Senior Planner

The City of Newberry is seeking a highly motivated and experienced planning professional to serve as Senior Planner within the Community Development Department. This position performs advanced professional planning work involving the coordination, management, and performance of complex planning activities related to the City’s growth and development.

The Senior Planner supports current and long-range planning initiatives, development review activities, policy implementation, and special projects. The selected candidate will serve as a technical resource to staff, boards, stakeholders, and the public while demonstrating sound professional judgment and a commitment to superior customer service.

The City reserves the right to fill this position at a level commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, and certifications. This position may be filled as an underfill or overfill opportunity.

Consistently demonstrates and promotes the City’s core values of Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Leadership, and Superior Service (TRAILS) in all aspects of work and service delivery.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration, or related field; and
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional planning experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Planning or related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Supervisory or project management experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages complex planning projects, development proposals, and planning studies.
• Reviews and analyzes rezoning requests, site plans, plats, variances, and comprehensive plan amendments.
• Prepares and reviews staff reports, ordinances, resolutions, and presentations.
• Conducts advanced research and analysis related to land use, transportation, environmental planning, and growth management.
• Coordinates planning activities with internal departments, consultants, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Advises boards, committees, and elected officials on planning matters.
• Provides technical guidance and support to planning staff.
• Reviews public notices for compliance with legal requirements.
• Assists in evaluating and improving departmental processes and procedures.
• Responds to complex inquiries from the public, developers, and stakeholders.
• Attends evening and occasional weekend meetings as required.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of urban planning principles, practices, and methodologies.
• Knowledge of zoning administration, land development regulations, and comprehensive planning.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
• Ability to analyze technical data and formulate recommendations.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and professional presentations.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials, developers, consultants, and the public.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and discretion.

Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office environment with occasional field work and site visits. The position may require sitting for extended periods, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and operating standard office equipment. Occasional lifting and carrying of files, plans, or materials may be required. Attendance at evening meetings and occasional weekend work may be necessary.

Terms of Employment

This position is subject to successful completion of all pre-employment requirements, which may include a background check, drug screening, and reference verification in accordance with City policy.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the City’s established policies and procedures.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Newberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Veterans’ Preference

In accordance with Florida Statutes, Veterans’ Preference will be given to eligible applicants.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Drug-Free Workplace

The City of Newberry is a Drug-Free Workplace.