Chief Planner at City of Casselberry, FL

About the Department

The Chief Planner is responsible for the planning, coordination, and management of planning and zoning activities and initiatives for the City of Casselberry.  The Chief Planner is responsible for the direct supervision and evaluation of the performance of assigned direct and contracted staff. The Chief Planner accomplishes work with freedom to establish, implement, and oversee policies within the Planning Division.

Position Duties

1. Provides day-to-day direction and management to the Planning Division. (80%)
   1. Plans, coordinates, directs and assigns related activities to staff.
   2. Applies, provides guidance, mediates and resolves disagreements regarding the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, Engineering Design Standards, Code of Ordinances, and other City Ordinances and policies, and other applicable codes and statutes.
   3. Directs the Planning and Zoning Division, including comprehensive and current planning, city and land development regulations, and regulatory processes (i.e. re-zoning, conditional uses, site plans, etc.).
   4. Acts as primary contact person for the City with outside vendors regarding related responsibilities.  Schedules, assigns and monitors work of contractors, analyzes and reports on results.
   5. Maintains effective public relations with City staff, developers, state agencies, other municipalities and the general public.
   6. Gathers, selects, compiles and analyzes data pertaining to characteristics of the community.
   7. Attends and participates in Pre-Application, Development Review Committee, Planning Zoning Board, and City Commission Meetings.   Prepares presentations to Development Review Committee (DRC) and selected governing boards.
   8. Develops or assists with the development of long range, short range, and/or other development service activities.
      
      
2. Supervisory Responsibilities (15%)
   1. Supports and exemplifies the City’s identified core values, supports the mission and assists the City to attain its’ vision and goals through the efficient operation of assigned employees and/or departments.
   2. Carries out management responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies, procedures and applicable laws, including employment laws.
   3. Works collaboratively with HR in accomplishing employee selection, training and performance management functions.
   4. Works collaboratively with HR to address complaints and assist in resolving employee relation issues and holds employees accountable for their performance/behaviors as necessary.
   5. Rewards employees appropriately and evaluates performance in a timely manner using the employee evaluation forms instituted by the City of Casselberry.
   6. Oversees and ensures that the required Department/Division orientation and training and applicable on-the-job training is completed.
      
      
3. Additional Duties and Responsibilities (5%)
   1. Follows safe working practices and has a working knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
   2. Participates in department meetings, staff meetings and other related activities. 
   3. Adheres to laws, regulations and policies of the City and of the assigned Department. Follows instructions provided by Department Director or their designee. 
   4. Completes the identified required or assigned training timely and applies acquired knowledge and/or skills.
   5. Maintains, preserves, retains, and disposes of public records pursuant to FS Chapter 119.
4. Emergency Management Role:
   1. Participates as a member of the City staff as required to take action in the event of an emergency.
   2. Acts in the assigned role to support the City in disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts as described in theCity of Casselberry Emergency Management Plan, supervisor or designee.  As a member of the Community Development Department may be assigned to the Damage Assessment Team to generate surveys of the disaster area and provide information back to the City and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

1. Education and Training:  A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) from an accredited college or university in urban and regional planning or related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.  A comparable combination of education and experience may be considered.
2. Experience:  A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in urban or regional planning or three (3) years and a Master’s degree is required.
3. Certificates, Licenses and/or Registrations Required:   An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or Certified Public Manager certification (CPM) is preferred.  Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s license. A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check will be made to determine acceptance of past driving record.  
4. Security Clearance: Florida Department of Law Enforcement background clearance is required.

• Knowledge (intermediate to advanced level) of local, state and federal regulations affecting work.
• Knowledge (advanced level) of the principles and practices of architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering, urban planning or urban design.
• Knowledge (intermediate level) of budgeting and professional techniques related to the review of land development, code amendment applications, annexation petitions, and development of regional impact applications.
• Knowledge (intermediate to advanced level) of Florida Statute 163.
• Knowledge (intermediate to advanced level) of Unified Land Development Regulations and the applicable City of Casselberry codes.
• Knowledge (intermediate to advanced level) of departmental rules, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge (basic to intermediate level) of SunGard/NaviLine or similar work management software suite.
• Knowledge (basic to intermediate level) of ArcMap or similar geographic information system software.
• Knowledge of business management practices.
• Knowledge of basic supervisory practices and procedures.
• Skill in effectively dealing with the public and other agencies in a courteous, tactful and impartial manner.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to compose clear and concise reports; to research and produce planning reports; to prepare and make presentations; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with citizens, applicants, professional peers and elected officials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Ability to conduct interviews of prospective employees.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability (intermediate to advanced level) to utilize Microsoft Office Suite, e.g. Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to support the mission statement of the City of Casselberry: Committed to protect and enhance the quality of life within its community.
• Ability to support the core values of the City of Casselberry.
• Ability to support the vision of the City of Casselberry: A vibrant, affordable, diverse, and progressive community where citizens feel safe, enjoy their neighborhoods, and access their city government.

Other Qualifications

 The work environment and physical demands described here are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made when requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A.  Work Environment: This position primarily performs the duties in an office setting.   Occasionally, this position may be exposed to outside various weather conditions while traveling to conduct an onsite visit.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate and consistent with an office environment.
B.  Physical Demands: The primary functions require prolonged periods of time sitting at a computer, and will stand and walk.  In addition, this position may be required to occasionally lift and carry up to ten (10) pounds with or without assistance.  This position is regularly required to use vision, speech and hearing, with or without assistive devices.
C.  Equipment/Tools and Technology Used: This position utilizes the following tools and equipment while performing the duties of the job: Desktop computer, desk phone, mobile phone, desktop scanner, copier, and city vehicle.
D. Employee Infection/Exposure Risk Classification:  Category III: Employee performs tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM).   Persons who perform these duties are not called upon as part of their employment to perform or assist in emergency medical care or first aid, or to be potentially exposed in some other way.   Tasks that involve handling of implements or utensils, use of public or shared bathroom facilities or telephones, and personal contact such as handshaking are Category III tasks.