Planner II

City of Ocala•Fl 34471, FL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional planning position in the City's Planning Department carrying out research projects, independent studies, and responding to public inquiries. The role involves researching and preparing staff comments for various cases, reviewing materials for presentations to City Council and city boards, and reviewing site plans according to Land Development Regulations. The position also entails researching and writing elements of the comprehensive plan, performing annexation analysis, and reviewing tree removal applications. Additionally, the role supports city boards, develops and maintains a GIS Plan, manages GIS maps and databases, and designs project maps. It also involves updating the geographic information system using TIGER files and databases, participating in data collection, and responding to public inquiries. The position requires compiling and analyzing statistical information, conducting research on neighborhood issues, drafting neighborhood action plans, and working with community groups. Public speaking and presentation skills are essential, as is the ability to identify and administer grant programs.

Requirements

Master’s degree in urban planning with a strong emphasis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
A minimum of 1 year of experience in public or private planning.
Valid Florida Operator Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
Ability to think in terms of spatial relationships and visualize the effects of their plans and designs.
Strong analytic and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work with others in-group settings and independently.
Strong interpersonal and customer service abilities.
Working knowledge of planning regulations, urban planning and growth management laws in Florida.
Ability to apply planning concepts, practices, and procedures in performing the majority of duties while working under general supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city departments or governmental agencies, neighborhood groups, members of community-based organizations, developers, engineers and consultants.
Technical writing skills.
Assumes a lead role in administering special and/or recurring projects and programs as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Courses in related disciplines such as architecture, urban design, demography, economics, and geographic information systems are highly recommended.
Should be flexible and able to reconcile different viewpoints and to make constructive policy recommendations.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of neighborhood planning and historic preservation is highly desirable.
Requires occasional participation in public speaking and presentation engagements.
Requires exercising judgment in applying the principles of planning and departmental policies and objectives to a variety of situations.

Responsibilities

Researches and prepares staff comments for zoning, land use, annexation, special exception and variance cases.
Research specialized planning studies such as land use, traffic, economic base, utilities, neighborhood and housing studies.
Reviews materials for presentations to City Council and city boards on rezoning requests, land use changes, annexations, Developments of Regional Impact, Planned Unit Developments, shopping centers and sub-divisions.
Reviews and prepares staff comments on site plans according to the Land Development Regulations.
Helps review traffic studies and coordinates comments with senior staff and other departments.
Researches and writes elements or revisions to elements of the comprehensive plan.
Performs annexation analysis.
Reviews and either approves or denies tree removal applications in accordance with the City’s Tree Preservation Code.
Helps research and prepares new and revised ordinances to the Land Development Regulations.
Provides staff support to one or more of the following city boards: City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Downtown Development Commission, North Magnolia CRA Advisory Board, Ocala Tree Commission or West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council.
Develops a GIS Plan to guide the development and implementation of the department’s geographic information system.
Annually update the GIS Plan.
Maintains the GIS maps, databases and related software.
Designs and develops project maps and databases as needed.
Reviews and updates the geographic information system using Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Reference (TIGER) files and databases provided by the Census Bureau and provide digital update of local information to the Census Bureau.
Participates in the Central Florida Users Group and assists in the collection of available geodata for Marion County.
Meets with members of the public, outside firms, other governmental agencies, etc. to verbally respond to questions on subjects relevant to a specific area or to planning in general.
Compiles and analyzes statistical information.
Conducts background research, surveys and interviews on neighborhood issues and prepares related reports.
Drafts neighborhood action plans and/or master plans in coordination with neighborhood groups.
Works with neighborhood groups, city employees, community organizations and members of the public regarding issues, concerns and potential solutions to neighborhood problems.
Gives presentations that require strong public speaking skills to present detailed technical information to the public.
Identifies grant programs, prepares applications, and administers grants.
Prepares visual aids or other special materials for presentations.
Attends technical meetings within the state to increase knowledge of major program areas.
Prepares memos, letters, and other correspondence.
Responds to requests from public and staff as needed.
Performs other duties as required.