Senior Planner

Serves under the supervision of the Deputy Director of Planning, responsible for administering both current and long-range planning initiatives to include the Sanibel Plan (the City’s comprehensive land use plan) and environmental planning, land management activities requiring a comprehensive understanding of floodplain management and natural resources protection and the City’s Codes of Ordinances, including the Land Development Code. Reports directly to the Deputy Director of Planning. Position demands high accountability for careful and complete analysis prior to decision-making and an understanding of a community where the environment serves as the economic base.  

• Reviews development permits for zoning compliance, applications for site plan approval, applications for rezoning, conditional uses, and variances from the requirements of the Land Development Code, and prepares and presents staff’s position at land use hearings.
• Researches, analyzes, and prepares proposed amendments to the Sanibel Plan and the Land Development Code for compliance with State law, City Council direction, principles and practices of land use management, and changing conditions.
• Meets with and responds to requests from the public related to zoning, development permits, and the status of projects. 

• With direction, researches and prepares special planning studies or master plans on such topics as land use and transportation, affordable housing, sustainability, or other short or long-range
• May serve as staff liaison to advisory committees relating to the interpretation and application of planning, development and redevelopment functions and activities.
• Assists with maintenance of GIS maps and databases as needed. Designs and develops project maps as needed. 
• Assists with supervision of Planner and permit review staff.  
• Serves as Acting Principal Planner in the absence of Principal Planner.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned that are consistent with the scope, purpose, and level of responsibility of the position.  Such duties may vary based on operational needs but will align with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this position.  

NOTE: The examples of essential functions as listed in this class specification are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class.  The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Urban Development, Public Administration or a related field from an accredited college or university; and 
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible planning experience for a municipality or similar public sector organization.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• AICP Certification, preferred
• Must possess and maintain at all times, a valid Florida Driver’s License, “Class E,” with a driving record that meets or exceeds minimum city standards, or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire or promotion. 

KKnowledge of comprehensive land use planning, land development regulations, transportation planning, the principles of environmental planning and those unique conditions where the environment is the economic base with proven ability to apply those principles with sound professional and expert judgment. 

Knowledge of the Sanibel Plan and the Land Development Codes. 

Knowledge of ecological zoning land management. 

Skills at an exceptional level utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Office365)

Ability to administer laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies. 

Ability to collect and analyze data and develop complex plans and reports. 

Ability to present concepts, proposals, and information effectively with clear and concise public presentations and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 

Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with the general public, civic leaders, public officials, contractors, developers, City officials, and other City employees. 

Ability to demonstrate appreciation for and experience with the environment as the economic base for the community.