Zoning Chief

Clay County - Small Towns. Big Passions.

Pay:

$79,343.72 - $100,897.50

Under the direction of the Planning and Zoning Division Director, the Zoning Chief performs advanced, specialized professional and technical work managing the daily operations of the Zoning Office. The role exercises wide latitude for independent judgement within the framework of local Zoning Ordinances and policy guidelines. This position requires extensive public contact, often involving sensitive situations, delicate dispute resolution, and the delivery of difficult regulatory decisions. Exceptional tact, mature judgement, and vast knowledge of Florida Statutes and County Ordinances are critical.   The Zoning Chief exercises supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff, and may serve as the interim division head in the absence of the Planning and Zoning Division Director. 

Essential 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.
• In case of emergency or crisis situation (hurricane, flood, etc.) position is required to respond/perform emergency and recovery duties as assigned by the County Manager or designee.
• During an emergency or crisis situation, this position may be required to be present at the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to provide assistance while activated.

Minimum Requirements

• 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 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.

Supplemental Information

Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of planning, zoning and development
• Ability to prepare studies, present ideas and findings clearly and concisely and to communicate effectively both written and verbally
• Ability to meet and deal with the public and others in situations that require tact, discretion and courtesy

Employees may be required to perform duties, including the employee’s normal work function or other emergency support functions as deemed necessary by the County, as assigned before, during, and after hazardous weather or state of local emergency.

While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed.  Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

Must be able to remain in a stationary position 60% of the time.

The person in this position needs to be able to frequently move about inside the office to access files, documents and drawings, personnel, office machinery, etc.

Employee frequently positions self in order to retrieve maps, drawings and documents from storage in low, confined areas and in high, precarious places.

Operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.

The person in this position frequently communicates with the Board, other County employees, contractors and the public at large regarding development and zoning.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Must be able to perceive, inspect, assess, and compare data, including graphically (maps). 

Occasionally moves boxes, files, and/or large maps and drawing weighing up to 10 pounds.

The position primarily operates in an indoor, office environment.  Employee is subject to exposure to dust.  Position occasionally requires field work in an outdoor environment which may subject the worker to inclement weather, extreme temperatures, excessive heat and humidity.

Clay County is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, or age.

Clay County is committed to providing veterans with preference in employment opportunities in accordance with Florida State Law and Federal Regulations. As part of our dedication to supporting veterans, we ensure that qualified veterans are given preferential treatment in our hiring process, in accordance with Florida Statute 295.07.

 

Eligible Veterans who believe they were discriminated against may file a complaint with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs within 60 days of receiving notice of non-selection.