Planning and Development Director

The City of St. Petersburg is seeking an experienced, responsible professional Planning and Development Director to organize, administer, and direct comprehensive urban planning programs including the City’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, historic preservations, land use, development, and planning review activities throughout the City of St. Petersburg. The City is a prominent part of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area located on Florida’s west coast, is the fifth largest city in Florida and the 85th largest city in the United States with a population of 258,000 and a land mass of 61 square miles. The City is governed by a strong mayor/city council form of government, and the Planning and Development Director is appointed by and serves at the discretion of the elected Mayor. Work involves preparing and administering new and/or updated zoning and land development regulations; communicating with federal, state, regional, county, and local agencies, and the public, to exchange beneficial information, and discourse on City plans and policies; and program development, budget evaluation, contract negotiation and monitoring, and servicing contracted, professional planning projects. This position requires considerable initiative and judgment to formulate recommendations for policies, procedures, and programs, to improve efficiency and accuracy of data used for short-term and long-term city planning, residential and commercial zoning changes, and land use regulations. Work also includes discretion, dedication, and tact to effectively communicate, coordinate, and build cooperative relationships with citizens, outside organizations, business groups, other government entities, elected officials, lawmakers, City Administration and City Council.

Salary: $122,187 - $190,330 DOQ

Close Date: 03-10-2025 (11:59 PM)

Minimum Qualifications. Applicants must:

• Have a valid Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in planning, architecture, civil or structural engineering, urban studies, public administration, or a related field.

• Have considerable progressive experience in municipal or county level planning.

• Have a considerable progressive supervisory and managerial experience in a related field.

• Be able to conduct accurate and thorough research through effective methods and techniques.

• Be able to prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and communications that includes summaries, statistics, analysis, and financial information gathered from numerous sources.

• Be able to communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely, orally and in writing, including regular presentations to City Administration and City Council.

• Acknowledge this position is designated as Emergency Critical (EC) and if hired into the position, an applicant must be immediately available to the department before, during, and after a declared emergency and/or disaster.

Desirable Qualifications. Preferred Applicants:

• Have a Master’s degree in a related field.

• Possess and maintain the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.

• Have knowledge and understanding of the Florida Community Planning Act (formerly the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act).

• Have considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, preferably at the municipal government level related to urban planning, zoning, and development.
  

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment. The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams.