ASSISTANT PLANNING DIRECTOR

Description

Advanced and highly skilled professional planner responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Planning Department. Supervises staff planners and clerical personnel who support the Planning and Zoning Board, Conditional Use and Variance Board, Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Amelia Island Tree Commission, and the Board of County Commissioners.

The Assistant Planning Director is responsible for a wide range of policy initiatives including researching, analyzing and drafting policy with broad implications to the County's Code of Ordinances and Comprehensive Plan; responding to policy initiatives by local municipalities, regional/metropolitan bodies and State agencies/districts; researching and analyzing legislative initiatives at both the local and State level; assisting in project management, formulation and implementation of both current and long-range plans and other policy matters as directed by the Planning Director; and serving to bridge the gap between planning theory, policy creation and implementation.

Examples of Duties

• Supervises and conducts advanced, highly complex professional planning activities.

• Acts in an executive capacity in the absence of the Director.

• Conducts planning studies to address relevant issues and standards and recommends updates/revisions of regulations and the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan.

• Recommends new and revised policies, codes, ordinances, and regulations. Prepares draft ordinances and amendments to ordinances.
• Researches information pertaining to best practices in land development issues.
• Reviews, analyzes and brings forward innovative amendments to the Land Development Code, Subdivision Regulations, Roadway and Drainage Standards and other regulations impacting the development of land in Nassau County to match national best practices.
• Provides the Principal and Senior Planners with expert policy advice for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan consistent with national best practices. Brings forward policy amendments to the Comprehensive Plan for consideration by the Planning and Zoning Board and Board of County Commissioners.
• Provides the NFIP-CRS Coordinator with expert policy advice. Drafts policies to implement and strengthen floodplain management and resiliency within Nassau County.
• Provides policy guidance to County Boards and other County and Municipal staff in the preparation of legislation, regulations, and other documents.
• Coordinates public outreach initiatives and community engagement. Proactively nurtures public participation and community based consensus building.
• Facilitates sub-committees, working groups, design charrettes and visioning exercises.
• Networks with local, regional, State and national partners to further the goals and objectives of Nassau County and updates local policy to match best practices in a wide variety of subject areas.
• Works in tandem with site plan review staff to facilitate the Development Review Committee including project review, meeting with designers and property owners, and performing requisite administrative tasks.
• Assists the Principal and Senior Planners in the processing and management of development related applications submitted in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code of Nassau County, including the review and analysis of land development proposals, site plans, plats, engineering plans, comprehensive plan amendments, rezonings and the research and preparation of reports and memoranda for consideration by applicable boards and committees.
• Performs research, analysis and undertakes special studies, projects and initiatives as directed by the Planning Director.
• Coordinates planning efforts with consulting firms as requested. Manages consultants and ensures quality production of commissioned studies and reports.

• Prepares and administers various grants related to Planning Department activities.

• Reviews internal processes and policies and makes recommendations for improving work efficiency, quality of work and implementation of progressive planning principles and utilization of best practices.

• Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; and offers advice and assistance as needed. Coordinates activities of subordinate employees as directed.

• Performs a variety of routine office/administrative duties as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, meeting customers at the front counter, attending meetings, etc.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, County personnel, engineers, contractors, consultants, architects, Board members, members of community/civic organizations and the general public.
• Operates a vehicle and a variety of equipment, which may include a computer, telephone, calculator, copier, etc.
• Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.
• Attends night and weekend meetings, community events and committee meetings as directed.
• Performs related duties as required.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Typical Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Architecture or related field supplemented by eight (8) years of relevant professional planning experience in a municipal or public sector environment including experience and responsibilities for policy development, policy research and analysis, interpreting, analyzing, recommending policy directions and advising of implications to executive staff and appointed/elected officials. Must have supervisory experience. Must possess a valid State Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the County as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Assistant Planning Director.
• Knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of the County and Governmental agencies.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of various disciplines related to urban planning; including demographics, land use development, economics/economic development, zoning, etc.
• Knowledge of codes and regulations governing permitting activities.
• Ability to make sound, educated decisions.
• Knowledge of the theories and practices of engineering and architecture.
• Ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.
• Ability to plan and develop daily, short-term and long-term goals related to County projects.
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Knowledge of proper English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology.
• Ability to use a computer for word, data processing, graphic displays and cartography.
• Ability to perform required mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Ability to assemble and analyze information and prepare reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.
• Knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the Department.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with co-workers, personnel in other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.

Essential Physical Skills:

• Tasks require extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Stooping
• Sitting
• Kneeling
• Bending
• Crouching
• Reaching
• Standing
• Walking
• Lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs.
• Pushing and pulling
• Climbing on ladders, on steps, or on the ground

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)

Work Environment:

• Works inside in an office environment.
• Has knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the industry.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will continue to be received until the listed closing date or the position is filled, whichever is earliest. Submission of an application does not guarantee the applicant an interview. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check.

Nassau County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace. Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.

The 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, environmental conditions, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This position may be required to work in a safety sensitive capacity at any time based on emergency declaration or other operational need. Nassau County reserves the right to edit or re-write this job description at any time.

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.

BOCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical & Prescription Drugs Benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions with a Qualified Plan
• Florida Retirement System
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental
• Vision
• Life & AD&D
• Supplemental & Dependent Life & AD&D Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Benefits Offered By Aflac and/or Colonial
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Program
• Roth IRA

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement. A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee. Employees are required to contribute 3% of their salary per Florida Statute.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The County may provide tuition assistance to cover the cost of tuition and books to County employees requesting tuition reimbursement for courses at an accredited college or university which are applicable to the employee's field of work and/or are of such nature to directly prepare employees for positions of greater responsibility within the County. Contact the Human Resources Office for additional details.

HOLIDAYS The following, as well as any other days the BOCC may declare, are designated as official holidays for County Employees:

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
The Day After Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day

PTO LEAVE All full-time employees shall accrue Paid Time Off (PTO) Leave in accordance with the following formula:

Years of Employment Hours Per Year
0 through the end of the 4th year 180
5 years through the end of the 10th year 200
11 years through the end of the 15th year 220
16 years and over 240

For additional information please view Nassau County's Policies & Procedures .

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• Nassau County

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