Junior Planner

Job Description

Position: Junior Planner

Department: Community Development

Reports to: Operations & Compliance Director

Emergency Classification: Essential

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: 109

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is seeking a motivated and community-oriented Junior Planner to join our Community Development team. This position supports key functions in planning, zoning, permitting, and public engagement, helping ensure that development aligns with the Town's strategic goals. The Junior Planner will work closely with the Planning and Zoning Staff and other departments, assisting with land use reviews, zoning inquiries, and coordination with residents and developers.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing recovery and revitalization of a resilient coastal community. Ideal candidates will have a background in urban planning, public administration, or a related field, strong communication skills, and a passion for public service. If you're ready to make an impact and grow your career in municipal planning, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of Fort Myers Beach.

The Town of FMB Offers a Competitive Benefits Package!

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance plans for you and your family with low deductibles and low annual maximums! The Town of FMB pays 100% of employee only coverage and 50% of dependent coverage. Employer paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and gym membership reimbursement are also a part of our benefit package.

Work/Life Balance: The Town of FMB offers 26 days of PTO Annually, 14 Paid Holidays annually, paid parental leave, and flexible scheduling options.

Retirement Planning: 401(a)/457(b) Pension Plan with an employer contribution in which you are immediately vested.

and more!

Position Summary

The Junior Planner performs a diverse range of professional, technical, and administrative tasks in support of land use, zoning, permitting, stormwater oversight, and community development initiatives. This role is instrumental in advancing the Town's commitment to sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance. The Planner serves as a knowledgeable resource to the public, developers, and internal departments by offering guidance, interpreting planning regulations, and ensuring that development activities align with the Town's Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, FEMA guidelines and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation: If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of an emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Interpret and apply federal, state, county, and local land use codes and development regulations, including stormwater management policies.

Review and process applications for development orders, variances, rezonings, and special exceptions, providing recommendations based on thorough analysis.

Conduct site plan reviews for commercial and multifamily developments, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and design standards.

Provide technical guidance on zoning and permitting issues to residents, engineers, contractors and developers.

Collaborate with the Local Planning Agency and Historic Preservation Board, providing staff support and presenting findings on planning matters.

Interpret and apply zoning regulations, providing guidance to property owners, developers, and the general public.

Respond to inquiries regarding land use and zoning classifications. Assist with he preparation of land use and zoning classifications as assigned.

Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans and zoning conditions.

Assist in the development and enforcement of land use ordinances, zoning codes, and stormwater regulations as assigned.

Serve as the liaison to the Town's designated Stormwater Engineer, providing support on zoning-related inquiries and assisting with the preliminary review of development plans, as assigned.

Assist in the preparation and updates of the Comprehensive Plan as assigned.

Participate in resiliency planning, environmental protection, and climate adaptation initiatives.

Coordinate with environmental staff on projects affecting coastal resources, wetlands, and floodplains.

Promote sustainable development practices that mitigate environmental impact and enhance resilience.

Perform zoning as-built site inspections and field evaluations for zoning.

Prepare Zoning Verification Letters, Minimum Use Determination letters, Administrative Variances and related correspondence.

Participate in the review of variances, rezonings, Development Orders, and property splits/combination requests.

Assist with the resolution of citizen concerns, particularly those related to drainage, flooding, and site development.

Collaborate with Building Services, Code Compliance, and other departments to streamline permitting processes and address development-related issues.

Represent the Community Development Department in public meetings, presenting reports and recommendations to the Town Council and advisory boards

Assist in the development and dissemination of educational materials related to planning and development initiatives.

Stay informed of changes in planning legislation and best practices to ensure the Town's policies remain current and effective.

Maintain accurate records of planning activities and decisions, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

Attend assigned meetings and events.

Participate in emergency response and recovery operations as directed.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

(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 duties as required.)

REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Certification, and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Geography, Public Administration, Environmental Studies, Civil Engineering, or a related field.

Minimum of two (2) years of professional planning and/or zoning experience, preferably with exposure to stormwater or environmental planning.

AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) certification preferred or must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

***Relevant work experience may substitute on a year for year basis for education requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local codes, ordinances, laws, and regulations.

Comprehensive understanding of land use planning principles, zoning laws, and development regulations.

In-depth knowledge of one or more planning specializations, such as land use planning/zoning, transportation planning, environmental planning, urban design, housing, historic preservation or economic development.

Familiarity with the Town of Fort Myers Beach's Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan.

Knowledge of principles, methodology, practices of research and data collection.

Knowledge of effective writing techniques.

Knowledge of or experience in community remediation and redevelopment, and knowledge of relevant Federal programs.

Statistical, algebraic, or geometric knowledge and ability to apply such knowledge in practical situations.

Knowledge of computer programs and applications, which may include Microsoft Office, Internet applications, econometric or transportation modeling, and database management to include GIS programs and applications.

Proficiency in reviewing and analyzing site plans, architectural drawings, and environmental reports.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.

Experience in facilitating public meetings and workshops, fostering community engagement.

Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve less well- defined practical problems.

Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions.

Ability to apply group facilitation skills for use with community workshops.

Ability to interpret and apply environmental regulations, particularly those related to stormwater management and coastal development.

Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.

Ability to work independently or in a team environment as needed.

Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind.

Ability to consistently work the assigned schedule.

Ability to foster a positive team environment.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.

Physical Requirements:

Significant standing, walking, moving, carrying, bending, and kneeling. Some crawling, reaching, handling, sitting, pushing, and/or pulling, bending, and stooping.

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Environmental Requirements:

This position requires the ability to perform strenuous work in varying and adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and potentially dangerous environments for field or emergency related work as needed.

Sensory Requirements:

Task requires sound perception and discrimination.

Task requires visual perception and discrimination.

Task requires oral communications ability.

Veterans' Preference

The Town of Fort Myers Beach provides Veterans' Preference in employment for eligible veterans, spouses of veterans, and qualifying family members, in accordance with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs guidelines.

How to Claim Veterans' Preference:

Notify Human Resources at to request Veterans' Preference at the time of application.

Obtain the Veterans' Preference Form, which will be provided by Human Resources, and indicate your eligibility.

Submit the required documentation (e.g., DD-214 form, VA disability letter, or applicable spouse documentation) along with your completed application.

If you require assistance or have questions about this process, please contact Human Resources at or .

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drugfree Workplace.

Employment at the Town of Fort Myers Beach is contingent upon your successful completion of the following:

Pre-employment drug screening, pursuant to the Drug-Free /Alcohol-Free Employment Policy as outlined in the Town's Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.

General background verification.

Full-time

Hybrid remote