Planner

Master's degree in urban/regional planning, geography, public administration, architecture, civil engineering, environmental science, economics or related field; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. A valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy # 6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If in the past 24-month period, the record shows more than 3 moving traffic violations, and/or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position. Successful completion of a criminal history background investigation is required prior to employment. Applicants within six months of meeting the minimum education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status. This Planner position has the potential to perform a wide variety planning duties such as: Comprehensive Plan Policy Analysis, Zoning Review, Development Plan Review, and Land Development Code Research and Writing. This work culminates in comprehensive reports and presentations used by decision-making bodies such as the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Commission, and the Development Review Committee. A successful employee in this position would be knowledgeable about the technical and professional disciplines associated new development and redevelopment. This employee will need to complete site inspections, review detailed applications, coordinate reviews with other staff members, write reports, present findings at official public meetings, and assist applicants throughout each step of the required processes. 

 Position Summary: This is responsible, professional planning work in the Growth Management Department. This position performs difficult and complex urban planning services that relate to the County's comprehensive plan, land development code, zoning, development review, and/or intergovernmental coordination. 

 

An employee assigned to this classification conducts planning research, prepares reports and assists in formulating and implementing planning and development policies and procedures.

 

Work is performed under the direction of a higher level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.

 

Reviews and analyzes site plans and development proposals for compliance with County policy and sound planning principles. These reviews may include Comprehensive Plan Amendment analysis, Zoning Application analysis, and site plan/development plan/subdivision plat analysis.

 

Researches and prepares relevant data and analysis, reviews proposed site plans for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Land Development Code and drafts proposed policies and codes.

 

Prepares and presents staff reports to advisory committees and elected officials and in other public settings.

 

Prepares and presents provision of information to groups and individuals about the County's Comprehensive Plan and Unified Land Development Code, intradepartmental and interdepartmental coordination with other local government, regional and state entities regarding planning matters.

Keeps records and makes periodic special reports.

Conducts field investigations and interviews and provides assistance to the public with programs relating to implementation of the comprehensive plan such as land use, natural resource protection, infrastructure planning and economic development.

Prepares preliminary and final reports based on research, interviews or field investigations.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge of the planning principles and practices as applied to the collection of community planning data and to the preparation of community planning reports and studies in both graphic and written form

Knowledge of economics, government finance and sociology as applied to public planning.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, and management sciences.

Knowledge of planning/development related computer systems and the application of computer techniques for planning/development studies and analysis.

Ability to present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written, oral, or graphic form.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, outside agencies, and the general public.

Ability to assist in the preparation of comprehensive plans and functional plans and to maintain them with technical accuracy.

Ability to participate in complex planning studies or elements thereof and to analyze information and formulate substantive recommendations based upon such studies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach and occasionally required to be mobile.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral visions, and ability to adjust focus associated with the constant use of computer monitors.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.