Principal Planner

City of Ocala•Fl 34471, FL

About The Position

This is a highly responsible, technical, and professional position with administrative duties assisting the Planning Director in the monitoring and management of the planning division. This position reports directly to the Planning Director.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, or public administration.
Minimum of 8 years related experience and/or training.
An equivalent combination of education and experience in urban planning or closely related field may be considered.
Valid Florida operator driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Advanced: Presentation/PowerPoint, Spreadsheet, Word Processing/Typing
Basic: 10-Key, Accounting, Alphanumeric Data Entry, Database, Human Resources Systems, Payroll Systems, Programming Languages
Ability to read, analyze, and understand state law, common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents; Ability to respond to complex or difficult inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane, algebra, solid geometry and trigonometry.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Knowledge of relationships among different factors influencing urban development and among the general legal and social determinants of community development; the methods of conducting research and statistical analyses and the evaluation of research data; the general principles of and a familiarity with the techniques used in community and regional physical planning; and an understanding of how urban areas and their component systems function and grow.
Must have the ability to coordinate research studies and present effective presentations; supervise effectively the work of other planners; and communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
Must have the ability to use all equipment related to computerized mapping including: personal computers, digitizers, laser printers, and plotters.
Must be able to organize large amounts of land use data into both graphical and written reports.
Must have working knowledge in the use of architectural and engineering scales.

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred.
GIS application certification

Responsibilities

Provides direction in the review of all operations of the planning division including but not limited to zoning applications, amendments to the comprehensive plan, applications for variances and special exceptions, abrogation requests, annexations, site plans, planned unit development plans, neighborhood plans, redevelopment plans, and alcoholic beverage permits.
Provides coordination with City Departments and other divisions in the Growth Management Department in updating the City's land development regulations.
Reviews and verifies all code amendments for consideration by the Planning Director.
Assists the Planning Director to update and revise the City's comprehensive plan including maintaining an ongoing surveillance of physical, economic, and social changes within the community.
Has sound knowledge of the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code regarding rules and regulations including procedural requirements and required the compilation of data and analysis, and compliance with requirements.
Provides staff assistance to the Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission, the Tree Commission, the Downtown Development Commission, the North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee, the Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, and the Board of Adjustment.
Serves as project leader on various planning projects and studies.
Provides direct customer service to professionals, the public and City employees.
Assists the Planning Director in the annual preparation and submittal of the Department's budget and goals.
Provides training, guidance, and supervision for assigned staff and evaluates their performance.
Helps coordinate plans and actions with other departments and service groups.
Makes presentations to various boards and professional/civic organizations.
Prepares memos, letters, and other correspondence.
Reviews and comments on site plans according to Land Development Regulations, particularly in regard to general layout, landscaping, open space, and signage requirements.
Maintains the GIS maps and databases as needed.
Designs and develops project maps and databases as needed.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.