POSITION SUMMARY:

A professional position responsible for the administrative, supervision and technical work regarding the City of Punta Gorda’s current and long- and short-range planning programs and development services divisions, specifically related to the development and implementation of land use and related municipal plans and policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned as dictated by operational necessity.

• Directs and supervises all the Urban Design, Zoning and Compliance and the Building divisions’, department personnel and resources; assigns, supervises, evaluates, disciplines, and promotes personnel.

• Exercises the oversight of design of all new City capital projects up to construction.

• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.

• Monitors and reviews daily operations to assure conformity with department goals and community interests.

• Develops the preparation and maintenance of the Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Plan, and other plans for City Development, including land development related ordinances, annexation and other studies.

• Supports and informs various advisory boards, including DRC, Planning, BZA, HPAB, Code, Building, etc.

• Develops the annual operating and capital budgets; oversees the administration of the department budget.

• Represents the department and city government at public and private events.

• Ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete records of department activities and of records relating to licenses, permits, maps, blueprints, overlay, and sketches pertinent to urban planning and development programs and projects.

• Provides staff support to the Building Standards Commission as needed.

• Evaluates environmental information (including Floodplain) and recommends mitigation measures to reduce adverse impacts of development.

• Maintains and promotes communication within the department through meetings and other contacts.

• Oversees the maintenance of all department records.

• Formulates and implements policies, procedures, and directives and expedites workflow. Studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

• Advises the City Manager and City officials concerning planning, community development, historic preservation, and housing related issues; coordinates planning and development matters with other departments, officials, and agencies.

• Advises public and private bodies concerning new plans, projects, or proposals.

• Attends and prepares agendas for City Council, Board meetings, community meetings, and private organization meetings.

• Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.

• Assists the Zoning Official in the enforcement of local ordinances and in interpreting city codes and master plans.

• Assists in designs for parks, streets, landscapes and other municipal projects.

• Perform other tasks as needed or directed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty or responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities; education and/or experience; and, certificates or licenses required in order to fill the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. In lieu of certain requirements listed below, Employee may accrue or acquire certain specified time in service, specialized skills, and/or certifications, thereby qualifying for this position through the City’s career progression policy.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Knowledgeable in the principles and practices of effective management, organizational structures, administration, and has demonstrated leadership skills.

• Knowledgeable in the development, implementation, and enforcement of land development regulations.

• Knowledgeable in developing and administering budgets, and ensuring controls are in place for fiscal accountability.

• Knowledgeable regarding project management and reporting techniques.

• Extensive knowledge of advanced modern office support functions, equipment, and software programs, specifically Microsoft Office applications.

• Knowledge of grants application processes and requirements.

• Knowledge of contract development and administration.

• Knowledge of State and Federal regulatory agencies, and their impact on the operations of the Urban Design division and the Growth Management Department.

• Skillful in strategic planning, delegating, problem solving, listening, and analyzing data.

• Skillful in communicating with all levels of the organization, the City Council, and the public.

• Skilled in oral communications and formal presentations.

• Able to create, draft, review, and edit detailed and highly conceptual reports, budget, plans, and other professional documents.

• Able to demonstrate consistent tact and courtesy in frequent public contact and maintain working relationships with all levels of local government, committees, citizens’ groups, etc.

• Considerable knowledge of principles of personnel management, including supervision, training and performance evaluation

• Strong interpersonal and public relations skills to work effectively with various officials, staff, citizens and other customers

• Strong organizational skills

• Able to exercise judgment and make decisions in accordance with established laws, regulations, ordinances, and departmental policies and procedures.

• Able to manage highly complex administrative projects and programs.

• Able communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, on a wide variety of complex subjects. Must speak with poise and confidence.

• Able to acquire, analyze, and assemble details, facts, and concepts into coherent, cohesive, and pragmatic thoughts that can be used to identify problems, create solutions, plan budgets, and wisely conduct the business of the City.

• Able to calculate numbers and analyze statistics.

• Able to review documents communication.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, economic development, or related field. Master’s degree in one of the above disciplines highly preferred.
CPM/Certified Public Manager preferred.
Five or more years’ experience in community development with at least three years of progressively responsible supervisory experience.
Valid State Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one.
AICP designation, or ability to acquire such designation within one year of employment highly preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages the activities of all Urban Design, Zoning and Compliance and the Building divisions of the growth management and development services for the City.

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