Planner III - Urban Design

Job Description:

Planner III - Urban Design

Description

The Position

Come to a City that Builds Careers! As one of the largest cities in Broward County, the City of Hollywood provides an energetic, innovative and collaborative work environment for its employees. Want Top Notch Insurance? We offer low cost health insurance giving you the best value - Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Plans. Need Work Life Balance? We have got you covered with a 4-Day Work Week and an Award Winning Wellness Program. And We Don’t Stop There. The City of Hollywood provides a generous Paid Time Off Program inclusive of 13 Paid Holidays, Vacation Leave, Personal Leave, and Sick Leave. Repaying Student Loans? Employees at the City with 10 years of public service and on-time payments qualify for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program. Let’s Partner Together and Come Grow with the City of Hollywood. Apply Now!

For more information about this position and our competitive pay, benefits package and pension plan, refer to this job posting or our City website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hollywoodfl .

Starting Salary For Position Is Within $66,450.74 - $106,321.18 Annually Dependent On Qualifications

JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Manager of Planning or Principal Planner, the Planner III is a senior staff, This is responsible for project managing complex planning applications, reviewing, circulating, and providing Professional Planning opinions on development proposals and strategic land use studies with respect to City requirements in conformity with City Codes, City and County Comprehensive Plans and relevant State Statutes. The Planner III - Urban Design, is a key member of the planning team responsible for advancing urban design initiatives and enhancing the public realm within the municipality. This role focuses on translating urban design principles into tangible projects that promote placemaking, walkability, and quality of life.

An employee in this class is responsible for the study, evaluation, compilation, and presentation of data attendant to a municipal urban design program. Work involves individual or team participation in the development of major planning reports deliverables. Functional supervision is received from an administrative superior through consultation and review of completed work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the review of development projects to ensure compliance with urban design standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Evaluates streetscape plans and proposals to enhance the aesthetic quality and functionality of public spaces, promoting pedestrian-friendly environments and vibrant streetscapes.
• Leads the design and review of public realm projects, including streetscapes, parks, plazas, and other public spaces, ensuring alignment with urban design objectives and community needs.
• Prepares conceptual designs, renderings, and visualizations to communicate urban design concepts and proposals to stakeholders, decision-makers, and the public.
• Coordinates with internal departments, external consultants, and community groups to gather input, solicit feedback, and incorporate diverse perspectives into urban design projects.
• Conducts site assessments and analysis to evaluate existing conditions, identify opportunities, and develop design solutions that enhance the urban environment.
• Provides technical expertise and guidance on urban design principles, best practices, and emerging trends to support planning initiatives and development projects.
• Collects, compiles, tabulate and analyze data and factual materials fundamental to a comprehensive planning program.
• Assists in the formulation and administration of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Master Plans, and Land Development Regulations.
• Researches and prepares zoning and land development regulations consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and presents to the Planning and Development Board and the City Commission for consideration.
• Manages complex planning applications. Reviews, and circulates applications, prepares and coordinates comments with respect to City requirements, conformity to the Zoning and Land Development Regulations, City and County Comprehensive Plans on complex development applications including Comprehensive Plan amendments, re-zonings, site plans.
• Consult with stakeholders such as: Internal city departments, developers, planning consultants, property owners, legal counsel, the public, the State, and other agencies in these reviews.
• Reviews and prepares expert opinions on interpreting and preparing policy with respect to the City’s Comprehensive Plan
• Prepares written and oral reports/briefings and make recommendations to City Commission, Boards, as well as giving presentations to or responding to questions from members the public.
• Prepares and processes Comprehensive Plan amendments through the appropriate State, Regional, County and City entities.
• Conducts planning and zoning studies.
• Reviews site and permit plans for compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Responds to email, telephone, or in-person inquiries; greets the general public, and development industry; disseminates information on planning, zoning and development regulations; and provides information on departmental services and functions.
• Supervises technical personnel in the gathering of raw data for use in various land-use and zoning studies.
• Reviews and issues, Certificates of Use, and Zoning Letters.
• Performs field inspections as necessary.
• Attends City Commission, Planning and Development Board, and Historic Preservation Board meetings and makes presentations on specific projects and studies. This work includes the preparation of memorandums, resolutions, ordinances and related back-up materials.
• Represents the City at various regional and county land use and transportation planning technical committees.
• Interacts and works with county, regional, state, special districts, chamber of commerce, civic associations, and other private organizations.
• Functions as Chairperson to the City’s Technical Advisory Committee and supervises personnel in the preparation of agenda, notices, and other related information.
• Must effectively and positively represent the City in delivering and performing work with colleagues and clients, irrespective of gender, race, religion, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, or sexual orientation.
• Must establish and maintain effective and professional relationships with work colleagues, supervisors and managers.
• Identifies the need for and benefits of process improvements, protocol and procedural changes and planning policy changes
• Represents and defends planning decisions and interests during Quasi-Judicial matters, and matters before Special Magistrate and/or other tribunals.
• Develops and implements strategies for managing growth and development within the city.
• Organizes and facilitates public meetings, workshops, and outreach events to gather input, share information, and address community concerns regarding planning initiatives.
• Assists in the preparation of written reports, presentations, and other materials to communicate urban design recommendations, findings, and outcomes to decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Stays informed about relevant research, publications, and case studies in the field of urban design, incorporating new ideas and innovations into project work and planning initiatives.
• Stays abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in urban design, historic preservation, and public art, incorporating new ideas into planning initiatives.
• Develops and implements strategies for managing growth and development within the city.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

The Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Urban Planning, Geography, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design or closely related field.
• Four (4) years responsible planning experience. Experience must include participation in a range of planning and zoning studies and implementation programs.
• AICP or LEED certification may be substituted for some experience.

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree
• Six (6) years of comprehensive planning, current planning, urban design or landscape architecture experience.
• AICP certification

Additional education and experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted for the above requirements.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS :

• AICP or LEED certification preferred
• Valid Driver’s License: With proof of automobile insurance
• Background Check: Must have an acceptable background record
• Driving Abstract: Must have an acceptable driving record

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong understanding of urban design principles, placemaking concepts, and public space design.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, or similar programs.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas and concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of zoning regulations, land use planning principles, and development review processes.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in urban design practice, with a focus on creating inclusive and accessible public spaces.
• Creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to generate innovative design solutions that address complex urban challenges.
• Experience leading community engagement efforts, facilitating workshops, and conducting public meetings.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials, community groups, developers, and design professionals.
• Knowledge of economics, public finance and sociology as it applies to urban planning.
• Some knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Ability to prepare, evaluate and present oral and written reports based on research and special studies.
• Skill in making decisions that govern individual activities as well as others, and understanding how decisions impact how the department provides services and support to internal and external customers.
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, graphically, orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and understand plats, maps, architectural drawings, and similar relevant documents.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, sit, write, hear, speak and be required to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. May require the use of fingers or hands to manipulate objects such as picking, gripping, or pressing. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral, and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed primarily in an office environment that requires the employee to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

The Examination

Required Education and Background Information: Look over the announcement carefully to determine your eligibility. Please note minimum education and experience requirements. Closed competitive positions are open only to employees while open competitive positions are open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications for the position. Evidence of a GED test score is required if submitted for high school diploma. Applicants are responsible for clearly documenting work experience and/or providing all relevant information at the time of application. Additional information will not be accepted after the announcement closing date.

Examination: Depending on the number of applicants and the quality of their education and experience, the examination may consist of one or more of the following tests: written examination, performance examination, education and experience evaluation, oral examination and/or other job related examinations.

You will be notified of the time and place of your examination when you file or later by mail. A passing grade is required on each part of the process. Repeated participation in any examination for which the same test is used is limited to once every 6 months. Your examination results will be sent by email as soon as possible after the grading is completed.

Final passing grades are used to determine a candidate's position on the eligibility list of successful candidates. Departments fill vacancies from this list. The top three names are considered for each vacancy unless otherwise modified. Those not appointed are returned to the eligibility list for further consideration in accordance with the Civil Service Ordinance. Your name will remain on a register for one year for open competitive examinations and two years for closed competitive except where labor contract conflicts.

Your name may be removed from an eligibility list prior to one year according to Hollywood's Civil Service Ordinance or labor contracts. Your eligibility may be canceled if you refuse a position or if you are not available for work. You are responsible for notifying the Employment Office, in writing, of any change in your address or telephone number.

Special Accommodation and Communication Needs: The City of Hollywood provides necessary reasonable accommodation in the examination process upon request to persons with disabilities. Such requests must be made PRIOR to any scheduled examination.

