JOB DESCRIPTION

The Zoning Chief supervises Zoning Division staff and manages the daily operations of the Zoning Office. The position is also responsible for the Board of Adjustment and serves as chair of the Development Review Committee.

The Zoning Chief performs advanced professional and technical work in areas such as site plan review, rezoning applications, land use applications, variances and zoning and comprehensive plan policy amendments.

This position requires extensive public contact, often involving sensitive situations, delicate dispute resolution, and the delivery of difficult regulatory decisions. Exercise of tact and mature judgement along with knowledge of Florida Statutes and the County’s zoning ordinances is essential.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Office Leadership & Compliance: Plans, directs, and administers all activities related to enforcing the County’s Zoning Code, sign ordinances, and related land development regulations.
• Staff Supervision: Manages all zoning staff, overseeing training, and daily work assignments.
• Development Review: Reviews and approves site plans and zoning applications to ensure compliance with the Clay County Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations.
• Public & Professional Consultation: Serves as the primary point of contact for developers, architects, attorneys, and the general public regarding zoning policies, procedures, and site plan requirements.
• Interdepartmental Coordination: Partners closely with the Code Enforcement Division to resolve code violations and aligns with the Legal Department to provide technical expertise for hearings, lawsuits, and other legal matters.
• Board & Committee Support: Acts as chair of the Development Review Committee, oversees case progress for Board of Adjustment hearings and attends meetings for the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.
• Historic Preservation: Serves as the Certified Local Government Coordinator, maintains necessary certification documentation, and provides technical staff support to the Historic Preservation Board.
• Process Modernization: Researches, introduces, and implements new technological trends to modernize operations and deliver highly efficient public services.
• Policy Recommendations: Compiles comprehensive data reports for County officials and community associations, using findings to recommend strategic changes to ordinances and regulations.
• Continuous Learning: Maintains a current working knowledge of changing laws, local codes, and industry best practices.
• Emergency Backfill: Performs other duties as assigned, which may include assuming operational leadership of the division in the Director's absence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Experience: Four (4) years of professional experience in Planning, Zoning, or land growth management, which must include at least two (2) years of direct supervisory experience.
• Legal Knowledge: A proven, working knowledge of zoning principles, land use case law, and growth management frameworks in the State of Florida.
• Licensure: Valid State of Florida Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform the functions of the position will be considered.

Preferred / Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Advanced Degree: Master’s Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Advanced Experience: Eight (8) years of progressive experience in Planning and Zoning, including at least four (4) years in a distinct supervisory or administrative role.
• Certification: American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

The hiring range for this position is $79,343.72 - $100,897.50 based on experience.

The full salary range for this position is from $79,343.72 - $122,451.28 to provide opportunity for growth and development.