Job Description

Posting number: 26-01405

Department: Growth and Resource Management

Division: Planning and Development Services

Job classification: Planner III

Posting type: Open

Categories: Planning and Development, Customer Service

The County of Volusia is seeking an experienced Planner II-III / Community Rating System Coordinator, dependent on qualifications, for the Planning and Development Services Division. This position is located in DeLand, Florida, and will be responsible for gathering, analyzing, and presenting planning, environmental, and socio-economic information used to develop public policy and/or to support the Planning and Development Services Division. This position will also be responsible for ensuring FEMA compliance of development activities, implementing the County’s floodplain management program, and coordinating assignments for the County’s participation in the FEMA CRS program. This includes coordinating with multiple county departments and the cities on regulations and best management practices to reduce flood damage to insurable properties in Volusia County via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System. The position coordinates annual reporting and audits to FEMA and makes recommendations to county management for any potential improvements to the CRS score. The position works closely with the floodplain administrator and is responsible for coordinating resilience initiatives. Other assignments related to Planning and Development may be assigned as needed. All candidates applying for this position must have excellent writing, presentation, analytical skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, the public, and elected and appointed officials. Excellent customer service is a must, in keeping with Volusia County's customer service standards.

Examples of duties

Planner II

• Analyzes information, demographics, and other community data to make advanced-level estimates and projections based on this information.
• Confers with appointed officials, boards, senior staff, and other governmental agencies to define and effect solutions to planning problems.
• Will serve as planner for floodplain administration, supporting CRS and resiliency program implementation.
• Reviews comprehensive plan and zoning applications, including future land use amendments, rezonings, special exceptions, and variances, and makes findings of facts and recommendations.
• Prepares land use studies and formulates goals, objectives, and policies to implement those studies into the Comprehensive Plan.
• Drafts regulations governing the use and development of land.
• Conducts project management and reviews of engineered site plans, subdivisions, architectural drawings, and building permits for compliance with county ordinances.
• Provides technical planning assistance to the County Council and various boards.
• Organizes and presents planning-related community workshops, surveys, and outreach programs.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
• May be assigned to other county locations based upon operational needs.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County, and local ordinances.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Performs all other duties listed for the Planner I level.

Planner III

• Perform all duties listed for the Planner I and II levels.
• Compiles all documentation required for FEMA NFIP/CRS visits and audits.
• Coordinates with county staff to make sure all programs are reported accurately and completely.
• Identifies areas for improvement for CRS Activities and coordinates with county departments for implementation.
• Trains staff, cities, homeowners, contractors, etc., about FEMA requirements and floodplain management rules.
• Performs advanced-level planning duties.
• Will serve as principal planner for floodplain administration in relation to CRS and resiliency programs.May supervise and advise one or more lower-level Planners and/or Zoning Technicians, depending on the project assigned.
• Assists subordinates in performing their duties and responsibilities.
• Represents the Planning and Development Division and Volusia County on various government, quasi-government, and citizen councils, boards, and committees, and provides professional planning assistance to those boards.
• Prepares and/or critique master development plans and engineered site plans showing the placement of building masses, parking areas, landscaping buffers, traffic patterns, and related supporting uses and facilities in relation to floodplain management.
• Makes regular public presentations to the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission, Environment and Natural Resource Advisory Committee, and other boards and citizen groups, of a highly technical and analytical nature.
• Writes staff reports and creates PowerPoint presentations that relate advanced-level planning analysis in a concise and understandable way.
• Answers questions extemporaneously during cross-examination.
• Researches and writes grant applications on a variety of topics.
• Participates in creating county grant programs or providing data and recommendations on award selection of county grant applications.
• Researches current local, state, and federal legislation for impact on local initiatives, ordinances, and planning functions related to floodplain management and planning.
• Reviews local government plans to determine the impact on county services, facilities, and programs. Ensures coordination between the County Comprehensive Plan and five-year capital improvements.
• Prepares and presents public information/education programs.
• Attends community workshops on a variety of subjects.
• May be assigned to other county locations based on operational needs.
• May be assigned to attend meetings, workshops, or public hearings outside of regular business hours.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County, and Local ordinances.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment.
Must possess a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of appointment and maintain thereafter.