Veteran's Preference: The City values the service that veterans and their family members have given to our country, and as such, proactively recruits and hires veterans and qualified spouses to the greatest extent possible. Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. To obtain veteran's preference, candidates MUST submit a copy of separation papers (DD214) and meet eligibility requirements as stipulated by the Florida Statutes.For additional information, please refer to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs .

Additional Information

All successful applicants will be required to pass an extensive background which may include criminal history searches, driving history checks, credit report, courthouse searches, education verification, employment verification, professional license verification, or other search methods as deemed necessary for the position. In addition, the applicant will be required to undergo a medical examination, which may include a drug screening, prior to appointment.

EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES: The City of Hollywood has an Ordinance which regulates the employment of relatives of City employees. Effective January 28, 2008, a relative may only be hired under the following additional conditions:

• The relative must have competed in an appropriate examination process as determined by Human Resources and be placed on a civil service eligibility list;
• The relative must be among the top three ranked candidates available on the certified eligibility list unless expanded by the Civil Service Board;
• The Department or Office Director and the Director, Human Resources must demonstrate that it is in the best interests of the City of Hollywood to hire the relative of a public officer or employee.

As of 12/15/2005 the City will require all newly hired employees to sign an affidavit affirming non-usage of tobacco or tobacco products within the last year prior to submission of application and will continue to be a non-user of tobacco products throughout employment with the City of Hollywood.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The Employment Office will make reasonable efforts in the examination and workplace to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of special needs by calling (954) 921-3216.

All applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, abilities, marital status, political affiliation, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity and expression (except as limited by law, Personnel Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or bona fide occupational disqualifications).

The City of Hollywood is an Equal Opportunity / Equal Access Employer.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS FOR PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES

• Professional employees shall be provided with 200 hours of vacation leave per vacation year (the vacation year shall begin on October 1st and end on the following September 30th). Employees shall be required to utilize 80 hours of vacation during the vacation year in which it is earned or it will be lost at the end of the vacation year. The remaining 120 hours may be carried forward and must be used within 18 months following the vacation year in which the leave is earned or be liquidated by cash payment at that time. The employee will become eligible for liquidation of accrued leave after approximately two years of employment. Leave that is liquidated shall be paid at the employee's rate of pay when the vacation time was earned.

• Professional employees accrue eight hours sick leave for each month worked with no limit on the amount that is accumulated. Additionally, each fiscal year an employee shall have the option of converting a maximum of 40 hours of accrued sick leave days to personal leave, provided the employee has a balance of 96 hours after the conversion.

Accrued sick leave shall be terminally paid at the following rates in relationship to full years of credited service with the City to a maximum of 1200 hours (e.g., an employee with 20 or more years of service with 1200 (or more) hours of sick leave shall be paid at 80% of 1200 hours, which would be 960 hours):

Accrued Sick Leave Payout

• Less than five (5) years 20% sick leave
• Five (5) to ten (10) years 40% sick leave
• Ten (10) or more years 70% sick leave
• More than twenty (20 years) 80% sick leave

Upon the accumulation of 300 sick leave hours, all employees have the option of converting the next forty (40) hours of sick leave to vacation days.

• Employees may participate in the City's Sick Leave Pool Program upon the completion of one year of employment and with a minimum accumulation of 96 hours of sick and/or vacation leave. This program entitles eligible employees to participate in extended sick leave benefits for cases involving non-work related catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries.
• Professional employees shall receive the following holidays:

New Year's Day Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday President's Day Memorial Day
Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Veteran's Day
Thanksgiving Day Day after Thanksgiving Christmas Eve Christmas Day
New Year's Eve

• Professional employees will receive two paid wellness workdays (either 8 or 10 hour days) each fiscal year. These days are provided to promote well-being and wellness. These paid workdays must be used within the fiscal year in which they are earned or will be lost.
• Professional employees will receive 40 hours of paid bereavement leave in the event of an immediate family member passing.
• Professional employees will receive longevity compensation added to their base salary for the following cumulative years of service with the City:

• 5 years of service 5%
• 10 years of service 3%
• 12.5 years of service 2.75%
• 15 years of service 2%

• Professional employees shall be eligible to participate in a Disability Salary Replacement program that will provide for a 60% base salary benefit after a 90 day waiting period. During the 90 day waiting period, an employee may utilize accrued sick and vacation leave. Upon entering the program, the employee may continue to use sick and vacation leave to make up the difference between 60% of salary and 100% of salary.
• Professional employees and families shall be provided the option of coverage in the City’s health insurance plans. The City will contribute 80% of the premium for employees electing single or dependent coverage on the OAP plan and the employee will be responsible for contributing 20% of the premium; The City will contribute 100% of the premium for employees electing single coverage on the OAPIN plan. For employees adding dependents, the City will contribute 90% toward the premium and the employee will be responsible for contributing 10% of the premium. For 2024, the biweekly rates are as follows:

