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City of Ocala

Planner II or Senior Planner

City of Ocala, Tampa, Florida, us, 33646

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Salary:

$58,140.00 - $84,920.00 Annually Location :

FL 34471, FL Job Type:

Full-Time Job Number:

0815 Department:

Growth Management Opening Date:

08/15/2025 Closing Date:

Continuous

Description Only one position, either Planner II or Senior Planner, will be filled based on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION PLANNER II This is a professional planning position in the City's Planning Department carrying out research projects, independent studies, and responding to public inquiries. Reports to the Principal Planner.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION SENIOR PLANNER Responsible for the design and implementation of the development review process and planning studies with the aim of guiding orderly growth and development in the city. Capable of making independent decisions regarding city policies in the absence of the Planning/Zoning Manager and Chief Planning Official. Reports to the Planning/Zoning Manager. Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PLANNER II

1. Researches and prepares staff comments for zoning, land use, annexation, special exception, and variance cases. This duty is performed daily

2. Research specialized planning studies such as land use, traffic, economic base, utilities, neighborhood, and housing studies. This duty is performed monthly.

3. Reviews and prepares staff comments on site plans according to the Land Development Regulations. This duty is performed daily.

4. Helps review traffic studies and coordinates comments with senior staff and other departments. This duty is performed weekly.

5. Researches and writes elements or revisions to elements of the comprehensive plan. This duty is performed monthly.

6. Performs annexation analysis. This duty is performed monthly.

7. Reviews and either approves or denies tree removal applications in accordance with the City's Tree Preservation Code. This duty is performed weekly.

8. Provides staff support to one or more of the following city boards: City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Ocala Historic Preservation Advisory Board, Downtown Development Commission, North Magnolia CRA Advisory Board, Ocala Tree Commission or West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council. This duty is performed weekly.

9. Designs and develops project maps and databases as needed. This duty is performed weekly.

10. Meets with members of the public, outside firms, their governmental agencies, etc. to verbally respond to questions on subjects relevant to a specific area or to planning in general. This duty is performed daily.

11. Compiles and analyzes statistical information. This duty is performed monthly.

12. Identifies grant programs, prepares applications, and administers grants. This duty is performed annually. SENIOR PLANNER

1. Serves as staff to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, the Tree Commission, DDC and the North Magnolia CRA Advisory Committee. Assists in preparations of materials or information for the City Council. Makes presentations to Boards and Commissions.

2. Reviews and comments on site plans according to Land Development Regulations, particularly in regard to general layout, landscaping, open space, and signage requirements

3. Reviews traffic studies and coordinates with other departments.

4. Reviews materials for presentation to Boards, Commissions, and City Council on rezoning requests, annexations, and developments of regional impact reports, shopping centers, PUDs, and subdivisions.

5. Responds to questions or requests for information from the general public, other agencies, and staff.

6. Supervises preparation of all packets, advertisements, notices, and letters done in reference to the above duties.

7. Researches, prepares or supervises the provision of specialized planning studies such as land use, economic base, utilities, housing, and other short or long range reports. Researches and prepares new and revised ordinances to the City's Land Development Regulations.

8. Works with staff in the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Has sound knowledge of the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code regarding rules and regulations governing the compilation of data and analysis, and compliance with requirements.

9. Supervises the Planner I, II and III positions, and the Site Inspector.

10. Makes presentations to advisory boards and citizen's groups. Consults with state and local officials as directed.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1. Attends technical meetings within the state to further knowledge in areas of primary responsibility. 2. Prepares memos, letters, and other correspondence. Responds to requests from public and staff as needed. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned. Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Planner II High School Diploma or GED required. Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with major coursework in urban planning, geography, or public administration. Master's preferred. Minimum of 3 years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Senior Planner Masters degree in urban planning, geography, or related field and four years experience in general planning, preferably with City or County government. May accept equivalent combination of education, training and experience. REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Planner II and Senior Planner Valid Florida operator driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Senior Planner American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Planner II American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Supplemental Information COMMUNICATION SKILLS Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and policy/procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane, algebra, solid geometry and trigonometry. CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of known variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram formats.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Under general direction, working from policies and general directives. Rarely refers specific cases to supervisor unless clarification or interpretation of the organization's policy is required. PLANNING Considerable responsibility with regard to general assignments in planning time, method, manner, and/or sequence of performance of own work, in addition, the work operations of a group of employees, all performing basically the same type of work.

