Assistant Physical Planner (SOG/ST 5)

Job Purpose

Under the direction of the Physical Planner, the incumbent will work to ensure compliance with established laws, regulations and policies related to physical planning by providing sound advice, co-ordinating research activities, preparing reports, project proposals, and generally supporting the execution of physical planning assessments, monitoring and supporting enforcement. 

Key Responsibilities

• Examines all building applications to ensure that the designs conform to the provision of the regulations and in accordance with the Town & Country Planning Authority/Negril/Green Island Development Order; 
• Maintains a register of plans examined with detailed comments on the acceptability or otherwise of the structures; 
• Recommends to the Planner the applications for which approval should be given; 
• Ensures that all applications are channelled to the relevant authorities; 
• Checks building application register to determine if an application for planning permission has been made to the Authority and the status of the application; 
• Receives signed notices and serves them on the appropriate persons, or posts them on the structures; 
• Conducts routine inspection of building construction and other developments approved by the Authority within the Development Order Area, and issues notices to the developer, as may be required; 
• Re-visits site premises at the end of the prescribed three (3) or twenty-eight (28) days period, to record compliance or non-compliance to notice; 
• Maintains records and card index system on progress reports of inspection of properties and development in progress; 
• Maintains a register of all inspections showing the times and dates of each inspection, with a record of the principal site personnel contacted, the stage of construction, violations or breaches noted; 
• Maintains a current register of planning permissions issued, to be in a position to determine whether a project under construction has received all related approvals; 
• Reviews all applications to ensure that all application requirements are met and are in accordance with all documentation submitted; 
• Measures floor area of developments proposed and under construction, and ensures requirements as required by the relevant agencies; 
• Ensures that the applications are properly recorded and filed; 
• Compiles monthly report of developments in the Development Order Area; 
• Assists with complaints, queries, etc pertaining to buildings, and be responsible for correspondence dealing with building plans; 
• Attends meeting with agencies impacting on regional development for the purpose of facilitating information in the absence of the Secretary/Manager & Planner; 
• Works closely with hoteliers and developers in Negril, by giving advice on matters related to the Development Order Area; 
• Provides information to schools, service clubs, etc. explaining the Authority’s role in the development process as it affects development in the area; 
• Updates Arcs GIS Internal database on a daily basis; 
• Performs any other duties when called upon. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Core: 

• Good oral and written communication skills 
• Methodical and detail orientated 
• Demonstrates professionalism 
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines 
• Good problem-solving skills 

Technical: 

• Knowledge of the development planning process 
• Knowledge in taking measurements for developments, calculating plot area ratio etc.
• Knowledge of information technology and general troubleshooting for web-based systems
• Ability to read blueprints 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Planning, Geography, Land Management, Urban and Regional Planning or related field. 
• Two (2) years’ experience in a related position. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job:

• Some amount of travel to conduct site visits in environmentally unfriendly places and exposure to the elements 
• The working environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.