Planning Manager

Under general direction from the Development Services Division Director this position manages, coordinates, and directs the County's planning efforts, from current to long-range projects as technical planner, land use compliance officer, zoning administrator, and floodplain manager. The principal function is to act as a community liaison to assist, advise, answer inquiries, and administer the rules and regulations of the County as well as other applicable local regulations and State and Federal laws. The position requires a broad working knowledge of practical and lawful application of rules and regulations to disseminate proper advice to potential applicants. The position also provides service delivery to both external and internal customers and principally seeks to achieve a mutually agreeable and beneficial outcome or solution.

Directly supervised the staff of the Planning Department.

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Performs and manages complex and sensitive professional planning projects, research, and analysis.

Monitors and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

Provides overall management of department-related planning issues.

Serves as mentor and provides guidance and training to less experienced staff members throughout Development Services Division.

Advises boards, commissions, and elected officials in planning-related issues.

Serves as liaison and performs all necessary functions in support of Planning Commission.

Assigns work to planning staff and ensures appropriate training is provided.

Evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities.

Prepares reports on operations and activities, recommending improvements and modifications.

Handles sensitive personnel matters.

Participates in budget preparation and administration, monitors and controls expenditures.

Attends a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings.

Review proposed development in Special Flood Hazard Areas and issue floodplain development permits in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program; maintaining files and records to ensure compliance with State and Federal agencies.

Engaging in training to fulfill the duties listed as well as other assigned duties.

Fulfills responsibilities of all Department positions during extended absences or vacancies.

May serve as a representative of the County with local, state, and federal agencies and organizations to accomplish the goals and carry out the priorities of the County.

Performs other duties as assigned and required.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying.

Training: A Bachelor's degree in planning or a closely related field preferred.

Experience: At least two years of experience in the planning profession and two years of supervisory experience is required.

AICP certification preferred.

Knowledge of:

Thorough knowledge of planning and development and local government policies and procedures

Thorough knowledge of specialization such as zoning, land use law, transportation, and economic development

Research methods and statistical principles related to growth and development.

Methods and techniques of effective technical report preparation and presentation

Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations including recent changes

Understanding and application of basic environmental engineering concepts such as drainage, simple hydrology, and erosion.

Principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.

Budgeting procedures.

Recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to local governmental planning and administration.

Knowledge of local government procedures and practices

Citizen involvement techniques and processes.

Knowledge of computer hardware and software programs, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, database management, or GIS.

Ability to:

Must be detail-oriented and experienced in sometimes highly visible/controversial projects.

Capable of managing multiple, high-priority assignments.

Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships both internally and externally; and at various levels and to resolve complaints.

Strong analytical skills to interpret research data for reports and extract locally appropriate techniques for practical situations.

Reading comprehension to understand technical and legal materials.

Work on several projects or issues simultaneously.

Provide effective supervision and staff management.

Manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines.