Planner

SUMMARY
The Planner supports the Director in advancing comprehensive planning, land use, and community development initiatives by conducting professional-level research, developing policies and regulations, coordinating projects that promote sustainable growth and resilience, and serving as the Town’s Floodplain Administrator. The Planner provides staff assistance to the board, commissions, and Mayor and City Council. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Review floodplain-related projects, plans, and activities to ensure compliance with permitting requirements; regulate and inspect development within designated floodplain areas.
• Enforce the minimum standards and requirements established by the Town of Ocean City Floodplain Management Code.
• Administer and maintain Community Rating System (CRS) activities and ensure compliance with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements and regulations.
• Coordinate with State and Federal agencies, including Federal Emergency Management Agency and Maryland Emergency Management Agency, regarding floodplain management, CRS activities, Insurance Services Office (ISO) reviews, mitigation initiatives, and related programs.
• Maintain community floodplain management files, the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) files, the (community name) floodplain management program documents, building permits, variances, FEMA map revisions (LOMC’s), elevation certificates (with original signature and seal).
• Develop and implement plans, studies, and land use regulations to support responsible growth and development.
• Research and analyze planning and development issues affecting the community.
• Assist with Downtown Revitalization initiatives and long-range community development efforts.
• Assist in the development, maintenance, and implementation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Maintain and update the Comprehensive Plan in accordance with community goals and regulatory requirements.
• Sustain and enhance inclusive, year-round resident incentive programs.
• Research, prepare, and present staff reports related to proposed amendments to development codes and ordinances, as well as land use and development applications.
• Provide professional staff support to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Mayor, and City Council.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of zoning ordinances and prepare amendments and updates to zoning codes as needed.
• Recommend strategies and solutions to address planning, zoning, and growth-related challenges.
• Develop presentations, reports, and supporting materials for public meetings, boards, and community outreach.
• Assist with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs, mapping, and data management activities.
• Maintain and update the current zoning district map and related planning records.
• Attend training sessions, conferences, seminars, and professional meetings to maintain certifications and enhance professional knowledge and skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.
• Serve the residents of Ocean City as a dedicated, professional, and trusted public servant.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge of:

• Commercial, industrial, and residential construction materials and methods
• Building permit procedures
• Zoning regulations, design review, and land use plans
• Architectural principles
• Floodplain Management
• FEMA regulations
• Principles of organization, administration, and setting priorities
• Geographic Information System (GIS)

Skills to:

• Read and interpret maps, plans, documents, and engineering drawings and specifications
• Prepare technical solutions, reports, and visuals to support a variety of planning project types
• Collect, analyze, and evaluate information and data to make sound judgements, logical decisions, and recommendations
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws and regulations

Ability to:

• Interpret complex plans, specifications, and technical drawings and compare them to site plans in progress.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups.
• Maintain effective employee relations.
• Maintain accurate and complete records.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, urban studies, environmental science or related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered (i.e.: Master’s degree with 3 years of experience)
• Excellent communication skills
• Possess the ability to work independently on several projects or issues simultaneously

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid driver's license.
• AICP certification and Certified Floodplain Manager certification (must obtain within two (2) year of hire).
• Completes continuing education requirements to maintain professional certification for position.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY
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.

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 and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reading and analyzing blueprints, building plans, maps and diagrams.

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. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.