present to Planning Board, Tree Board, and City Council.
• Oversee permits related to development orders, signage, and land clearing.
• Coordinate with GIS personnel to update zoning and future land use maps.

Skills

Planning

GIS

Interpersonal communication

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Under general direction, performs advanced and complex professional work in planning and development for the city, including current and/or long-range planning.

Examples of Duties

• Assists in the implementation of department’s goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work plan. Develops and ensures that various operating procedures, standards, and guidelines are followed.
• Analyzes and reviews developmental proposals or applications such as annexations, zoning requests, subdivisions, development permits for compliance with appropriate planning principles, regulations and policies, special events, temporary uses, liquor licenses and other similar applications.
• Reviews sandy beach events/applications for weddings and fire pits.
• Assists the Building Division, Code Enforcement, and Business Tax Registration as needed.
• Researches information, formulates recommendations on planning issues, and prepares staff reports related to annexations, large- and small-scale plan amendments, large site developments, conditional uses, rezonings, variances, planned unit developments and other similar applications.
• Attends meetings with applicants, developers and other city departments regarding development requirements to obtain quality projects.
• Prepares technical staff reports and makes presentations to the Planning Board, Tree Board, and to the City Council or Examining Board as directed.
• Oversees and processes all development order, large site development, planned unit development, signage, land clearing/demolition, fence permits and similar permits.
• Prepares a variety of regular and special reports; prepares correspondence related to planning issues and projects.
• May utilize GIS to produce maps.Serves as liaison between the city and Bay County GIS personnel to update the city’s zoning maps, future land use map, etc.
• Assists city staff, developers, architects, and the general public in the interpretation and implementation of the city’s Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan.
• Facilitates resolutions to conflicting views on projects.
• Conducts site visits and field inspections of development projects to verify compliance with codes and approved permits.
• Participates in regional planning efforts and researches local, regional, and national planning issues.
• Reviews Building permit applications for compliance with Planning related requirements.
• Prepares maps and information for CRS (Community Rating System) updates.
• Supervises the Planning Administrative Support Specialist position, reviews associated applications, and assists as needed during the Specialist’s absences.
• May research and advise department on use of federal programs and funds.
• May conduct physical and socioeconomic surveys.
• May train and provide guidance to less experienced planning staff.
• May need to make presentations to the Citizen’s Academy, local groups, and organizations.
• May serve in acting capacity during director’s absences.
• Performs related duties.

Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Planning or related field from an accredited college or university. Master’s degree preferred.
• Four years' progressively responsible professional planning experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain an AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification within two years of employment.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of current and long-range municipal planning.
• Knowledge of comprehensive plans and master plans.
• Knowledge of the land development process.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of city codes, zoning regulations, and subdivision ordinances.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department goals, policies and procedures.
• Skill in performing advanced current and/or long-range planning functions.
• Skill in preparing comprehensive plans, master plans and area plans; and in developing planning policy and program proposals.
• Skill in preparing clear and precise reports.
• Skill in researching, interpreting, and applying codes and ordinances.
• Skill in conducting productive meetings with developers, land use planners, architects and the public.
• Skill in reading plans, maps, charts, and surveys.
• Skill in interpreting architectural/engineering plans.
• Skill in problem solving, including researching and analyzing planning issues, and developing strategies to address them.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to appropriately review and analyze development proposals and applications including annexations, zoning requests, subdivisions, and development permits.
• Ability to research and define code requirements pertinent to development applications.
• Ability to assist developers, architects, land planners, and the public with the development process, zoning issues, and planning matters.
• Ability to formulate sound recommendations regarding planning issues and development cases.
• Ability to facilitate and negotiate resolution to complex planning issues.
• Ability to exercise considerable independence and initiative.
• Ability to train and mentor employees.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, other agencies, developers, contractors and community members.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Planning and Building Director assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the Land Development Code, the comprehensive plan, city ordinances, and city and department and policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied professional planning duties. The unique nature of each case in question contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to participate in the development and implementation of city comprehensive plans and development codes. Success in this position contributes to the positive growth and development of the city.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city employees, contractors, attorneys, civil engineers, surveyors, architects, real estate professionals, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, lift, finger, grasp, feel talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. The position is considered mostly sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The employee is also required to perform light lifting. The employee is required to have close visual acuity and will be subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

The position supervises the Planning Administrative Support Specialist position.

**These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.