Location: Fort Myers,FL, USA
Principal PlannerPrint ( PlannerSalary$59,809.62 - $132,095.08 AnnuallyLocationFort Myers, FLJob TypeFull-Time RegularJob Number07286LFDepartmentD C D ZoningOpening Date09/19/2024Closing Date10/20/2024 11:59 PM EasternDescriptionBenefitsQuestionsDescriptionThis is a professional planning and supervisory position providing managerial, organizational, technical, and analytical support within a major operating section of the Department of Community Development. The ideal candidate will be well-organized, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrate the ability to exercise independent judgment, initiative, and creative problem-solving, and possess the skills and desire to mentor and develop junior-level staff.The Zoning Section is responsible for administering the Lee County Land Development Code and coordinating the review and analysis of applications for rezoning, special exceptions, variances, and administrative zoning actions. The Zoning Section also administers the County's Historic Preservation Program, prepares amendments to the Land Development Code, and provides technical assistance to the County's customer base. This position works directly with landowners, applicants, consultants, and other county staff with a wide range of expertise to review, analyze, and make recommendations relative to land use, zoning, and development in unincorporated Lee County.At Lee County Government, we look to hire talented and innovative individuals who share our passion and want to make a lasting impact within our community. We offer our employees a premier place to work by providing competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits, as well as being a participant in a robust State of Florida pension and investment retirement plans. Additionally, we strongly believe in cultivating long-lasting relationships with our employees through promotional opportunities and career ladders across our organization. At Lee County Government, we do this by supporting your career development and growth through mentoring programs and on-the-job training to help you achieve your goals. Every day at Lee County Government, you will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference within our own community.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThis position works closely with the section manager, who reviews progress to attain mutually-established personal performance goals and objectives and assure exceptional operations within the Zoning Section.Supervises a staff of professional and technical planners to assure the preparation and publication of quality work products that are well-rooted in applicable policies and regulations.Completes technical review and analysis of zoning applications for compliance with the requirements of the Land Development Code and consistency with the Lee County Comprehensive Plan (the Lee Plan).Presents analyses and findings for assigned public hearing cases to the Hearing Examiner and Board of County Commissioners.Assists with maintaining, updating, and implementing the requirements of the Land Development Code and Lee Plan to streamline and clarify existing regulations and prepare new regulations in response to emerging land use trends.Researches and analyzes professional documents relating to zoning, land use, community development, and growth management.Prepares, with attention to detail, written reports, graphics, maps, charts, tables, and other visuals.Maintains effective working relationships with industry professionals and County staff.Assists the County's legal staff regarding land use or environmental issues and litigation.Provides a high level of customer service and technical assistance to customers and constituents.Performs other related duties as required.Education, Experience, LicensingMinimum RequirementsRequires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or related field that is applicable to the area of specialization, and two years of professional experience in a government agency or private firm doing work in city, county, regional or state planning, or environmental review.Possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required.Preferred RequirementsAmerican Planning Association (AICP) preferred.At least one year of supervisory experience is preferred.Supplemental InformationThe ideal candidate will:Work independently within a team setting, while also leading, mentoring, and developing other staff members.Have a comprehensive understanding of zoning, land use, and environmental planning principles and practices.Demonstrate the ability to independently find practical solutions to complex, vaguely defined zoning issues.Possess strong skills in writing, editing, research, and public speaking, with the capability to effectively present planning information to diverse audiences.Manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously.Have the expertise to research, interpret, and apply local, state, and federal regulations.Be proficient in using computer software, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and ArcGIS, with a keen attention to detail in both format and content.Work hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.Candidates who reach the interview stage may be required to provide a writing sample for this position.Benefits Include:Healthcare Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insuranceDisability Insurance: Both short-term and long-term optionsLife Insurance: Including Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)Financial Planning: Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent careSupport Programs: Access to our Employee Assistance ProgramPaid Time Off: Enjoy 11 paid holidays, along with generous vacation and sick leaveRecognition and Appreciation: Through our employee appreciation and peer recognition programsProfessional Development: Take advantage of numerous employee development opportunitiesDISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high-quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Our Board continues to remain steadfast in maintaining one of the lowest levels of employee costs in our area.Lee County's benefits package is offered to both regular Full-time positions and Part-time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi-weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On-Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria.Lee County employees eligible to participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) are required to contribute 3% of each paycheck to FRS. If you have retired from the Florida Retirement Pension plan you will not be eligible for renewed membership in either of the FRS retirement plan options. Retirees of the Investment Plan are eligible for renewed membership in the Investment Plan only. FRS reemployment rules apply for both.Below is a brief breakdown of what's included in the benefits package that is offered to our employees.For a more detailed look into our benefits package, please click visit our webpage at www.leegov.com/hr/Documents/Employee Benefits/2024 Benefits/FULLTIME ACTIVE LCBOCC 2024 Plan Year OE Guide FINAL AON 2023.09.12.pdf.To view our employee paid premiums, please visit: Benefits/2024 Benefits/2024 Active Employee Rates.pdfHealth Benefits:• Medical Insurance• Plans include, but are not limited to: routine, preventative, mental health, hospitalization, and prescription drug benefits.• Vision, Fitness, Weight Management, Natural Products and Services, and Hearing discount programs available.• Dental Insurance• Vision Insurance• Flexible Spending Accounts• Medical Reimbursement Account• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account• Pharmacy, including Mail-Order Pharmacy• Informed Health Lines (Nurse Hotline)• Basic Life Insurance (1x or 2x Annual Salary at no cost to employee)• Optional Life Insurance• Long-Term Disability (60% of pre-disability salary at no cost to employee)• Short-Term Disability• Sick Leave Pool• Flu vaccinations• Wellness ProgramsFinancial Benefits:• Florida Retirement System (FRS)• Two Retirement Plan Options:1) FRS Pension Plan (Defined Benefit)2) FRS Investment Plan (Defined Contribution)• Deferred Compensation (457) Plans• Financial Savings/Management Programs• Eligible for membership with Suncoast Credit Union• Employee Leave Benefits• Holiday Pay - 11 Paid Holidays Annually• Paid Sick Leave• Paid Vacation Leave• Bereavement & Civic Duty Leave• Family and Medical Leave• Military Family & Medical Leave• Educational LeaveEmployee Assistance ProgramServices available to employees that offers guidance, support, resources and information for personal and work-life issues. Confidential and provided at no charge to employees and their dependents.United Way 2-1-1 (Lee County Employee Resource Program)Lee County BOCC has partnered with United Way 211 to provide an Employee Resource Program which assists BoCC employees who may be experiencing distress due to economic hardship, health or other factors.Educational AssistanceReimbursement for coursework taken at an accredited college or university that is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the official duties that the employees perform.01Please describe how your background aligns with the qualifications for this role, including your Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Biology, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, as well as your two years of relevant professional experience in government or private sector planning or environmental review.02Please briefly describe your supervisory experience.03Please provide an example of a time when you identified a practical solution to vaguely defined, complex zoning problem. Briefly describe the problem and how you arrived at the solution.04Do you possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record?YesNoRequired QuestionAgencyLee County GovernmentAddressP.O. Box 398 ATT: Human Resources Fort Myers, Florida, 33902Phone(239) ###-####Website verify your email address Verify Email