HIGHLANDS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Does Not Discriminate on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, Religion, Age,
or Disability in Employment or the Provision of Services.

We are proud to be a drug free and tobacco free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment.

Date: / 06/21/2013 / Department: / Cty Planning/Development
Title/(Status)/Job Code: / Planner I - 793 / Reports To: / Planning Supervisor
Pay Grade/Salary Range: / PG-22 $18.51/hour - $30.30/hour / Closing Date: / 7/08/2013

*********************************************************************************************************** Completed applications for employment with Highlands County may be submitted in one of two ways: 1) a printed job application submitted to our Human Resources department located at 600 S. Commerce Ave, Room B233, Sebring, FL 33870 (either in person or by mail; or 2) fax a printed application to 863-402-6508. Any qualified employee of the Board (see job description below for MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS) may request consideration for this position by submitting to Human Resources an approved Bid form. Employee bids and applications for this position may not be received after five o’clock (5) p.m. on the closing date stated above without the specific permission of Human Resources.

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POSITION PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES:

A professional position responsible for current or long-range planning to determine compliance with Comprehensive Plan mandates and policies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Provides service to the public processing applications and/or answering inquires. Researches and analyzes project proposals to determine consistency with County land development regulations and the Comprehensive Plan. Coordinates processing schedules with other County departments and agencies in a time-valued processing environment.

Processes and evaluates Comprehensive Plan amendments. Prepares and presents staff reports at public meetings.

Conducts plat, project and zoning reviews to insure compliance and consistency with the Comprehensive Plan. Conducts vesting analysis on various properties as directed.

Assists in the preparation, implementation, and maintenance of the County's concurrency management system, environmental clearance procedures, information records, and development regulations pursuant to the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan.

Responds productively to change and performs all other related tasks as required and as directed.

This is a Disaster Essential position.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES & SKILLS:

Knowledge & Skills:

Ability to communicate skillfully and constructively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, applicants, government staff and elected officials. Ability to undertake assignments with a minimum of supervision, to prepare comprehensive reports and to maintain complete and accurate records. Working knowledge of current planning procedures and project review functions. Versatile technical knowledge of the principles and practices of land use controls, land development regulations, and their impartial application to current projects. Knowledge of Florida's Growth Management Statutes/Rules as they apply to comprehensive planning for rural counties. Knowledge of Concurrency Management and GIS systems. Ability to work with Microsoft programs and related software. Ability to review and evaluate environmental impact reports and to assess appropriate mitigation measures.

Physical Abilities:

Use of both hands with dexterity. Frequent standing and walking. Use of near vision. Ability to discern colors visually. Ability to communicate orally with precision and distinction. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for up to four hours continuously.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

No direct authority.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mostly indoors in an office environment. Occasional travel to land development sites.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Planning or related field, with a minimum of three years progressively responsible experience at a public and/or private planning agency. AICP Certification preferred. Equivalent combinations of comparable training, education or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications. Must possess a valid Florida Drivers License while employed.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The individual filling this position should be very self-directed and capable of independent decision-making. This person should also enjoy frequent interactions with and presentations to elected officials and members of the general public. This individual should also be capable of complex analytical thought processes.

Effective 01/05