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Description

This position in the Zoning Section of the Department of Community Development is primarily responsible for conducting environmental review and analysis of zoning applications to ensure compliance with the comprehensive plan (Lee Plan) and Land Development Code (LDC). This position includes a mixture of office and field work related to zoning cases in various, sometimes strenuous conditions. This position requires excellent oral and written communication skills to work directly with a wide range of property owners, applicants, and professional consultants. Candidates must be comfortable with public speaking as this position involves presenting staff analyses and recommendations for public hearings and zoning actions in quasi-judicial proceedings. 


 

The Zoning Section is responsible for administering the Lee County Land Development Code and coordinating the review and analysis of applications for rezoning, special exceptions, and variances. The Zoning Section also administers the County’s Historic Preservation Program, prepares periodic amendments to the Land Development Code, and provides technical assistance to the County’s customer base. 


 

At Lee County Government, we look to hire talented and innovative individuals who share our passion and want to make a lasting impact within our community. We offer our employees a premier place to work by providing competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, as well as being a participant in a robust State of Florida pension and investment retirement plans. Additionally, we strongly believe in cultivating long-lasting relationships with our employees through promotional opportunities and career ladders across our organization. At Lee County Government, we do this by supporting your career development and growth through mentoring programs and on-the-job training to help you achieve your goals. Every day at Lee County Government, you will have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference within our own community.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisor and section manager, who provide guidance, monitor progress toward mutually established goals and objectives, and offer mentorship to support professional development.

 

  • Performs research on the Land Development Code (LDC), Lee Plan, and state and federal permitting as it relates to the environmental review of zoning applications of varying complexity.
  • Prepares written environmental reports, makes recommendations for zoning applications, and presents expert testimony to the Hearing Examiner and Board of County Commissioners.
  • Performs field verifications of species surveys, habitat maps, and other materials submitted in support of zoning applications.
  • Maintains effective working relationships and provides customer service and technical assistance to landowners, applicants, consultants, and other county staff.
  • Responds to public inquiries concerning environmental issues based on the standards and policies of the LDC, the Lee Plan, and state and federal requirements.
  • Coordinates with other County sections/departments to facilitate comprehensive environmental review of projects.
  • Assists with maintaining, updating, and implementing the requirements of the LDC and Lee Plan.
  • Performs related work as assigned.

 

Education, Experience, Licensing

 

  • Requires any combination of education and/or experience equivalent to:
    • A Bachelor of Science Degree in biology, zoology, botany, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; OR
    • Associate of Science Degree in biology, zoology, botany, environmental sciences, or closely-related field plus two years of experience related to environmental permitting, species identification, wildlife surveying, or closely-related discipline.
  • Experience conducting field work related to environmental permitting, species identification, wildlife surveying, or a closely related discipline.
  • Experience in land use, zoning, and/or historic preservation planning preferred.

 

Supplemental Information

 

  • Thorough knowledge of Southwest Florida ecosystems, including identification of listed species and habitat, with willingness to continue learning.
  • Ability to perform site field inspections to support the zoning case review. Ability to present information clearly in oral and written form.
  • Thorough knowledge of state, federal, and local laws and regulations governing development practices.
  • Thorough knowledge of environmental principles and planning practices in the area of specialization.
  • Knowledge of basic zoning and land use planning principles and practices. Ability to manage several projects/assignments simultaneously.

The position's work schedule is Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

 

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.