Planner II ($62,068-$88,437)

Six (6) years of experience in planning, geography, environmental science, engineering, architecture, history, public administration, political science, or related field, and progressively responsible work in public or private planning, design, land use, or land development agency.

OR

Master’s degree in planning or related field.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, environmental science, engineering, architecture, history, public administration, political science, or related field, and two (2) years of progressively responsible work in public or private planning, design, land use, or land development agency.

Planner III ($69,739-$102,840)

Eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience in planning, geography, environmental science, engineering, architecture, history, public administration, political science, or related field in a public or private planning, design, land use, or development agency.

OR

Master's degree in planning, geography, environmental science, engineering, architecture, history, public administration, political science, or related field, and two (2) years of experience in related field in a public or private planning, design, land use, or development agency.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, environmental science, engineering, architecture, history, public administration, political science, or related field, and four (4) years of experience in related field in a public or private planning, design, land use, or development agency.

***Candidates who possess the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification or Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) are desirable.

Supplemental information

Planner II

• Knowledge of planning principles, practices, and standards.
• Knowledge of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Knowledge of fact-finding and research techniques necessary for planning.
• Knowledge of land use, subdivision, and zoning regulations and how they affect long-and short-range planning.
• Knowledge of FEMA applications such as CLOMR, LOMR, and LOMC.
• Knowledge of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Community Rating System (CRS), and state floodplain management regulations.
• Knowledge of various tools and resources available for gathering data.
• Ability to gather and analyze data and make estimates and projections based on available information.
• Ability to formulate goals, objectives, and policies and prepare land use plans.
• Ability to identify land use issues and solutions.
• Ability to prepare and deliver oral presentations and write reports that are clearly understood.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, and local planning legislation, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to prepare and implement public information/education programs.
• Ability to present data verbally, graphically, and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and projects.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to interact effectively with others.
• Ability to react calmly and promptly during an emergency or disaster situation.

Planner III

• All knowledge, skills, and abilities listed for the Planner I and II positions.
• Knowledge of FEMA applications such as CLOMR, LOMR, and LOMC.
• Knowledge of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), Community Rating System (CRS), and state floodplain management regulations.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, interactive maps, and other geospatial data and tools.
• Knowledge of surveys, maps, and engineered site plans, and the ability to read and understand the components of such documents.
• Knowledge of state, county, and municipal planning, zoning, and development standards, including state subdivision platting regulations.
• Knowledge of legal descriptions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and have excellent public speaking skills.
• Ability to answer technical questions extemporaneously during cross-examination or ad hoc discussions.
• Ability to demonstrate presentation, organizational, written, and time management skills.
• Ability to identify problems and issues and to develop sound public policies, programs, and strategies to implement solutions.
• Ability to write reports and presentation materials that relate advanced-level planning analysis in a concise and understandable way.
• Ability to supervise other planners and zoning technicians, if assigned.
• Ability to coordinate plan review with other county staff and outside agencies and divisions and facilitate meaningful discussions.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Ability to interact effectively with others and within a team.
• Ability to relocate to other county locations based on operational needs.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Mental Demands: Ability to read and comprehend technical and professional journals and manuals, reports, abstracts, statistical data, and legal documents. Ability to perform general mathematical functions. Ability to write comprehensive reports relaying detail, data, and information. Ability to speak effectively, publicly, and extemporaneously, conversant in policies, techniques, and planning procedures. Ability to analyze complex data and develop conclusions.

Environmental Demands: Generally inside work.

Physical Demands: Sedentary work. Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry a minimum of 10 pounds. Ability to look at a computer screen for long periods and operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement. Ability to speak, hear, and see.