Planning Associate

Join the Dania Beach Team and Make a Difference!

Are you ready to contribute to a thriving community in one of South Florida's most dynamic cities? Dania Beach, Broward County’s first city, is undergoing a renaissance, and we’re looking for motivated and passionate individuals to join our team. Discover the unique charm and pioneering spirit that defines our City.

Position Summary

The City of Dania Beach is committed to employing a talented and diverse workforce. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for an Associate Planner Position to join our Community Development Department, Planning Division. The ideal candidate will devote a significant amount of time on routine administrative and process related tasks. The position also requires working closely with the public on a regular basis to perform professional level duties of moderate complexity. This position is within a small but busy division in a fast-paced work environment offering a diverse range of experiences in current planning, historic preservation, public art, transportation planning, and comprehensive planning. Apply now to join our team!

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

• Provides support to all members of the department.
• Assists staff in collecting and preparing data for various planning projects.
• Manages advisory boards meeting calendar, creates, and mails committee meeting packages.
• Conducts field work, collects parcel data, and searches land records.
• Prepares planning reports of limited or variable complexity.
• Provides technical assistance and information to staff and the public in interpreting planning procedures for compliance with City codes, regulations, and ordinances, including preparation of Zoning Verification and letters in response to the public.
• Reviews building plans and zoning permit applications to ensure compliance.
• Enforces compliance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations and the City's Land Development Code.
• Performs routine office tasks in designated program areas, including data entry, file management, copying, answering telephones, responding to e-mails, and customer services.
• Develops and maintains automated tracking systems, hard copy files, and records.
• Prepares narrative staff reports and recommendations of limited complexity, such as special use permits and variances.
• Researches and compiles information on a variety of planning issues from multiple sources.
• Assists in the preparation of public notices or property owners' verifications.
• Investigates violations of planning regulations and ordinances, including site visits.
• Attends public meetings, assisting other planning staff as appropriate.
• Cross-trains to provide support in other areas of Community Development, as needed.
• Works schedule as determined by the Department may include some nights, weekends, holidays, and before/after a declared emergency.
• Performs inspections and site visits for permitting, site plan, and other application requests as directed by supervisor.
• Reviews department applications and verifies accuracy for compliance (i.e. vacation rental, certificate of use, etc.)
• Assist the department in the administration of various advisory boards including, but not limited to, agenda preparation/distribution, meeting room preparation/breakdown, and taking/preparing minutes of the monthly meetings.

Qualifications

What's required: (Minimum Requirements)

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Urban Planning or related field. Related field includes Planning, Administration, Social Sciences, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design.
• One year working in a Planning or Zoning Office. Additional planning experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the educational requirement.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license with overall good driving record required. If driver’s license is out of state, must be able to obtain a Florida driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire date.

What's preferred: (Desired Requirements)

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree program in Urban Planning or related field. Related field includes Planning, Administration, Social Sciences, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design.
• Two years of experience working in a Planning or Zoning Office.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

Health Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA) coverage for the whole family
• City-paid life insurance, short and long-term disability plans
• High deductible health plan option with city-paid health savings account (HSA)
• Flexible spending account (FSA) available
• Medical benefit opt-out payment option (in addition to base pay)
• Voluntary pet insurance
• Mental health support
• Many other voluntary benefits

Financial Perks

• Annual base salary increases upon approval
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) pension plan *
• Deferred compensation 457(b) with a 3% city match*
• FICA alternative: Part-time positions do not pay social security. Money is deposited into a portable retirement account.*
• City-subsidized health insurance upon regular retirement
• City-paid credit protection
• Qualified loan forgiveness employer

Paid Time Off

• 12 City paid holidays *
• One floating holiday
• Sick and vacation leave *
• Cash-out option for vacation leave *
• Personal days and safety day
• Religious day conversion
• Family care days
• Volunteer time

And Much More

• Supportive workforce and management team
• Hybrid work schedule (select departments and positions)
• Professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free gym membership
• Summer childcare discounts

The City is committed to the development of its employees, offering on-the-job training opportunities, City paid external training and certifications, and tuition reimbursement.

**Includes part-time positions