Senior Planner

This is a professional planning position that will assist the Principle Planner in the work functions of the Planning and Zoning Division of the Community Development Department.  An employee in this classification is responsible for assisting with the collection, compilation, assimilation and presentation of data related to the development of master plans for land use and community facilities, for activities related to plan implementation, such as zoning regulation development and administration, and for economic and demographic research, and other duties as assigned.  Work requires exercising mature and independent judgment based on accumulated experience in determining courses of action and in the development and presentation of material within a specific area of functional specialization.   Work is performed with considerable independence within the scope of professional methods and procedures to accomplish assigned projects. Position reports to the City Planner.

(The duties listed below are the normal duties and responsibilities of this position.   The omission of specific statements related to the duties and responsibilities of this position does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or reasonable within the scope of the position.)

• Performs in field zoning and landscape inspections.
• Administers the zoning, landscape, and tree protection ordinances in the code. 
• Implements the goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Collects, analyzes and evaluates data for planning studies, reports, projects and exhibits.
• Creates staff reports and presents before the Planning and Zoning Board in reference to comprehensive planning items and special projects.
• Reviews small to large scale site plan applications. 
• Reads and refers to various materials such as zoning maps, future land use maps, code of ordinances, comprehensive plan, maps, resolutions, etc. to provide information, create plans and make accurate decisions.
• Compiles data and maintains complex records.
• Performs GIS mapping for the Community Development Department
• Interacts with external agencies (i.e. Miami-Dade County, SFRPC, Climate Change Compact, etc.)
• Implements and prepares Comprehensive Plan and various related items to state statute requirements.
• Implements and administers special projects.
• Manages the Planning and Zoning Division portion of the City website and records directory.
• Implements coordination between Code Compliance Division, Building Division, and Planning and Zoning Division as it relates to Comprehensive Planning related tasks and functions.
• Interacts and communicates with a variety of groups and individuals to include City Manager, Mayor, Council members, division heads, and Community Development Staff as it relates to Comprehensive Planning functions and special projects.
• Develops, recommends, and implements approved changes in Land Development Code as relates to Comprehensive Planning and Neighborhood functions.
• Provides information and assistance to the general public regarding planning and zoning activities and policy as required.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban planning and affordable housing.
• Establish and maintain liaison with officials of cities within Dade County and other agencies to assure coordination of community development efforts.
• Works in regional program areas relating to natural/water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, coastal zone management and others.
• Implements activities in partnership with the CRA.
• Write grants  
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Master’s of Urban and Regional Planning or related field with 3 to 5 years of experience and or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Requires strong analytical and communication skills. Interact effectively with public. Computer skills, including GIS (ArcView), and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  
• Must have ability to compile data and maintain complex records.  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and projects. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills for facilitating relationships with elected/appointed officials or other decision-makers
• Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined planning problems
• Group facilitation skills for use with community workshops
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
• Ability to provide effective supervision and staff management
• Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
• Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities
• Experience with development review, ordinance preparation, and/or comprehensive planning preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of urban planning and research.
• Considerable knowledge of the City charter and of ordinances and codes pertaining to building, zoning, and design review.
• Considerable knowledge of zoning ordinances.
• Considerable knowledge of the techniques required in the preparation of maps, charts, sketches, and complex graphics.
• Familiarity with comprehensive planning and the State of Florida Growth Management Act.
• Ability to apply professional city planning principles, practices, and techniques to a wide variety of routine problems and assignments.