Junior Planner

Position: Junior Planner

Department: Community Development

Reports to: Operations & Compliance Director

Emergency Classification: Essential

FLSA Classification: NonExempt

Pay Grade: 110

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is seeking a motivated and communityoriented 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 Towns 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 youre 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 longterm 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 Towns 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 Towns 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 Towns designated Stormwater Engineer providing support on zoningrelated 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 asbuilt 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 developmentrelated 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 Towns 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 jobrelated duties as .)

REQUIREMENTS:

Education Certification and Experience:

• Bachelors 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.
• Indepth 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 Beachs 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 problemsolving 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 bigpicture 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:

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

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

1. Submit the required documentation (e.g. DD214 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 (239)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:

1. Preemployment drug screening pursuant to the DrugFree /AlcoholFree Employment Policy as outlined in the Towns Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.

1. General background verification.

Required Experience:

Junior IC