Senior Planner

Veterans' Preference Applies

EEO Statement The City of Delray Beach does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability, marital status, family status or sexual orientation in employment or the provision of services
Non-SmokingThe City of Delray Beach is a Non-Tobacco Workplace. The City will not consider applicants who have used tobacco or nicotine products for a period of at least three months prior to application for employment. The definition of "tobacco or nicotine products" includes but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, snuff, e-cigarettes and nicotine patches or gum.

This position is a professional level, requiring a high degree of self-motivation and independent judgment. The work of a Senior Planner is either in the category of current planning, focusing on development project review, or in long-range planning, focusing on land use, zoning, and land development regulation amendments. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Principal Planner. A Senior Planner may supervise other individuals.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Research, collect, analyze, and summarize data (land development regulations, development patterns, etc.) in written and verbal presentations for planning projects and studies.
• Provide technical review and analysis of planning and land use activities in areas of zoning, site planning, landscaping, architecture, historic preservation, neighborhood planning, comprehensive planning, or similar areas of expertise, such as form-based code.
• Review, analyze, and manage development proposals, including rezoning, conditional uses, new site plans, site plan modifications, land development regulation amendments, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, and subdivision plats through various municipal procedures.
• Make presentations before formal boards and committees and be responsible for coordination of all activities of such a board or committee.
• Review building permits for compliance with final certified plans.
• Respond to public requests for information regarding development or planning and zoning issues.
• Assist property owners with compliance to the City's Land Development Regulations and, if applicable, adopted design guidelines and related standards.
• Conduct meetings with applicants, development professionals, and/or citizen groups as the situation warrants.
• Conduct site visits and perform field surveys of property to inventory existing use and conditions.
• Foster positive employee relations and employee morale on a City-wide basis.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Master's Degree in Planning or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in planning, preferably in a public agency;
  
• OR, an undergraduate degree in Planning or a closely related field.
• And five (5) years' experience in planning area.
• Knowledge of planning theories, subdivision laws, site planning, zoning, comprehensive planning principles, landscaping principles, aesthetics, and/or area of specialization, as appropriate.
• Geographic Information System experience preferred.
• Form-based code experience preferred.

Ability to deal effectively with the public. Ability to write concisely and to follow technical formats, including skill in research. Ability to give oral presentations. Ability to draft site plans and/or create graphics to express ideas. Organizational skills. Ability to manage and prioritize routine, specialized and complex assignments and problems utilizing knowledge acquired through prior education, training, and experience. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Ability to adapt to an evolving and continually improving environment. Requires demonstrated ability to utilize personal computer and office software such as MS Word, MS Excel and electronic mail.

The abilities expected of all employees include being able to respond to supervision, guidance and direction of superiors in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies, be appropriately groomed and attired so as to present a professional image in accordance with the organization’s mission, goals, and policies; report for work promptly and properly prepared at the time and place required by the assignment or orders; notify the appropriate supervisor of intended absences in accordance with stated rules; conform with standards and rules regarding use of accrued time; demonstrate a polite, helpful and courteous manner when engaged in any activity with the public; operate and care for equipment to manufacturer’s specifications and/or within the specified parameters; demonstrate an understanding, consideration, and respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and colleagues.

A comparable combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position, may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

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. The work environment characteristics described 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 frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Works inside in an office environment.

SELECTION GUIDELINES: Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests might be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement with the employer, and requirements of the job change.