Associate Planner - 111535

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Responsible, entry level professional planning position in the Planning division of the Planning and Development Services Department. Work includes research and professional, technical writing for short range planning projects; assistance in the preparation of staff analyses, reports, and recommendations to governing Boards; review of site plan applications; and assistance to the public with zoning, land use and development issues.

Work involves considerable initiative and independent performance and may require night meetings. The position is responsible to and serves under the Planning Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

Manage minor development applications and assists with major site plan project reviews

Transmit copies of plans to appropriate departments and coordinates review comments Prepare site plan review letters with comments

Notify applicants about need for revisions

Meet with applicants to answer questions; monitors progress of the plans against deadline for final approval

Prepare staff reports to the DRC and BOCC when required.

Maintain files and prepares reports for standard and minor site plan projects updates site plan and related review pre-application and application forms with newly adopted requirements and conducts research on prior actions and land use requests.

Answer inquiries from the public on comprehensive planning, zoning, land use, commercial design regulations

Address alcoholic beverage and zoning compliance, and site development issues

Maintain planning and zoning related data in the County's computer system

Prepare and present minor development actions

Prepare advertisements for legal actions and similar petitions

Understand and comply with the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners employee handbook and other established policies and procedures.

Perform other job-related functions as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:  

The development review process.

Laws, ordinance and codes including but not limited to the St. Lucie County land Development Code

Planning principles and practices as applied to zoning, site planning and comprehensive planning, the collection of planning data, and the preparation of planning reports and studies in written form.

Ability to:  

Read and interpret architectural, landscape architectural, and engineering plans; assemble data, prepare correspondence and reports, and maintain records

Present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written and oral form

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, developers, division heads, outside agencies, and the public

Participate in a wide range of planning activities, analyze information and formulate substantive recommendations

Present information, ideas, and recommendations clearly and succinctly in written and oral form

Skills:

Excellent customer service skills to deal with the public on a continuous basis

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:  Use of hands and fingers with dexterity.

 Good vision and hearing with or without correction. Periodic walking and standing.   Occasional light lifting and carrying (30 pounds or less), reaching above shoulders, kneeling, bending and squatting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION REQUIREMENT:  Nearly constant work inside the office in a sedentary posture.

 Periodic attendance at meetings inside and outside the County office buildings.  Occasional field visits to unimproved and improved development sites, agricultural areas and wilderness areas.

WORK HAZARDS:   Possible vision dysfunction due to heavy computer work.  Occasional field visits to underdeveloped areas, agricultural areas and areas under development, with attendant hazards.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator.  During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

ADA STATEMENT:

A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: An associate's (2-year) degree from an accredited college or business school.

EXPERIENCE: One year experience in planning issues through dealing with various boards, the public and planning staff.

NOTE: An equivalent combination of experience/training and/or experience may be substituted to meet the above noted minimum qualifications.

Pay Grade G11

Driving Position - Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, driver's license verification and level 1 background screening.