*This position is exempt from Veteran’s Preference*


This is a highly responsible executive leadership position performing administrative and managerial work directing and overseeing the activities, personnel and operations of the Planning & Development Services Department.  Directs and supervises the overall activities of the Chiefs of Current & Long-Range Planning, Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Economic Development, Environmental Planning and Code Enforcement Divisions.   The Director will facilitate collaboration between the department divisions focused on improving systems, technology and processes and delivering service excellence to both internal and external customers. The Director will provide leadership, analysis, and strategic vision to advance the County’s planning and development review process.  The Director will provide strategic visioning, leadership and direction, necessary to maintain and implement a comprehensive planning program to guide and control land use, capital improvements, development, re-development, and conservation within Indian River County. Represents the Department at public and non-public meetings.  Work is performed independently under the general direction of the Assistant County Administrator.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

  • Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of the development review process and service delivery methods and procedures; and allocates resources as necessary.
  • Plans, directs and coordinates, through division managers, the Department’s work plan, prioritize and assign projects, review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
  • Oversee the review process of all proposed development projects and reviews, including staff recommendations presented to various boards and commissions.
  • Responsible for the development and oversight of the annual budget and CIE for the Department.
  • Knowledge of principles and techniques of urban, environmental, and transportation planning.  Knowledge of state and county planning processes.  
  • Knowledge of County Administrative policies. 
  • Ability to plan, organize and implement division work schedules.  
  • Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions.  
  • Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with applicants, the general public, and public officials.  
  • Experience with budget review, preparation, and analysis. 
  • Compiles planning, permit, financial, and other statistical information
  • Oversees the coordination of reviews all projects and plans, and makes recommendations for change, on complex planning documents including Subdivisions; Major, Minor, and Administrative Site Plans; Long- and Short-Range Transportation Plans; Housing Plans; Environmental Plans; Other Major Plans and Projects.
  • Oversee the reviews of Administrative Plans and Permits including Administrative Site Plans (such as commercial fences and sheds); Temporary Use Permits; Alcoholic Beverage Licenses; Sign Modification Plans; Lien Releases; Other Administrative Plans.
  • Manages Special Projects such as economic development plans, neighborhood plans, annexations, major redevelopment proposals, visioning and regional plans.
  • Coordinates with state and federal agencies, local governments, other County departments and the public on Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Updates
  • Manages Land Development Regulations, involving complying with public notice and hearing requirements, coordination with local governments and other County departments, and working with the development community and public interest groups, as appropriate 
  • Represents the Department at civic, professional, committee, Board, and public meetings.
  • Resolves conflicts between staff and general public.
  • Assists the County in retaining and attracting target industries, through economic development incentives.
  • Makes all hiring and termination decisions. 
  • Performs periodic on-site assessments of assigned projects. Make recommendations for corrective actions, as necessary.
  • Ability to express oneself clearly, tactfully and concisely, orally and in writing. 
  • Ability to estimate costs, labor, and materials.  
  • Prepares and administers the department budget.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

Master’s degree in planning or public administration or closely related field and at least seven years of working experience in current and long-range planning with at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.

Licenses, Certifications, or Registrations:

  • Florida driver’s license. 
  • American Institute of Certified Planning (AICP) Certificate preferred

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Knowledge of urban and environmental planning and principles.  

Knowledge of state and county planning processes.  

Knowledge of County Administrative policies. 

Understanding of Site Plan and Subdivision processes, development, and review, including geometric analysis of parcels and buildings for code requirements, calculation of setbacks, open space, pervious and impervious surface, FAR, etc.  

Ability to calculate impact fees, assess levels of service, measure impacts.

Ability to plan, organize and implement division work schedules.  

Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions.  

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with applicants, the general public, and public officials. 

Experience with GIS, Planning and Office Productivity software. 

Experience with budget review, preparation, and analysis.

Ability to research documents and draw conclusions.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations, develop formulas, and use arithmetic and logarithmic formulas.

Understanding of sustainable, equitable, and energy efficient planning practices and theories including mixed use development: form-based codes and the “Transect” (logical contiguous densities); affordable housing and advocacy planning; planning for economic development and environmental viability; transit friendly, walkable, and energy efficient communities; the development of agricultural enclaves and local food supply protection.

Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing.  

Ability to speak effectively in public.  

Experience with communicating with audiences from a diverse range of backgrounds.  

Can impart technical information in a clear and understandable manner.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily inside an office environment, with occasional site visits.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.

TO APPLY: Go to Indian River County – Director of Planning and Development Services

If you have any questions, please contact the Indian River County Human Resources Department, Attn: Shelley Nowlin, 1800 27th Street, Building B, Vero Beach, FL  32960, (772) 226-1449, or at snowlin@indianriver.gov.