Principal Planner

General Description

Advanced and highly responsible position performing and supervising complex projects and long-range planning in a fast-growing County that prides itself on innovative planning practices. General responsibilities include performing the review of development applications in multiple master planned areas, directing teams in developing master and special area plans, evaluating and formulating land use and transportation strategies, conducting policy research, analyzing and appraising elements of the Comprehensive Plan, and preparing written analyses and presentations of development applications and proposals. This employee will often be the team lead on planning projects of various kinds.

Essential Functions

• Manages, organizes, plans, prepares, evaluates and implements complex planning projects.
• Provides direction and support to other departments, the development community, and the general public regarding development requirements and land use projects.
• Supervises, directs, coordinates, assigns and implements department work plans and assignments. Delegates responsibility and appropriate authority to assigned staff.
• Represents the County at various community meetings.
• Oversees staffing support to the Essential Housing Advisory Committee.
• Represents the County at various community meetings.
• Reviews, develops, and prepares updates to the County’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code to ensure updates meet County goals and follow state and federal regulations.
• Oversees special annual projects and long-range planning activities.
• Coordinates and promotes department’s work with other County departments, local, regional, and state planning agencies and organizations by providing technical assistance related to County projects, procedures, goals, and objectives.
• Conducts internal and external customer service providing feedback on applications and resolving issues.
• Prepares Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR) based on amendments to the Comprehensive Plan as mandated by State law.
• Prepares draft ordinances and amendments to ordinances.
• Responds to public inquiries both orally and in writing.
• Assists with development review as needed.
• Reviews and analyzes reports, studies, and other documents.
• Attends and participates in various meetings for agenda items relevant to design and plan review. Makes presentations to the Planning and Zoning Board, Conditional Use and Variance Board, the Board of County Commissioners and citizens’ groups as required; provides technical assistance regarding planning and design issues.
• Performs general office/administrative work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, attending meetings, etc.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, County personnel, engineers, contractors, consultants, architects, Board members, community/civic organizations and the general public.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment, which may include a computer, telephone, calculator, copier, etc.
• Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
• Performs related duties as required.
  
  

(These major job duties are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Minimum Education & Experience

Requires a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture or related field, six (6) years experience in urban/municipal planning and design, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must obtain an American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification within twenty-four (24) months from date of hire. Must possess a valid State Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the methods, policies and procedures of the Department and County as they pertain to the performance duties of the Principal Planner.
• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the County and other Governmental agencies.
• Knowledge in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of various disciplines related to urban planning, including growth management, statutes, demographics, land use development, economics/economic development, zoning, etc.
• Knowledge of codes and regulations governing permitting activities.
• Ability to make sound, educated decisions. Ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
• Ability to plan and develop daily, short-term and long-term goals related to County purposes.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Ability to use a computer for word and data processing.
• Ability to perform required mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and prepare reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the Department.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with professionals, members of the public, and co-workers and personnel in other departments through contact and cooperation.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in difficult and emergency situations.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions as required.
  
  

Essential Physical Skills:

• Tasks require extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Stooping
• Sitting
• Kneeling
• Bending
• Crouching
• Reaching
• Standing
• Walking
• Lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs.
• Pushing and pulling
• Climbing on ladders, on steps or on the ground
  
  

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability) Work Environment:

• Works inside in an office environment.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry.
  
  

Additional Information

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the listed closing date or the position is filled, whichever is earliest. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.

Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.

The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. Nassau County reserves the right to edit or re-write this job description at any time.

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Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.