ABOUT COLUMBIA COUNTY

Columbia County is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, with pockets of quiet and peaceful springs. Columbia County is the home of Florida’s Springlands, with multiple natural springs, lakes, rivers, and nine beautiful state parks. In 2022, the US Census Bureau QuickFacts estimated Columbia County has a population of 72,000 residents. Columbia County is a southeast sports destination and hosts multiple tournaments and camps. Columbia County requires a diverse and dedicated workforce to provide services for Columbia County residents to live and work and for the visitors who experience our piece of the Florida playground. Consider applying for a position with us today.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a highly responsible, professional, administrative and supervisory position in the Building and Zoning Department. This position is under limited supervision from the Director of Building and Zoning. Required to direct the activities of the Department to ensure the orderly growth and efficient development of the County. Will provide assistance to the general public with regards to planning, growth management, and concurrency management issues and function as the Land Development Regulations Administrator for the County.

Training and Experience

Minimum Experience:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in Planning (Urban/Regional Community Planning) or a related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Professional Licenses/mandatory requirements

Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License required. Membership in the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners or The Florida Planning and Zoning Association is desirable.

SALARY: $33.34 per hour plus benefits

DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING APPLICATIONS: 05/06/2025

Each applicant is required to submit a complete County Application for Employment. Applications are available on-line www.columbiacountyfla.com/Jobs.asp . Successful applicant must be able to pass a pre-employment medical exam, physical agilities, criminal history background check, driver’s license check and drug screening. Applications can be emailed to: hr@columbiacountyfla.com or by mail, FedEx, or UPS to:

HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE

COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

POST OFFICE BOX 1529

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32056-1529

(386) 758-3351

An AA/EEO/ADA/VP Employer

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of rural and urban planning and the environment and socioeconomic implications of the planning process
• Knowledge of Federal laws and ability to gain knowledge of State and/or Local laws governing zoning, planning and development regulations
• Knowledge of laws governing zoning enforcement and governmental programs, laws and services related to the planning process
• Knowledge of County/Municipal zoning ordinances and land use regulations
• Knowledge of research methods/techniques
• Ability to make impartial judgments
• Ability to coordinate workload of subordinates
• Ability to gain knowledge of County
• Ability to gain knowledge of government procedures and policies
• Knowledge of the current literature, trends, and developments in the fields of planning and zoning
• Knowledge and understanding of Florida Growth Management Act, 9J Administrative Rules and land use law
• Ability to communicate ideas and findings clearly and concisely, utilizing oral, written and graphic techniques
• Ability to prepare and present complex analyses, plans and reports
• Knowledge of modern public administration practices and procedures
• Ability to plan and direct the work of a complex Department including professional, technical, administrative and clerical personnel
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other Department employees, County Departments, developers, consultants, governmental agencies, and the general public and exercise tact and discretion
• Knowledge of the theories and principals of management and administration, ability to identify and analyze problems and render advice and assistance in this area
• Ability to gather and analyze data and draw logical conclusions
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and related memoranda
• Knowledge of computers, programming and associated equipment
• Ability in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with subordinates, other agencies and the public

Essential Functions

• Coordinates, prepares, maintains and implements the County’s current planning and comprehensive planning activities in accordance to all applicable County, State and Federal regulations
• Prepares, develops and analyzes data, and updates comprehensive plan elements and maps
• Coordinates with all State and local agencies as relating to the County’s current planning and comprehensive planning
• Assists the planning commission (LPA)
• Make presentations to other members of the Department, Administration, and to elected and appointed officials and citizens dealing with factual information and predetermined policy recommendations
• Confers with the public on matters concerning planning, both in individual and group settings, including making formal presentations to groups of citizens
• Reviews site development plans, subdivision plats and monitors development
• Reviews plans and counsels with developers and property owners to ensure compliance with County subdivision, zoning, and land development laws, codes, ordinances and regulation
• Represents the County at local, regional, and state levels on planning policy matters
• Attends, participates in and/or conducts meeting public hearings and seminars relating to planning and zoning matters
• Administers and enforces the County and Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations, as the County Land Development Regulations Administrator
• Directs collection of fees and issuance of zoning certificates and concurrency certificates
• Reviews application for beverage licenses, zoning exception/variance, and land rezoning
• Exercises discretion in making independent judgment decisions governed by policies, principles and professional standards in order to carry out policies and objectives
• Develops and recommends, with justification, to the Director of Building and Zoning:  new and/or changed policies affecting the operations of the Department, laws, codes, ordinances and regulations that will improve the effectiveness of achieving Departmental responsibilities
• Develops and maintains systems and standard operating procedures in areas of control to promote operational efficiency; conducts periodic inspections of work activities to ensure compliance with approved systems and procedures
• Assists in the preparation, justification, monitoring and accomplishment of the Department annual operating budgets
• Provides the public with assistance in completing concurrency applications, comp plan amendment applications; understanding zoning ordinance, sign ordinance, land development regulations, comprehensive plan, future land use map and other laws and ordinances in conjunction with the Planning Department
• Provides assistance in permit approval review, plan review, field inspections, enforcement and interpretations of the County’s zoning ordinance, sign ordinance, and subdivision ordinance, land development regulations, etc.
• Provides assistance to contractual consultants providing professional assistance to the County relative to Comprehensive Planning
• Assists in the monitoring and administration of consultant contracts
• Compile and review detailed reports, ordinances and plan amendments relating to growth management issues for the County
• Reviews development requests for conformance with County comprehensive plans and development rules
• Maintain good working relationships with public officials, the general public, other government agencies, and with planning department staff
• Attends meetings on planning related issues
• Performs land use calculations for development review
• Researches development files
• Required to work during a local declared state of emergency

Non -Essential Functions

Performs related work as required.

[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.]

Work Environment

Works inside in an office environment and also works outdoors which can expose to extreme weather conditions.

Essential Physical Skills/Demands

Acceptable eyesight and hearing (with or without correction). Light (up to fifty (50) pounds) lifting, walking, standing, bending, stooping, and climbing. Office work often involves extended periods of sitting and manual dexterity to operate office machines.

NOTE: The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.