Enrollment Tier |Medical OAP |Medical OAPIN
Employee Only|$87.89 |$0
Employee +1|$175.78 |$39.34
Employee + 2 or More|$281.24 |$86.56

• Each member shall have the option of completing an annual wellness preventative physical through the City’s contracted provider currently named Life Scan with the costs of the scan paid for by the City up to $395 for each member which includes a comprehensive medical evaluation, ultrasound imaging, cardio-pulmonary assessments, vision and hearing test, and extensive laboratory blood profiles.
• Professional employees shall be provided group dental with $19.00 of the monthly premium costs paid by the City. There are three plans offerings. For 2024, the biweekly rates are as follows:

Enrollment Tier|Dental DPPO Low|Dental DPPO High|Dental DPPO Buy UP
Employee Only|$5.17|$21.37|$25.11
Employee +1|$14.80|?$40.68|$46.82
Employee + 2 or More|$23.69|$58.51|$66.86

• Professional employees shall have the option to purchase vision coverage through payroll deductions. Three plans are offered.

Enrollment Tier|VSP Option 1|VSP Option 2|VSP Option 3
Employee Only|$2.36|$3.87|$4.44
Employee +1|$4.73|$7.73|$8.87
Employee + 2 or More|$7.61|$12.45|$14.28

• Professional employees will receive from the City a “use it or lose it” Health Reimbursement Account annually. The amount to the employee is determined by the employee’s medical enrollment status or if no coverage is elected then it will default to the lowest level. The level of the City contribution will be reevaluated once a year. The levels are: Single or no coverage = $400; Employee plus one = $600; and Employee plus two or more = $1000. In addition, the employee may establish and contribute to a Flexible Spending Account.
• Professional employees shall be provided with term life insurance of $100,000 with double indemnity provision with all premium costs paid by the City. Employees shall have the option of purchasing additional term life insurance at group rates up to an additional maximum amount of $475,000.
• All employees will be required to contribute 8% pretax dollars to the employee’s retirement fund. Employees are vested in the retirement plan after completing seven years of service. The service retirement annuity (pension) is equal to 2.5% of the employee's average salary for the highest 130 consecutive biweekly pay periods of credited service multiplied by the employee's years of credited service. Retirement is at age 65 with seven years of service, or age 62 with 25 years of service, or 30 years of service. To file a claim for benefits under the General Pension Plan or to receive a copy of the Plan or a copy of the Summary Plan Description (SPD), contact the Pension Coordinator at 954-921-3333.
• Professional employees, who complete their probationary period and receive “satisfactory” or better Employee Performance Evaluations, shall be eligible to participate in the City Educational Reimbursement Program for job-related undergraduate and graduate course work. General employees should request approval prior to taking any courses. The City pays as follows to a maximum total of $3,000.00 for tuition annually:

Graduate and Undergraduate Benefit

Grade of B or better 100% reimbursement at State tuition rates
Grade of Pass 100% reimbursement at State tuition rates
Grade of C 50% reimbursement at State tuition rates

Employees will be eligible to receive 100% reimbursement for books with approval of the City Manager/designee.

Employees who receive benefits under this program, who voluntarily leave the City's employment within two (2) years of receiving such benefit, shall be responsible for reimbursing the City for the cost of this benefit.

• Professional employees may enter into a Deferred Compensation Program through payroll deduction.
• Professional employees have the option of joining the Sun Credit Union.
• Professional employees have the option of participating in payroll Direct Deposit.
• Professional employees have the option of participating in Pre-paid Legal/ID Theft Protection Plans and Supplemental Insurance, i.e. AFLAC, through voluntary payroll deductions.
• Professional employees are eligible to participate in the City’s Work/Life Assistance Program offering a wide range of services and support.
• Professional employees may have access the City’s fitness facility free of charge.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - This document ‘BENEFITS SUMMARY’, is intended only as a summary of some of the benefits employees may be entitled to as an employee of the City of Hollywood. This is NOT a legal document, does NOT represent any guarantees, and is subject to change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: 1/2/2025 11:59 AM Eastern

Salary:

$73,042.45 - $116,867.92 Annually