Okeechobee County

Community Development/Planning Director $98,883 (DOQ)-Community Development

Administrative position directing and managing the operations of the Community Development Department, including planning and zoning, building services, code enforcement, permitting, floodplain management, and related regulatory functions. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Safety Director and includes participation in County emergency management and disaster response operations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Directs, plans, organizes, and evaluates the activities of the Community Development Department, including Building Services, Planning and Zoning, Code Enforcement, Floodplain Management, permitting, inspections, plan review, contractor licensing, business tax receipt administration, and site plan review.
• Administers and implements the Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Regulations, Florida Building Code, Florida Statutes, and all applicable County ordinances, regulations, and policies.
• Develops departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance measures to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
• Prepares and administers the department budget, including long-range planning, capital improvement recommendations, grant opportunities, and resource management.
• Provides technical assistance and staff support to the Board of County Commissioners, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Code Enforcement Board, Construction Industry Licensing Board, Site Plan Technical Review Committee (SPTRC) and other advisory committees.
• Coordinates activities with County departments, municipalities, state and federal agencies, developers, contractors, and the public.
• Reviews and evaluates proposed legislation, ordinances, and development proposals for compliance with County policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees records management and ensures compliance with public records requirements and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Represents the County at public meetings, workshops, hearings, and community events.
• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates departmental personnel and promotes professional development and succession planning.
• Assists in the administration and implementation of County growth management initiatives and all enforceable County regulations and codes.
• Performs related work as required or assigned.
• Serves as an essential employee and participates in emergency management activities before, during, and after emergencies and disasters. Responds to the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and may be assigned duties within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS), including Command Staff, General Staff, or other incident management functions as directed. May be required to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, holidays, and disaster recovery operations.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the Florida Building Code, Florida Statutes, Comprehensive Planning, Land Development Regulations, and zoning administration principles.
• Knowledge of permitting procedures, code enforcement practices, and floodplain management principles.
• Knowledge and understanding of statutory authority and limits governing community development activities.
• Ability to direct and coordinate the activities of the Community Development Department, including administration, personnel management, records management, and budget development.
• Ability to develop policies, manage budgets, and administer complex governmental programs.
• Ability to work effectively with employees of the Department, other County departments, governmental agencies, developers, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to make presentations before public boards and community groups.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and exercise sound administrative judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, outside agencies, and the public.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Florida Driver License and a good driving record.
• Standard certification as a American Institute ofCertified Planners (AICP) or must qualify for provisional certification and obtain standard certification within two (2) years.
• Completion of National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) training, including IS-100, IS-200, IICS-300, IICS-400, IS-700, and IC-800, within two (2) years of appointment if not previously completed.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Urban and Regional Planning, Construction Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience in community development, planning, building services, code enforcement, or related governmental operations.
• Knowledge of emergency management principles and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) preferred.
• Local government management experience withing Florida Statutes (F.S.) Chapter 125 preferred.
• Construction, design, or professional planning experience preferred.

(A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for minimum qualifications.)

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