DECISION MAKING Performs work operations which permit frequent opportunity for decision-making of minor importance and also frequent opportunity for decision-making of major importance, either of which would affect the work operations of medium organizational component and the organization's clientele.

MENTAL DEMAND Intense mental demand. Operations requiring sustained directed thinking to analyze, solve, or plan highly variable, administrative, professional, or technical tasks involving complex problems or mechanisms.

ANALYTICAL ABILITY / PROBLEM SOLVING Moderately directed. Activities covered by wide-ranging policies and courses of action, and generally directed as to execution and review. High order of analytical, interpretative, and/or constructive thinking in varied situations.

USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS Occasional personal computer support, technical help, and/or, basic software support, database analysis, level I technician, project coordination, installation and help desk.

ACCURACY Probable errors would normally not be detected in succeeding operations and could possibly affect organization-patron relationship, involve re-work, or additional expenditures in order to properly resolve the error. The possibility of such errors would occur quite frequently in performance of the job. May also cause inaccuracies or incomplete information that would be used in other segments of the organization as a basis for making subsequent decisions, plans, or actions.

PUBLIC CONTACT Regular contacts with patrons where the contacts are initiated by the employee. Involves both furnishing and obtaining information and, also, attempting to influence the decisions of those persons contacted. Contacts of considerable importance and of such nature, that failure to exercise proper judgment may result in important tangible or intangible losses to the organization.

EMPLOYEE CONTACT Contacts with other departments or offices and also frequently with individuals in middle level positions; consulting on problems which necessitate judgment and tact in presentation to obtain cooperation or approval of action to be taken. Also, important contacts with associates as required in advanced supervisory jobs, plus frequent contact with senior level internal officials.

SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED Advanced : Presentation/PowerPoint, Spreadsheet, Word Processing/Typing Intermediate : Database Basic: Accounting, Payroll Systems, Programming Languages

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is Continuously

required to sit, talk, or hear; Regularly

required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms; Occasionally

required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to

10

pounds.

SPECIFIC VISION required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is Occasionally

exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Must be able to present ideas and findings clearly and concisely in written and oral form. Must be able to think in terms of spatial relationships and visualize the effects of their plans and designs. Must have strong analytic and problem-solving abilities. Should be flexible and able to reconcile different viewpoints and to make constructive policy recommendations. Must be able to work with others in-group settings and independently. Must have strong interpersonal and customer service abilities. Has working knowledge of planning regulations, urban planning and growth management laws in Florida. Ability to apply planning concepts, practices, and procedures in performing the majority of duties while working under general supervision. Knowledge of the principles and practices of neighborhood planning and historic preservation is highly desirable. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city departments or governmental agencies, neighborhood groups, members of community-based organizations, developers, engineers and consultants. Requires occasional participation in public speaking and presentation engagements. Requires exercising judgment in applying the principles of planning and departmental policies and objectives to a variety of situations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Senior Planner Knowledge of relationships among different factors influencing urban development and among the general legal and social determinants of community development; the methods of conducting research and statistical analyses and the evaluation of research data; the general principles of and a familiarity with the techniques used in community and regional physical planning; and an understanding of how urban areas and their component systems function and grow. Must have the ability to coordinate research studies and present effective presentations; supervise effectively the work of other planners; and communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral form. The City of Ocala provides a competitive, comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees. Health Insurance

We offer both single and family coverage, for employees working 30 or more hours per week. Dental Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family dental coverage. Vision Insurance

For full time employees, we offer both single and family vision coverage. Life Insurance

For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life. For full time employees, the City of Ocala provides Basic Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberments policies as an employer paid benefit. Employees can opt for additional coverage such as supplemental voluntary life, spouse life, dependent life, and child life. Short Term and Long Term Disability

Offered to full time employees, STD and LTD coverages are income replacement benefits that assist policyholders who are unable to work for an extended period of time due to sickness or accidental injury. Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and Dependent Care FSA

