Job Summary

The Planner is responsible for a variety of professional and technical work assignments both in long range planning, comprehensive planning, and/or current planning.

Essential Job Functions

• Meets with developers, citizens, and other entities related to planning matters
• Conducts reviews of site plans and processes applications
• Advises the public on land use questions related to the comprehensive plan and the land development code
• Attends and presents in planner staff meetings and attends public hearings before various commissions and boards
• Assists with the preparation of various large- and small-scale comprehensive plan amendments and existing land use and subdivision surveys according to state and local requirements
• Assists boards, commissions, and committees as required
• Provides assistance to other planning staff members in land use matters
• Adheres to work schedule and attendance requirements, including nights and weekends
• Performs other work as directed and required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of personnel rules and regulations, statutes, ordinances, regulations, and codes under which the Walton County BCC operates
• Knowledge of computers, spreadsheet applications, and word processors
• Knowledge of the county codes and regulations pertaining to planning, zoning, and community development
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of comprehensive planning according to federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to current and long-range planning
• Skill in organization and attention to detail, with ability to meet multiple deadlines
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form, interpreting complex and detailed technical data
• Ability to interpret legal descriptions, maps, aerial photography, remote sensing data, and site plans
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
• Ability to read maps with intricate markings, use surveys, and judge distance
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with public officials, peers, other divisions and departments, and citizens
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering to help others when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or similar field
• Three (3) or more years of professional experience in a planning role, or a closely related field

OR

• Seven (7) or more years of professional experience in a planning, public administration, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design role, or a closely related field

AND

• Valid driver's license

Preferred:

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in planning, public administration, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or a closely related field
• Certification in American Institute of Certified Planners

Note: At the discretion of the hiring manager and/or the Director of Human Resources an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The following physical activities are necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Sits or stands for long periods of time. Communicates effectively in person and/or by using telecommunications equipment. Creates documents, reports, etc., using a writing instrument (such as a pencil or pen) or computer. Grasps, turns, and manipulates objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Moves, lifts, carries, and places objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance. Work is performed mostly in an office setting where the noise level is usually quiet. Travel between locations to effectively address the organizational needs of the department.

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Walton County.

Effective Date: 09/21/2024

Department: Planning & Development

Position #: 10542

Pay Plan: W23

Job Class: Community & Development Exempt

Personnel Status: Full Time Permanent