Planner III- Planning & Zoning Dept

City of Port St. Lucie•Port St. Lucie FL 34984, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for advanced professional work requiring the ability to coordinate and manage complex planning assignments. This position requires greater independence and judgement, receiving general supervision from senior management. Job focus may vary to fit the needs of the department. Facilitates the development of public trust and confidence in the City. The starting annual salary for this position is $79,286.74 - $91,179.75 depending on qualifications. This position is considered an "Essential Position" for the purpose of Emergency Management. Emergency duties will be assigned as needed. This position requires 24 hours a day, 7 days per week availability during City of Port St Lucie emergencies, as determined by City Administrators, Emergency Manager or City Officials.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or Public Administration and a minimum of four (4) years of professional work experience in local government planning is required; or graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and five (5) years of professional work experience in local government planning is required.
Possession of valid driver’s license and maintenance of clean driving record required with the ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license within 30 days from date of hire.
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 closely with citizens and governmental committees.
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 focus on the positive in every situation.
Ability to model respect for individuals, teams, and the organization.
Ability to stay centered when challenged.
Ability to establish and maintain the trust and confidence of the department and public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to follow through with assigned tasks.

Nice To Haves

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Keeps the mission, vision, and values of the City of Port St. Lucie at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships and interacts with others in a way that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives, maintains high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations.
Performs advanced professional work related to variety of planning assignments.
Manages complex planning studies, development applications, and reviews consultant proposals.
Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social and economic issues.
Provides professional planning assistance on varied land use projects.
Reviews proposals (rezoning, pud rezoning, variances, special exceptions, comprehensive plan amendments, or neighborhood plan studies).
Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans.
Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning & Zoning Board, and Council and serves as liaison to such committees.
Reviews amendments to the Developments of Regional Impact (DRI).
Leads the comprehensive review and analysis of development applications, site plans, subdivision plats, and landscape plans, ensuring alignment with the Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances.
Provides final approvals or recommendations.
Drafts text amendments.
Makes presentations to senior management, City Council, and other governing bodies.
Manages large-scale, high-impact land use and conservation projects, conducting detailed site visits and inspections, while ensuring adherence to state, county, and local codes.
Provides support to Level II planners during periods of high workload, assisting in managing tasks, reviewing critical projects, and ensuring deadlines are met efficiently and accurately.
Acts as the primary liaison between the City, developers, and landowners, negotiating solutions to integrate developments with community needs and policy objectives.
Directs research on advanced land development topics, preparing comprehensive reports, agendas, and recommendations for public meetings, including City Council, Planning and Zoning Board, and interdepartmental teams.
Provides expert guidance and mentorship to junior planners, assisting with complex cases and ensuring consistency in application reviews and project management.
Represents the City at regional and interdepartmental meetings upon request, and serves as the authoritative figure on planning initiatives, regulations, and long-term development strategies.
Responds to inquiries from the public in a timely and efficient manner.
Other duties as may be assigned.