Flexible spending accounts allow employees to pay out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses using pre-tax dollars. Pet Insurance

We also offer special pet insurance for your pets in the case of illness or accidents, as well as preventative care. Employee Health & Wellness Center

The City of Ocala offers the use of the City Clinic for those employees, and covered dependents over the age of 8, which have elected one of our health insurance plans. Services offered by the City Clinic include primary care, chronic disease management, labs, x-rays, and wellness coaching. Voluntary Cancer Insurance

For full time employees, the cancer insurance policy can help provide security if you, or a covered dependent, suddenly become diagnosed with cancer. Supplemental Critical Care Insurance

Our full time employees have the option of electing critical care insurance that is available to help with medical expenses that could arise from things such as a heart attack or stroke. Supplemental Accident Insurance

Also available to full time employees, is our Accident Coverage. This supplemental plan can be used to help with expenses like MRI's, physical therapy, and hospital admission. Legal Plan Insurance

Full time employees can have access to local attorneys for a monthly fee and receive discounts on services such as legal consultation, wills, traffic violations and the purchase or sale of your home. The carrier also has a separate policy assisting with the matter of identity theft and social media monitoring. Deferred Compensation Plan

Deferred compensation is available to all full-time employees at the time of employment. This benefit allows the employee to defer income without paying taxes until money is withdrawn. Current plan is administered through MissionSquare. Direct Deposit

Direct deposit automatically deposits your net pay each pay period to your checking or savings account at your own financial institution. Direct deposit is a condition of employment for a person hired by the City. Each pay period the employee receives an earnings statement showing gross pay, taxes, other deductions, accruals and net pay. Enrollment forms are available at Human Resources or Payroll. Discounts - Theme Park

Discounts are available to all non-temporary employees at the time of employment. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and members of your household as an employer paid benefit. The EAP offers emotional wellbeing support in the form as counseling sessions and all sessions are confidential. The EAP also provides daily life assistance, legal services, and financial services. Holidays and Paid Time off

The City provides paid holidays and paid time off for full-time employees. Refer to the Employee Handbook for details. Retirement Plan

All full-time employees hired after 10/01/2013, apart from Sworn Police Officers and Firefighters, are enrolled in the 401a Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with MissionSquare. All contributions to the 401a Defined contribution plan are pre-tax and earnings grow tax-deferred. The City contributes 8% and employees contribute 3%. City contributions are 100% vested after one year of employment. You will be enrolled automatically and should take time to review your investment options at your earliest convenience. Training Programs

The City is committed to provide training programs for all departments and all positions. Risk Management conducts classes in Defensive Driving, Safety, and Insurance. With rare exceptions, classes are offered during working hours, and are open to all eligible employees. Tuition Reimbursement

All regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in the tuition reimbursement program. 01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

Yes No

02

Do you possess a valid State of Florida Operator Driver's License with an acceptable driving record

OR

If you possess a valid out of state license, do you have the ability to obtain a Florida driver's license prior to employment?

Yes No

03

Please Select your level of education from a credited institution or University.

None Associate Degree bachelor's Degree Master's Degree

04

Please select your level of experience in general planning, City or Government preferred.

None Less than 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 7 years 8 years 9 years 10 + years

05

Do you hold The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certificate?

Yes No

06

Do you have the ability to coordinate research studies and present effective presentations; supervise effectively the work of other planners; and communicate clearly and concisely in written and oral form?

Yes No

07

Do you have Knowledge of relationships among different factors influencing urban development and among the general legal and social determinants of community development?

Yes No

08

Do you have the ability to Design and develop project maps and databases as needed?

Yes No

09

Do you have the ability to Research specialized planning studies such as land use, traffic, economic base, utilities, neighborhood, and housing studies?

Yes No

10

If you feel you qualify for this position due to an equivalent combination of training, education and experience, please explain below: 11

I understand and agree with the following statements: * All background, education and work history will be verified once an offer of employment has been extended and accepted.* Any false or incomplete answer may be grounds for not employing me or for dismissing me after I begin work.

Yes No

Required Question